Joseph Fiennes seen on set for first time as he takes on role of England legend
Shakespeare In Love actor Joseph Fiennes looked unbelievable as he transformed into former England boss Gareth Southgate for the new mini series, Dear England. The 55-year-old BAFTA winner was pictured on the set of the upcoming BBC adaptation of James Graham's play.
Joseph, who is playing Gareth in the four-part series, kept a low profile as he rocked a black polo shirt, a navy jacket and a dark green baseball cap. The Merchant Of Venice star grew out his hair to better transform into the football star. Dear England, which focuses on football manager Gareth, explores the pressures of elite sport and the role of the national men's football team in the national psyche.
The original play, which is being made into a four-part series, explores how Southgate helped to change notions of masculinity on the England team.
Joseph also starred in the play, which opened in 2023 at the National Theatre in London. The title of the play came from the letter Gareth wrote to England fans during the coronavirus pandemic in 2021.
Dear England won a Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Play in 2024, with Will Close winning an award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Play for his portrayal of Harry Kane.
The play's synopsis reads: "The country that gave the world football has since delivered a painful pattern of loss. Why can't England's men win at their own game?
"With the worst track record for penalties in the world, Gareth Southgate knows he needs to open his mind and face up to the years of hurt to take team and country back to the promised land."
Gareth stood down in the summer after eight years in charge as England manager and his services to the game earned him a knighthood in the New Year 's Honours list.
The star said earlier this year: 'After stepping down as England manager following eight very special years, I've been reflecting on what I have lived through and what comes next.
'Coaching top players and playing against some of the best teams in the world pushed me to operate at the highest level in football.
'Rather than write a memoir of those times I decided to share my experiences in a different way, through the lens of leadership which I hope will provide lessons for anyone who wants to discover their own authentic leadership style.'
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