The BBC has confirmed the full cast for Dear England, a four-part drama series based on James Graham's Olivier Award-winning play. Dear England is about national coach Gareth Southgate and the England men's national football team. Last year, it was announced that Joseph Fiennes, known for The Handmaid's Tale, would reprise his role as Southgate—the same role he played on stage. Southgate took over a team notorious for its poor record on penalties.
Jodie Whittaker (pictured, Doctor Who) joins the cast as team psychologist Pippa Grange. Jason Watkins, known from The Crown, plays former Football Association chairman Greg Dyke. Daniel Ryan (The Bay) will portray former assistant manager Steve Holland.
Several actors from the original stage version return for the series. John Hodgkinson reprises his role as former FA chairman Greg Clarke, Adam Hugill plays Harry Maguire, Josh Barrow returns as goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, and Lewis Shepherd reprises his role as Dele Alli.
New faces also feature, including Will Antenbring as Harry Kane, Edem-Ita Duke as Marcus Rashford, Francis Lovehall as Raheem Sterling, Abdul Sessay as Bukayo Saka, and Jacob Greenway as Jude Bellingham.
Dear England is described as a fictional interpretation of real events, based on extensive research and interviews. The play premiered at the National Theatre in 2023 to critical acclaim, winning an Olivier Award for Best New Play.
The series is produced by Left Bank Pictures and is currently filming in the south of England. It is scheduled to premiere in 2026 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Sony Pictures Television is handling international distribution.