Michaela Coel details the ‘pain’ that comes with fame after ‘losing friends’ over her work as she covers Harper’s Bazaar ahead of her return to screen

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Michaela Coel has detailed the ‘pain’ that comes with fame after ‘losing friends’ due to her work. 

Ahead of her return to television in a new BBC series, 38-year-old actress shared details about her relationship struggles in the March 2026 issue of Harper’s Bazaar.

Michaela is starting work on a new ten-episode drama called First Day On Earth. She not only wrote the series, but she’ll also be acting in it and overseeing production as an executive producer.

She talked about her intense dedication to her work and how it’s affected her personal life. She explained that becoming famous has made maintaining friendships difficult, particularly when she’s unable to offer them roles in her projects.

She explained that she’s experienced the loss of friendships that were never repaired, and finds it deeply upsetting when relationships end. She also related to the feeling of rejection, admitting that she’s been disappointed when not getting roles she auditioned for, and that it’s a painful experience.

This work demands a tough approach. As I mentioned, I’m determined to find the truth, and that can be really challenging.

Michaela remembered meeting a woman in London a few years ago, who later confessed she avoids befriending celebrities.

She admitted she enjoyed the bittersweet feeling of longing. She cherished wanting him, even knowing it would never be fulfilled, and found a strange comfort in that unrequited desire.

As a lifestyle observer, I’ve been so impressed watching Michaela Coel’s career blossom! She really burst onto the scene with her starring role in Channel 4’s Chewing Gum, and then she completely took things to the next level by not only creating but directing the incredible HBO series, I May Destroy You. It’s amazing to see someone so multi-talented!

She won an Emmy for Outstanding Writing in a Television Limited Anthology Series or Movie, and also received five Bafta awards for the same project.

Michaela recently shared with Variety that her new project, ‘First Day on Earth,’ is a deeply personal story she hopes will resonate with a global audience. She’s excited for viewers to experience the journey of the main character, Henri.

‘The process of creating FDOE thus far has been a beautifully intimate experience. 

I’m thrilled to start the next step in bringing this project to life as a new show for anyone who wants to join Henri on a really exciting adventure!

Thandiwe Newton, Ncuti Gatwa, Maxine Peake and Danny Sapani will also feature in the series. 

The BBC describes the story as follows: British-Ghanaian author Henri (Coel) is fleeing from many things – her own issues, her current life, her romantic partner, and a strange man she encountered at a book event.

Arriving in Ghana, the country of her ancestors, she discovered a completely new and unfamiliar world.

Henri experiences both happiness and challenges as she makes new friends and navigates complex relationships. Along the way, she uncovers secrets and faces dishonesty, forcing her to re-examine her identity, background, and family history.

Filming begins in Ghana, west Africa this month. A release date is yet to be announced. 

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2026-02-19 18:50