Dear England, the new BBC drama based on the play of the same name, stars Shakespeare in Love star Joseph Fiennes as Gareth Southgate alongside Jodie Whittaker and Jason Watkins15:44, 24 May 2026Joseph Fiennes has shed light on Gareth Southgate’s character following an encounter he described as the "weirdest out-of-body experience". Joseph, the brother of Schindler's List star Ralph Fiennes, portrays the ex-England manager in Dear England, a new BBC drama series based on James Graham's theatrical production of the same name.‌As football fans prepare for tonight's opening episode on BBC One (May 24), the Shakespeare in Love actor has shared details of an unexpected meeting with Southgate at an event for young entrepreneurs.‌Speaking on Fearne Cotton's Happy Place podcast, Joseph explained that while Southgate hadn't watched the original stage production, he had met James at the FA on a number of occasions.‌Joseph said: "I did hear that maybe family members saw it and approved, and weirdly, about several months ago... I'm an ambassador for what was the Prince's, now the King's trust."He continued: "And there were these awards for these young entrepreneurs, and it was at the Southbank Centre. And I was just about to go on stage, looking at the card, thinking, 'God, I hope I get these names right; who's won the award?'‌"And there was a tap on my shoulder, and I thought, 'Who the bloody hell's that? I'm just about to go on'. And I turned around, and it was the weirdest out-of-body experience where there was the face that was me, but not me, that I'd been inhabiting for two years, looking right close to me, no more than half a metre away."And he just went, 'Hello'. I thought he was going to say, 'What were you doing? How could you represent me like that?' But he was the most kind, lovely gentleman. And it was lovely to meet him. He's so nice."Dear England spans four episodes, with the second episode airing on Monday, May 25, at 9pm. Episode three follows on Sunday, May 31, at 9pm, while the final instalment airs on Monday, June 1, at 9pm.‌Appearing alongside Joseph — who is also known for his performance in The Handmaid's Tale — are Doctor Who and Broadchurch star Jodie Whittaker and Line of Duty actor Jason Watkins.According to the BBC logline, in Dear England, Gareth Southgate "knows he needs to open his mind" and "face up to the years of hurt" when he takes over the role of manager to take the team "back to the promised land".‌It poses the question: "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?"Speaking about the move to TV, screenwriter James Graham disclosed that he'd "always hoped" there might be "screen life" for the play. He said it would allow them to "get inside the heads of the characters with a more intimate quality".He added: "It's been incredibly exciting to translate the story and the backstage world of the England men's football team into television.Article continues below"There's a huge reach to TV dramas too - this is a national side, it was shown at the National Theatre, and it's now going to be on our national broadcaster, the BBC, where the whole nation can access it."Catch Dear England tonight (May 24) on BBC One, from 9pm to 10pm.