'Touching & hilarious': BBC confirms cast for Dear England as filming starts on West Wing-esque football drama
Based on the 2023 Olivier award winning play of the same name by James Graham, the BBC series will follow a fictionalised portrayal of Gareth Southgate and the England team as they navigate three major championships - 2018 World Cup, the 2020 Euros and the 2022 World cup.
Intrigued to know more? Here's everything you know about the upcoming footie drama.
Dear England is based on a play of the same name written by James Graham. The play debuted in 2023, and focusses on Gareth Southgate's role as leader of the England team, and brings in conversations around masculinity, football's role within English culture and the pressure of being part of an elite sports team. The play is a fictionalised account of those crucial games based on extensive research and interviews.
The play was then updated earlier this year with writer James Graham adding in scenes to include the most recent championship of the Euros in 2024. The stage production went onto win an Olivier award and has been praised by critics, with the Guardian calling the latest version of the production, "a theatrical sibling of The West Wing".
The BBC series is believed to follow a similar plot to the stage show and will be four episodes long, each 60 minutes, all written by Graham.
The official synopsis of the series is as follows: "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?"
Playing the role of series lead Gareth Southgate is Joseph Fiennes, who previously played the character during the initial run of the stage production.
And earlier today (7 July) it was announced Jodie Whittaker would be joining the TV series as Pippa Grange, the England men's team psychologist. Also joining the cast is Jason Watkins as former FA chairman Greg Dyke and John Hodgkinson, who will reprise his stage role as former FA chairman Greg Clarke.
Daniel Ryan will play Steve Holland, the former assistant manager for the England men's team and Sam Spruell will also star as fictional coach, Mike Webster.
And here's who's playing the England team:
Filming is currently underway for the new BBC series in the south of England. The series is then set to air at some point next year on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Given the next FIFA World Cup is due to take place next June, we wouldn't be surprised if the series launches around then.
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