Rose Bruford College is proud to celebrate two alumni appearing in the BBC’s highly anticipated new drama series Dear England, arriving just as excitement builds ahead of the World Cup.

The BBC has released a 90-second trailer and announced the release date for the four-part series, which is based on James Graham’s multi award-winning play of the same name about Gareth Southgate and the England men’s football team. The series is produced by Left Bank Pictures (This City is Ours, The Crown) for the BBC.

Dear England offers a fictionalised account of the struggles and successes of the England men’s team, drawing on extensive research and interviews. Written by James Graham, the series builds on his Olivier Award-winning stage play, which was named Best New Play in 2024.

At its heart, the story explores leadership, pressure, identity and belief, tracing Gareth Southgate’s efforts to reshape the culture of English football and redefine expectations around the national team.

Two Rose Bruford graduates are part of the cast bringing this story to screen.

Lewis Shepherd (BA Acting, 2022) plays Dele Alli. During his training at Rose Bruford, Lewis was nominated for the Spotlight Prize, recognising him as one of the UK and Ireland’s most promising emerging actors. He also previously portrayed Dele Alli in the National Theatre stage production of Dear England, making this screen role a continuation of that creative journey.

Lewis spoke to Spotlight in 2023 about preparing for the role in the original stage production, reflecting on the research and responsibility involved in portraying a real-life professional footballer within a nationally significant story. Lewis is represented by 42 Management.

Sam Baker Jones (BA Acting, 2018) plays Jack Grealish. Sam is represented by Curtis Brown and has continued to build a strong screen career, including appearing in Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man.

Episodes one and two of Dear England will be available to stream on BBC iPlayer from 9pm on Sunday 24 May, with episodes three and four following on BBC iPlayer on Sunday 31 May. On BBC One, the series will air across Sunday and Monday nights at 9pm from Sunday 24 May.

We look forward to seeing the series reach audiences on BBC and worldwide.

 

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