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Actors

BBC Announces Cast for New Drama "Dear England"

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Actors Joseph Fiennes and Jodie Whittaker lead the cast in the BBC drama "Dear England," which is based on James Graham's hit National Theatre play about Gareth Southgate and the England men's football team. The production, produced by Left Bank Pictures, has started filming in the south of England and is set to air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in 2026. The series explores the struggles and successes of England's football teams, with a focus on redemption, resilience, kindness, and compassion in sport.

Key Takeaways:

  • The BBC drama "Dear England" is based on James Graham's hit National Theatre play about Gareth Southgate and the England men's football team.
  • The cast includes Joseph Fiennes as Gareth Southgate, Jodie Whittaker as Pippa Grange, the England men's team psychologist, and Bobby Schofield as Wayne Rooney.
  • Filming has started in the south of England and the series is set to air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in 2026.
  • The drama explores the struggles and successes of England's football teams, with a focus on redemption, resilience, kindness, and compassion in sport.
  • The series is produced by Left Bank Pictures, who also made "This City is Ours," a crime drama set and filmed across Liverpool.
  • The cast also includes Jason Watkins as former FA chairman Greg Dyke, John Hodgkinson as former FA chairman Greg Clarke, and Daniel Ryan as Steve Holland, former assistant manager for the England men's team.
  • The drama features a comprehensive cast of young actors playing the roles of Harry Maguire, Jordan Pickford, Dele Alli, and others, including newcomers Dom Rayner and Alexander Parsons as Cole Palmer and Jesse Lingard, respectively.
  • "Dear England" is a fictionalized account of the struggles and successes of England's football team, based on extensive research and interviews.
  • James Graham, the writer and executive producer, said, "Bringing the national game to the National Theatre over two years ago was one of the most rewarding moments of my writing life."

Statistics:

  • The National Theatre play premiered to five-star reviews, winning an Olivier award for 'Best New Play' and a sell-out run in 2023.
  • The play returned to the National Theatre earlier this year before embarking on a national tour.
  • The new series will air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in 2026.
  • 35 actors are featured in the main cast, including Joseph Fiennes, Jodie Whittaker, and Bobby Schofield.

Sources:

  • BBC announcement: "BBC announces full cast for drama 'Dear England'"
  • The Guardian: "Wayne Rooney to be played by Merseyside actor Bobby Schofield in BBC drama Dear England"
  • Left Bank Pictures: "Dear England: A New BBC Drama"

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