Joseph Fiennes has opened up about a surreal encounter with Gareth Southgate, describing it as the 'weirdest out-of-body experience'. The actor, known for his role in Shakespeare in Love, portrays the former England manager in the new BBC drama series Dear England, which premieres tonight (May 24) on BBC One.
Speaking on Fearne Cotton's Happy Place podcast, Fiennes recalled meeting Southgate at an awards ceremony for young entrepreneurs at the Southbank Centre. 'I was just about to go on stage, looking at the card, thinking, God, I hope I get these names right,' Fiennes said. 'And there was a tap on my shoulder... 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.'
Fiennes, the brother of Schindler's List star Ralph Fiennes, admitted he feared Southgate might question his portrayal. 'I thought he was going to say, What were you doing? How could you represent me like that?' But instead, Southgate was 'the most kind, lovely gentleman'.
The Drama Series
Dear England is a four-part series based on James Graham's stage play of the same name. It follows Gareth Southgate as he takes over the England men's football team, seeking to overcome years of disappointment and lead them to success. The cast includes Jodie Whittaker (Doctor Who) and Jason Watkins (Line of Duty).
Screenwriter James Graham expressed his excitement about the television adaptation. '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.'
Broadcast Schedule
- Episode 1: May 24, 9pm-10pm
- Episode 2: May 25, 9pm
- Episode 3: May 31, 9pm
- Episode 4: June 1, 9pm
Fiennes, also known for his role in The Handmaid's Tale, reflected on the encounter, praising Southgate's character. 'He's so nice,' Fiennes concluded.
