BBC releases first look of new drama series based on inspirational journey of England men’s football team

First look images of a new BBC drama series based on award-winning play Dear England have been released.

The four-part series based on James Graham’s Olivier-award winning play of the same name tells the story of Gareth Southgate and the England men’s football team journey to renewed success, and it’s set to air on BBC One and iPlayer next year.

Dear England is a fictionalised account of the struggles and successes of England’s football teams, based on extensive research and interviews.

The stage play premiered at the National Theatre to five-star reviews, winning an Olivier award for ‘Best New Play’, and enjoying a sell-out run in 2023 before it returned to the National Theatre earlier this year and then embarked on a national tour.

With the worst team track record for penalties in the world when he takes over as manager, Gareth 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?

Joseph Fiennes will reprise his Olivier award-nominated role as Gareth Southgate in the new series.

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 as England men’s team psychologist Pippa Grange, and Daniel Ryan as Steve Holland the former assistant manager, whilst Will Antenbring stars as Harry Kane, joined by an ensemble cast of upcoming actors as the rest of the team.

Among the squad cast is Adam Hugill, Josh Barrow, and screen newcomer Lewis Shepherd, who are all reprising their respective stage roles as Harry Maguire, Jordan Pickford, and Dele Alli.

Read more:

• Award-winning play about England men’s football team comes to Greater Manchester
• Beloved play The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time set to return to the stage in Manchester
• Legendary musical CATS is coming to Manchester on its UK tour next year

Dear England will air on BBC One and iPlayer in the new year, with exact air dates set to be announced in due course.

Featured Image – BBC