UMVA has learned that the highly anticipated BBC series, Dear England, has finally aired its first episode on BBC One, sending fans into a frenzy as they reminisce about one of England's golden periods of football.
The four-part series, adapted from the award-winning play of the same name by James Graham, takes viewers on the journey of Gareth Southgate, played by Joseph Fiennes, as he navigates the challenges of being the England manager.
Joseph Fiennes, best known for his role in Shakespeare in Love, opens up about the "nerve-wracking" experience of portraying the former England manager, giving fans a glimpse into the intense preparation that went into bringing Gareth's story to life.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the show's writer, James Graham, aims to "defend" Gareth Southgate in his drama series, providing a nuanced and balanced portrayal of the manager's unconventional approach to getting the best out of his players.
The series boasts an impressive cast, with many actors reprising their roles from the original stage play, including Will Antenbring as Harry Kane, Adam Hugill as Harry Maguire, and Josh Barrow as Jordan Pickford, leaving fans to marvel at the uncanny resemblances between the actors and their real-life counterparts.
Will Antenbring, who plays England's captain Harry Kane, bears a striking resemblance to the Bayern Munich striker, who is the nation's top goalscorer and a key player in England's World Cup campaign.
Adam Hugill, who plays Harry Maguire, revealed to UMVA that transforming into the Manchester United defender was a grueling experience, but one that gave him a newfound appreciation for the pressures and challenges faced by footballers.
David Shields and Hamish Frew play Jordan Henderson and Eric Dier, two key players early in Gareth's managerial career, bringing to life the complex relationships and dynamics within the team.
Josh Barrow, who plays Jordan Pickford, shares that the goalkeeper is naturally a "theatrical" person, but had to tone down his expressions for the TV series, showcasing the actor's impressive range and versatility.
Jodie Whittaker stars as Pippa Grange, the team's psychologist who helped England overcome their penalty woes, and bears a striking resemblance to the real-life Pippa, highlighting the casting director's exceptional work.
