Joseph Fiennes is reprising his role as England soccer manager Gareth Southgate for the small screen and first images of Dear England have dropped.
Fiennes, who was Olivier Award nominated for his role as Southgate in James Graham‘s play of the same name, can be seen celebrating and dealing with the press in the tranche of pics, which come on the eve of the soccer World Cup draw.
In other images, Fiennes can be seen sat alongside Will Antenbring (Mr Loverman), who is playing England captain Harry Kane. Jodie Whittaker, who plays team psychologist Pippa Grange, is also pictured.
Dear England also stars Jason Watkins as FA chairman Greg Dyke and a number of actors who starred in the play. The play was hugely successful, acting as a fictionalized account of the struggles and successes of England’s football teams, based on extensive research and interviews. 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. He turned things around, taking the team from a devastating group stage elimination at the 2016 Euros to two Euros finals and a World Cup semi.
Sherwood creator Graham originated the play and series, basing it on an open letter Southgate wrote to soccer fans around the country. The Crown producer Left Bank produced Dear England.
Jodie Whittaker as Pippa Grange. Image: BBC / Left Bank
Will Antenbring as Harry Kane. Image: BBC / Left Bank
The show will air next year. Dear England was commissioned by Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama. Graham has written 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 Graham and Goold, Andy Harries and Rebecca Hodgson for Left Bank, and Jo McClellan for the BBC. Sony Pictures Television will distribute Dear England internationally.