Joseph Fiennes Takes on the Role of Gareth Southgate in ‘Dear England’; BBC Premiere Date Announced

The highly anticipated BBC drama Dear England is set to premiere on May 24. In a new trailer released today, actor Joseph Fiennes, portraying Gareth Southgate, is reminded that “England expects.”

Written by James Graham, this four-part adaptation of his acclaimed play focuses on the journey of the England national team. Following the initial episode’s airing on BBC One, the next two episodes will be available on BBC iPlayer the following week. Subsequent episodes will continue to air on Sundays and Mondays.

The trailer showcases Southgate grappling with his new responsibilities as national team manager. Amidst press scrutiny questioning his leadership, one voice muses, “England manager… who’d want to take on this poisoned chalice?”

Throughout the trailer, Southgate introduces psychologist Pippa Grange, played by Jodie Whittaker, to a group of skeptical players. His efforts culminate in a motivational speech that sparks their belief in his methods. Southgate has previously led England to a World Cup semi-final and a European Championship final, establishing himself as a prominent coach since Alf Ramsey, who guided the team to its 1966 World Cup victory.

Dear England is produced by Left Bank Pictures and is based on Graham’s play, which received the Best New Play award at the Olivier Awards in 2024. Rupert Goold, who directed the original production, helms the first episode, while Paul Whittington directs the subsequent installments. Executive producers include Andy Harries and Rebecca Hodgson for Left Bank, Jo McClellan for the BBC, along with Graham, Goold, and Whittington, while Sony Pictures Television manages international distribution.

In addition to Fiennes and Whittaker, the cast features Jason Watkins and John Hodgkinson as former FA chairs Greg Dyke and Greg Clarke, respectively. Daniel Ryan takes on the role of former England assistant manager Steve Holland, while Sam Spruell plays fictional coach Mike Webster.

The cast also includes Adam Hugill, Josh Barrow, and Lewis Shepherd, reprising their stage roles as Harry Maguire, Jordan Pickford, and Dele Alli. Additional cast members include Will Antenbring as Harry Kane, Edem-Ita Duke as Marcus Rashford, Francis Lovehall as Raheem Sterling, Abdul Sessay as Bukayo Saka, and many others portraying key figures in the England squad.