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The BBC has announced the full cast for its eagerly-awaited adaptation of Dear England, the acclaimed stage play chronicling Gareth Southgate’s transformation of the England men’s football team.
The four-part drama, which is currently filming and set to air next year on BBC One and iPlayer, sees Joseph Fiennes take on the role of Southgate, capturing the highs and lows of his journey from Euro 2016 humiliation to World Cup redemption.
L-R: (Top) Jodie Whittaker (Image: Pip), Jason Watkins (Image: Natasha Merchany), John Hodgkinson (Image: Michael Shelford), Daniel Ryan (Image: Simon Annand) (Bottom) Sam Spruell (Image: Pip), Adam Hugill (Image: Harry Livingstone), Josh Barrow (Image: Ori Jones), Lewis Shepherd (Image: Harry Livingstone) – Source BBC
This week, the BBC revealed three more star names joining the cast: former Doctor Who and Broadchurch star Jodie Whittaker, BAFTA-winning actor Jason Watkins, and The Bay star Daniel Ryan.
They join an already impressive ensemble in a drama written by James Graham and directed by Rupert Goold, the same team behind the original National Theatre production.
L-R: (Top) Jodie Whittaker (Image: Pip), Jason Watkins (Image: Natasha Merchany), John Hodgkinson (Image: Michael Shelford), Daniel Ryan (Image: Simon Annand) (Bottom) Sam Spruell (Image: Pip), Adam Hugill (Image: Harry Livingstone), Josh Barrow (Image: Ori Jones), Lewis Shepherd (Image: Harry Livingstone) – Source BBC
Dear England was a runaway hit on stage, acclaimed for its insightful look at leadership, resilience, and the pressure of representing a nation in football’s biggest tournaments.
The BBC’s adaptation is expected to bring the story to an even wider audience, offering a fresh take on the emotional rollercoaster faced by Southgate and his squad.
Speaking about the project, Fiennes said he was “thrilled” to continue the role, while Graham has promised the series will retain the heart and humour of the play while adding new layers of detail for television.
Fans of football and drama alike can look forward to Dear England premiering on the BBC in 2026.
