Lydia West on Big Mood series 2, friendship and telling bipolar stories with care

Big Mood is back for series 2!

We sat down with Lydia West, who plays Eddie, to talk about her understanding of bipolar before the show, the evolution of Maggie and Eddie's friendship, and her hopes for viewers supporting loved ones with bipolar.

Before Big Mood, did you know much about bipolar?

Lydia: I have a close friend with bipolar disorder, but I wasn't ever aware of the different types of bipolar and really the extent of it.

When we did discuss her illness, it was an education for me because I just had no concept of what it took to stay stable, of the medication and what it did to and for her, of the mania, or the depression.

So, my education was very limited, but I did have some knowledge. When this script came in, I was so inspired because I think with bipolar and other serious mental illnesses like personality disorders and schizophrenia, they are very heavily stigmatised still and often not depicted in the media in a good light. And I just really want to be part of changing that.

How would you describe where Maggie and Eddie’s relationship is at this series?

Lydia: It’s been a year since they last saw each other. Eddie is unaware of the lithium poisoning and what Maggie’s actually been through, but she knows she can no longer support Maggie in the way that she has.

Over the years, Eddie has worn this unspoken badge of honour of being the supportive friend, the strong friend, the one who fixes problems – almost Maggie’s caretaker. And she’s taken on that role, but in doing that she has put her own needs, grief and depression and all the things that she’s dealing with on the back burner.

So, she’s holding a lot of resentment. When we come into series two, Eddie and Maggie aren’t in a good place. They’re not speaking.

Instead of confronting her issues, Eddie has decided to outsource all her problems to a “light worker/spiritual healer” called Whitney. She’s this new best friend. And I think what Eddie feels is that if she can just be stable and meditate and do all the “right things”, like sound baths and yoga, she will feel healed and whole.

What we’re willing for during the whole season is for Eddie and Maggie to just talk about where the breakdown of their relationship started and how they can fix it.

Were there any moments in series 2 where you (Lydia) wished you could step into the show and help Eddie or Maggie navigate their relationship?

Lydia: I think the whole of series 2!

Our director, Rebecca Asher, did this really clever thing where she didn’t really want to see Maggie and Eddie in the same frame, so you see the physical distance between them a lot. And if they are in the same frame, they’re often separated by people like Whitney and other characters. You really see the separation between them.

I just willed for them to hug and speak honestly, because there’s so much unsaid that is assumed and it’s just not the truth.

It’s really easy to say, because in my relationships it takes so much courage to be honest – even if you pride yourself on being an honest person – because you don’t want to hurt that person. You love them so much.

And once you assume a role, and then you’ve changed and you’ve grown, it’s really hard to say that to someone. You get put in a box that you’re always going to be the same person.

But I think true friendship is growing together and accepting the growth in each other. I just look at them and I’m like, “JUST HUG”.

Do you have a favourite moment from this series?

Lydia: Can I choose a whole episode? If so, it’s episode 2. I think it’s a real ode to queer culture, to the queens of the East London scene and the drag community across the UK.

It’s a merging of worlds that I just think is so beautiful. It was written in such a clever way. We see Rupert Everett(!) and it was so fun to film.

A lot of the supporting actors were drag kings and queens from London, and they created their own costumes and put it together themselves. It was just amazing. So, that would be my favourite moment from the series.

The show manages to be funny without ever feeling like it’s making light of mental illness. How do you think the show manages to do that so successfully?

Lydia: I think it comes from a place of truth. I think bipolar is often sensationalised or made to be the main attraction. I don’t think Camilla ever wanted that.

What’s beautiful about Maggie is that she is living with – and sometimes suffering from – bipolar disorder, but she is a fully fledged woman. She has friendships, love interests and a job. Bipolar disorder is a part of her, but it doesn’t define her.

I hope that anyone who is living with bipolar, or who knows someone who is, feels seen by that. That it’s not their whole existence. And I think that’s what makes it so sensitive.

Where do you like to think Eddie and Maggie are right now? And what do you hope they’re doing?

Lydia: I’d love to think that they are on a journey to becoming the most honest versions of themselves.

They’re living together. Maggie’s figuring out the right medication that works for her and what works for her lifestyle. And Eddie’s also in therapy, dealing with grief and the burden of caretaking and responsibility and anger.

I hope they’re both living an honest life where they can really be true to each other and to themselves.

What do you want people supporting someone living with bipolar to know and take away from this series?

Lydia: I’d want them to know that there is support for them too.

There’s no denying that it’s a responsibility and it can be very stressful and, in a way, sometimes traumatising. If someone’s in a manic episode, you might not be able to help and that’s okay.

There’s support available for you as well, including therapy. That helped me a lot. Looking after yourself is important because you can’t look after anyone else if you’re not in the right headspace yourself.

I think that’s what we see with Maggie and Eddie. There is support out there for carers, family members and friends who are also dealing with the impact of someone living with mental illness.

Where to watch Big Mood Series 2

Watch episodes 1 & 2 of Big Mood Series 2 on Channel 4 from 10pm tonight (Thursday 16 April 2026), or stream the whole boxset on the Channel 4 website now.

Supporting someone with bipolar?

If you’re supporting someone who lives with bipolar, you’re a crucial part of their support network, but it’s important to take care of yourself too.

Bipolar UK hosts a fortnightly support group for family and friends. We also have information and resources to help you learn more about bipolar, and a dedicated space on our Online Community where you can connect with others who really understand.