Dear England: Start date confirmed for BBC's football drama from Sherwood creator
It's perfect pre-World Cup viewing!
Dear England, the award-winning National Theatre play about Gareth Southgate and the England men’s football team, has been adapted into a BBC One TV series.
The World Cup is upon us, with England’s first match scheduled for June 17 against Croatia.
So, what better way to prepare yourself for all the anguish and excitement than Dear England? The new series, based on a play by James Graham (who wrote Sherwood and Quiz), is a fictionalised account of the struggles and successes of England’s football team, informed by extensive research and interviews.
Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming BBC drama Dear England, including its start date, plot, cast, and filming locations.
What is the plot of Dear England? What’s it about?
Dear England is a new drama adapted from James Graham’s Olivier award-winning National Theatre play of the same name.
It’s described as a “fictionalised account of the struggles and successes of England’s football teams”. Based on extensive research and interviews, the series follows Gareth Southgate and the England men’s football team.
A synopsis tells us: “The country that gave the world football has delivered a painful pattern of loss. Why can’t the England team win at their own game?”
Talking about the drama, writer and executive producer James Graham said: “Bringing the national game to the National Theatre over two years ago was one of the most rewarding moments of my writing life.
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“It’s an inspiring story of Gareth’s quiet revolution, and its themes of redemption, resilience, kindness and compassion in sport. To kick off its journey on screen now, and on our national broadcaster, is a huge opportunity. I’m so grateful to world class cast and creative team we’ve assembled.”
The stage play premiered at the National Theatre in 2023 to five-star reviews. A sell-out, it won an Olivier award for Best New Play. It returned to the National Theatre earlier in 2025 before embarking on a national tour.
When’s the start date?
Dear England will premiere on BBC One on Sunday, May 24, at 9pm.
You’ll be able to watch the first two episodes from 9pm, with the following two episodes dropping on the platform the following week (May 31).
If you only want to watch it on normal telly, it’ll air at 9pm on both Sundays and Mondays.
Who’s in the cast?
The BBC has announced the “starting line-up” for the new drama Dear England – and it won’t disappoint (unlike plenty of England football matches over the years!).
Joseph Fiennes will reprise his Olivier Award-nominated role as Gareth Southgate. When Gareth takes over as manager, England has the worst team track record for penalties in the world. He knows he needs to “open his mind and face up to the years of hurt to take England back to the promised land”.
Joseph is known for his TV roles in The Handmaid’s Tale, American Horror Story, Camelot, and Flash Forward. His multiple film roles have included Shakespeare in Love, Elizabeth, and Enemy at the Gates. Of course, his fans will know he’s the younger brother of Ralph.
Jodie Whittaker joins the cast as Pippa Grange. She’s the England men’s team psychologist. She’s best known for playing the first female Doctor Who, as well as hard-hitting roles in Broadchurch, Toxic Town, and Jimmy McGovern’s Time.
Jason Watkins portrays former FA chairman Greg Dyke. The ridiculously likeable actor is best known for his roles in McDonald & Dodds, The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies, and Trollied. He recently had us on the edge of our seats as dogged retired detective Huw in Channel 5 thriller The Game.
Witless star John Hodgkinson reprises his stage role as former FA chairman Greg Clarke, while The Bay’s Daniel Ryan plays Steve Holland, former assistant manager for the England men’s team.
Who else stars in the BBC One drama?
The huge ensemble cast also includes This City is Ours‘ Bobby Schofield as Wayne Rooney. Sherwood’s Adam Hugill, Vera’s Josh Barrow, and screen newcomer Lewis Shepherd reprise their respective stage roles as Harry Maguire, Jordan Pickford and Dele Alli.
Completing the cast of the BBC One drama is:
- Mr Loverman’s Will Antenbring as Harry Kane
- War of the Worlds’ Edem-Ita Duke as Marcus Rashford
- A Thousand Blows’ Francis Lovehall as Raheem Sterling
- Piglets’ Abdul Sessay as Bukayo Saka
- Father Brown’s Jacob Greenway as Jude Bellingham
- Masters of the Air’s David Shields as Jordan Henderson
- Joan’s Hamish Frew as Eric Dier
- The Madame Blanc Mysteries’ Alfie Middlemiss as Phil Foden
- Doctors’ Riess Fennell as Jadon Sancho
- The Recruit’s Daniel Quincy Annoh as Ollie Watkins
- Newcomers Dom Rayner and Alexander Parsons are Cole Palmer and Jesse Lingard, respectively
The Gold’s Sam Spruell will also star as fictional coach, Mike Webster.
How many episodes is it?
Dear England will be four episodes, each lasting an hour.
‘BBC viewers are in for a real treat’
Talking about the drama, CEO of Left Bank Pictures Andy Harries, said: “This is a Premier League creative team. Alongside the brilliant original team of James Graham, Rupert Goold and Joseph Fiennes, we are over the moon to be reunited with Paul Whittington – who directed with such flair on The Crown.
“Jodie is pitch-perfect as psychologist Pippa Grange. We are joined by a team of exciting actors joining the England squad. We are ready for kick off!”
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, added: “We’re so thrilled to announce such a fantastic cast for Dear England and it has been a joy to witness the camaraderie within this top team as they start filming.
“With Joseph Fiennes and Jodie Whittaker leading the cast, Rupert Goold and Paul Whittington directing and Left Bank Pictures producing, BBC viewers are in for a real treat.”
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