The BBC has released the first look at James Graham’s new drama Dear England.
The four-part series, produced by Left Bank Pictures, is based on James Graham’s play of the same name about Gareth Southgate and the England men’s football team.
The series will air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in 2026.
With the worst team track record for penalties in the world when he takes over as manager, Southgate knows he needs to open his mind and face up to the years of hurt to take England back to the promised land. The country that gave the world football has delivered a painful pattern of loss. Why can’t the England team win at their own game?
As previously announced, Joseph Fiennes (The Handmaid’s Tale, Shakespeare in Love) will reprise his role as Gareth Southgate. The first look pictures see Fiennes in his role for the first time in scenes depicting England’s triumphant Euro 2024 Semi-Final celebrations, where the men’s team reached their first final of a major tournament on foreign soil.
Fiennes is joined by Jodie Whittaker (Doctor Who, Toxic Town) as England men’s team psychologist Pippa Grange, whilst Will Antenbring (Mr Loverman) is Harry Kane, both are seen in today’s first look pictures.
Jason Watkins (The Game, The Crown) is former FA chairman Greg Dyke and John Hodgkinson (Small Axe, Life After Life) is reprising his stage role as former FA chairman Greg Clarke. Daniel Ryan (The Bay, The Hack) is Steve Holland, former assistant manager for the England men’s team. Sam Spruell (The Gold, Fargo) stars as fictional coach, Mike Webster.
Dear England (4×60) was commissioned by Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama. James Graham will write the series, with Rupert Goold (Judy, King Charles III, The Hollow Crown), who directed Dear England on stage directing episode one. Paul Whittington (This Town, The Crown, White House Farm) will direct episodes two to four. Tina Pawlik (Ted Lasso, Top Boy) is the producer. The executive producers are James Graham and Rupert Goold, Andy Harries and Rebecca Hodgson for Left Bank Pictures, and Jo McClellan for the BBC.
Sony Pictures Television will distribute Dear England internationally.
Dear England will air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One next year.
Images: BBC/Left Bank
Pippa Considine
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