First look at Joseph Fiennes as Gareth Southgate in new Dear England series

The series will chronicle Southgate’s tenure as England manager

Gareth Southgate’s first England press conference resurfaces

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New pictures have been released of actor Joseph Fiennes starring as Gareth Southgate in the new BBC adaption of Dear England for the first time.

The 55-year-old, an Olivier Award nominee for his West End portrayal of the former England manager, reprises the role for the four-part BBC One and iPlayer series, airing 2026. Filming is underway.

In the pictures, Fiennes can be seen wearing a suit and attending a press conference, and celebrating with his players after England reached the 2024 European Championships final, wearing a white polo shirt and black trousers.

The series will chronicle Southgate’s England manager tenure (Dan Fearnan/LeftBank Pictures/BBC/PA Wire)

The series will chronicle Southgate’s tenure as England manager: reaching two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final, but ultimately failing to win a major trophy.

Appearing with Fiennes will be former Doctor Who actress Jodie Whittaker as Pippa Grange, the England men’s team psychologist, Will Antenbring as Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, The Crown’s Jason Watkins as former FA chairman Greg Dyke, and John Hodgkinson as former FA chairman Greg Clarke.

Doctor Who actress Jodie Whittaker will play Pippa Grange, the England men’s team psychologist (Justin Downing/LeftBank Pictures/BBC/PA Wire)

The Bay star Daniel Ryan is set to play Steve Holland, the former assistant manager for the England men’s team, and Fargo actor Sam Spruell will play fictional coach, Mike Webster.

James Graham, who created the stage production, has also written the series, which is also directed by the play’s director Rupert Goold and produced by Left Bank Pictures.

Will Antenbring plays England captain Harry Kane (Olly Courtney/LeftBank Pictures/BBC/PA Wire)

Dear England had a sell-out run at the National Theatre before it transferred to the West End in 2023, securing best new play at the Olivier Awards last year.

The play is currently on a 16-venue tour across England.

Dear England will air on BBC One and iPlayer next year, with an exact release date yet to be announced.

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