The three-part series includes I Am Maria, I Am Victoria and I Am Danielle, with Savage collaborating with the lead actors to create stories with personal resonance and improvised dialogue. 

Manville stars in I Am Maria, which uncovers the cracks that can appear in long-term relationships and the dilemma of being at a crossroads in life and navigating the opportunities and doubt that can bring. 

I Am Victoria stars Suranne Jones and Ashley Walters and sees Jones as a woman struggling to handle the pressures of life, desperate for help but unsure where to get it. 

I Am Danielle sees Letitia Wright take the leading role, with CJ Beckford and Sophia Brown co-starring, and explores young love in the time of social media and the part trust and betrayal play in that. 

Lesley Manville commented: “For me collaboration is everything. To be able to combine different creative minds and produce a work of drama is a thrilling privilege. 

“Dominic and I have spent the past few months developing a character and scenario that will touch many people I know. 

“This kind of work is not new to me and I’m relishing the chance to flex my improvising muscles once again.”

Dominic Savage described Manville as an “incredible force of nature.”

He added: “With I Am Maria, we will be exploring urgent and prescient themes that show what it is like to completely and dramatically change one’s life in a way that is unthinkable and heart-breaking, yet very empowering. It’s going to be quite a journey, and I can’t wait to get started.”