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There’s only one Gareth Southgate? Don’t you believe it, writes KATIE HIND… As Joseph Fiennes is the spitting image of ex-England coach in TV remake of stage hit, do the other lookalikes match up?

BBG News

He was widely praised for his ‘almost AI-grade exactness’ in playing Sir Gareth Southgate on stage.

Moreover, these images clearly demonstrate that Joseph Fiennes, sporting a well-groomed beard and intense gaze, still bears an striking resemblance to the ex-manager of England.

The actor is reprising his role for the BBC adaptation of Dear England. 

At 53 years old, Fiennes made his initial appearance on set this week as production commenced for the eagerly awaited four-part series, slated to be aired next year.

Actress from Shakespeare in Love movie was seen donning an England training outfit during scene shootings at prestigious school Harrow, which serves as the team’s Staffordshire training base, known as St George’s Park.

Jodie Whittack, previously known for her role as Doctor Who, also appeared and portrayed the psychologist character Pippa Grange. She was spotted donning a formal navy polo shirt during filming.

In production is a series, masterminded by Leftbank Production (known for The Crown), boasting a stellar ensemble cast. Among them is BAFTA laureate Jason Watkins, aged 62, portraying the role of FA chairman Greg Dyke.

An ensemble of performers has been brought on board to portray different members of the English squad. Will Antenbring will take on the role of Harry Kane, Edem-Ita Duke will depict Marcus Rashford, Francis Lovehall will play Raheem Sterling, and Jacob Greenway will embody Jude Bellingham.

Bobby Schofield, who has recently been seen in the Liverpool-focused crime drama “This City Is Ours,” is set to portray Wayne Rooney.

The TV series titled “Dear England” is penned by James Graham, its original playwright, and it narrates the struggles of Sir Gareth as he strives to enhance the team’s performance and address the persistent heartbreaks in England’s football history, particularly during penalty shootouts.

The program starts off by taking us back to the year 1996, where we see Sir Gareth failing to score a penalty during the Euro 96 semi-finals against Germany at Wembley Stadium.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d share my insights on the rollercoaster journey of England’s men’s football team under the leadership of Sir Gareth. From the exhilarating highs to the disappointing lows, let me walk you through our unforgettable moments:

1. The 2018 World Cup in Russia was a game-changer for us. We made it all the way to the semi-finals, showcasing an unparalleled team spirit and determination on the pitch.

2. Fast forward to the 2020 European Championships, we found ourselves battling it out in the final, only to suffer a heartbreaking defeat that left us yearning for victory.

3. Our most recent adventure was at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Despite our best efforts, we were eliminated in the quarter-finals – a reminder of the challenges we still face on our quest for global dominance.

Each experience has shaped us and made us stronger as a team. We learn from our setbacks, grow from our triumphs, and continue to strive for success on the international stage.

Mr. Graham has verified that the television program will likewise feature Euro 2024, a tournament in which the team reached the finals but ultimately lost to Spain, marking Southgate’s final action as England manager prior to his resignation.

Much of the action will take place in the grounds of £75,000-a-year Harrow. 

Last week, additional filming took place at Molineux Stadium, the home of Wolverhampton Wanderers, where it’s thought they are pretending to be Wembley.

In 2023, this new play had its debut at the National Theatre, receiving outstanding reviews across the board, and ultimately taking home the Olivier Award for Best New Production. The show was so popular that tickets sold out quickly.

Joseph Fiennes received a nomination for an Olivier award. He revisited the National Theatre at the start of this year and then set off on a nationwide tour.

As a devoted writer, I can honestly say that among all my literary endeavors, nothing has given me more satisfaction than the moment when I brought football to the stage.

Dear England will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer next year.

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2025-07-20 01:48

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