Speaking to RadioTimes.com and other press ahead of his debut, Watkins revealed that his character and the problems he faces in the series have many similarities to real-world problems.
“Of course, we've just scratched the surface, they have a harder time conceiving, they're a little bit more financially vulnerable, so we're at a little bit more risk,” he said.
“I'm not saying crime is rampant, but because of the cost of living crisis, crime is on the rise. Really petty crimes, scratching a car, knocking over a trash can, little things. I think it's really annoying, and when you're stressed out about other things, it just adds to the stress.”
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Filming on the series will begin in October 2023, and the cast alongside Watkins includes MacDonald & Dodds co-star Claire Skinner as Simon's wife Beth, and Jordan, the 17-year-old gang leader who is destroying the group. Includes newcomer Joe Barber in the role. Simon's neighborhood is in chaos.
Don't forget Doctor Who and Harry Potter legend David Bradley also appears as Simon's grumpy neighbor Harry.
Meanwhile, RadioTimes.com exclusively released a trailer for the series in early March, giving viewers a taste of what will happen in the drama.
But what else can we expect from the new series? Read everything you need to know about Channel 5's Coma.
Koma release date
Channel 5 has confirmed that the first episode of the series will debut on Monday, March 18 at 9pm, with the remaining three episodes to air on consecutive nights that week.
Announcing the new series, Paul Tester, commissioning editor for Channel 5 and Paramount Plus, said: “Coma is a provocative thriller that asks the viewer: What would I do?'' .
“This is the story of a good man whose life spirals out of control after he does one bad thing. We are working with Rough Cut and CBS Studios to bring this intense and gripping story to Channel 5. We're excited to bring it to audiences, with the amazing Jason Watkins leading the cast.”
Coma Cast: Who stars in the Channel 5 drama?
The cast of the new series is led by Jason Watkins, known for his roles in W1A, Being Human, and The Crown.
He stars in the show as Simon, a family man who decides to change everything after coming face to face with a group of teenagers terrorizing his hometown.
Claire Skinner (Outnumbered) joins the cast as his wife Beth, and the two struggle to keep their daughter away from the troubles going on in town.
The full cast list for “Coma” is below.
Jason Watkins as Simon Claire Skinner as Beth David Bradley as Harry Kayla Meikle as DS Kelly Evans as David Mumeni as Jimmy Joe Barber Jordan Franklin as Jonas Armstrong Paul as Matilda Firth as Sophie Bamford Anna Franklin as Adrian Letty
What happens in the frames?
The new drama centers on Simon, who one day is forced to make a hasty, life-changing decision.
After his quiet neighborhood is overrun by a group of menacing teenagers, Simon feels helpless and wants nothing more than to move out for the sake of his and Beth's daughter.
However, Simon is quickly pushed to his limits by the group's ringleader, Jordan, who seems unwilling to leave Simon alone in peace. Confronted before his own eyes, Simon attempts to take matters into his own hands and regain control, with unforeseen consequences.
But how will his decisions resonate and affect his family? We'll just have to wait and see, but if the title of the show is anything to go by, it's not going to end well for anyone.
Is there a trailer for “Coma”?
yes! RadioTimes.com exclusively released the first look trailer for the series on Wednesday, March 6th. Based on the first look, it certainly looks like something dramatic.
In the trailer, it looks like the walls are starting to cave in for Simon, played by Jason Watkins, who seems to be doing what's best for his family, foreshadowing the tense drama to come. You can check it below.
Coma will be on Channel 5 and My5 on Monday 18th March at 9pm. Check out more drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to see what's on.
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