In a casting choice that has left fans both amused and amazed, Joseph Fiennes is stepping into the shoes of Gareth Southgate for the highly anticipated revival of Spitting Image. The satirical show, known for its razor-sharp wit and exaggerated puppets, is making a grand return, and Fiennes' uncanny resemblance to the former England manager has already set tongues wagging.
A Match Made in Satire Heaven
The Hollywood actor, famed for his roles in Shakespeare in Love and The Handmaid’s Tale, will bring Southgate’s iconic waistcoat-wearing, penalty-shootout-agonising persona to life. The show’s producers couldn’t resist the striking similarity between the two, with Fiennes’ chiselled features and composed demeanour mirroring Southgate’s famously calm yet intense presence.
Fans React to the Casting
Social media erupted with reactions as the news broke, with many fans joking that Fiennes might just be Southgate’s long-lost twin. One user quipped, “First the waistcoat, now the face – is there anything Joseph Fiennes won’t steal from Gareth?” Another added, “Finally, a role Fiennes was born to play!”
What to Expect from the Revival
The reboot promises to deliver the same biting political and celebrity satire that made the original a cult classic. With Southgate’s tenure as England manager providing ample material – from the highs of the 2018 World Cup to the heartbreak of Euro 2020 – Fiennes’ portrayal is sure to be a highlight.
Producers have teased that other footballing figures, as well as politicians and A-listers, will also be lampooned in the show, ensuring no one is safe from the puppet treatment.
