Joseph Fiennes has shared his thoughts on the intense experience of portraying Gareth Southgate in a new BBC drama. The series, titled Dear England, follows the journey of the former England player as he becomes the manager of the national team from 2016 to 2024.
The four-part show is created and written by James Graham, who previously adapted the play into an Olivier award-winning stage production. Starring Jodie Whittaker, known for her role in Doctor Who, as Pippa Grange, the team’s psychologist, and Jason Watkins (The Crown) as former FA chairman Greg Dyke, the series explores the complexities of leadership and personal growth.
Despite Joseph reuniting with his role as Gareth Southgate for the BBC adaptation, he admits that transitioning from the stage to the screen was a unique challenge. “The play is fictitious,” he explains, “but there’s a disclaimer that says these events are interpreted with absolute examination and detail.”
Joseph recalls how the process of bringing the character to life on screen was nerve-wracking. “In a theatre, if you squint a little bit, you might think I’m Gareth Southgate. But when the lens is right in front of me, it’s a different story.” He expressed his concerns about the portrayal of such a well-known figure.
The series aims to take audiences on a journey beyond the surface-level aspects of football. “You want them to accept it and then move to the more exciting things beyond waistcoats, mannerisms, and these famous people,” Joseph adds. “It goes beyond football and examines trickier conversations through the lens of the beautiful game.”
Directed by Rupert Goold and Paul Whittington, the series shows Gareth opening up to confront the years of hurt and lead England back to success. Central to this effort is Pippa, a character that Jodie describes as fascinating to portray.
“She articulates something so simple that you can’t believe you didn’t know it until you were told,” Jodie says. “Fear should not be seen as a vulnerability. It’s a powerful message that resonates deeply.”
James Graham, the show’s creator, emphasizes that the series tackles some of the biggest existential questions facing England as a country. “This isn’t endorsed by Gareth or the FA,” he states. “But I want to defend him. My admiration for the people involved, including Pippa and Gareth, is clear.”
He highlights the importance of addressing the disconnect within the England dressing room. “One of the biggest problems was that no one had ever sat them down and asked what England means to them. They just didn’t feel connected.”
With the first two episodes set to air on Sunday, May 24, viewers can expect to see the psychological rebuilding of the England men’s football team and their journey to overcome penalty-shootout trauma while transforming their team culture.
Dear England will be available on BBC One and iPlayer at 9pm on Sunday, May 24.
