WOMAN OF COURAGE: ‘AS TRAGIC AS THIS EXPERIENCE WAS I'VE LEARNED FROM IT'

MICHAELA COEL OPENS UP ABOUT THE SEXUAL ASSAULT THAT INSPIRED HER LATEST TV SERIES

- ALAN TANNER

Poet, writer and actress, Michaela Coel has many strings to her bow. And in 2016, the rising star was in the midst of one of the most exciting periods of her life.

But midway through penning a second series of her BAFTA-winning series Chewing Gum, she was sexually assaulted after being drugged while out for a drink with a friend.

Michaela reported the attack to the police the following day, but the perpetrator was never convicted. On reflection, the 32-year-old explains, “I quickly realised that I had to find my own way of bringing closure into my life.”

Her most recent work, BBC Drama I May Destroy You, is one such way she has done so.

Praised for its realistic and fearless portrayal of consent, the show, in which Michaela stars as lead character Arabella, was inspired by the dreadful assault. Putting pen to paper, she says, was “cathartic”.

Here, the actress opens up about the experience that informed her latest work...

I May Destroy you was inspired by a very personal experience. Would you share some of that story?