Joseph Fiennes to Star in TV Adaptation of Football Play ‘Dear England’ as BBC Unveil Slew of New Dramas

variety.com:

K.J. Yossman The BBC have unveiled a new slate of star-studded dramas including the TV adaptation of James Graham’s football play “Dear England” starring Joseph Fiennes, a new co-pro with “Euphoria” producer A24 and the screenwriting debut from “Sex Education” star Aimee Lou Wood.

Director of BBC Drama Lindsay Salt revealed the 12-strong slate – which adds up to 66 hours of top TV – at a press event in London, U.K.

on Wednesday evening. It includes two more series of Belfast-based police drama “Blue Lights.” “Inflation, content and platform saturation, streamer retrenchment, the writers’ strike… It’s all fed a serious slowdown,” Salt said as she unveiled the diverse slate. “Five years ago, everyone was willing to make brave choices, to experiment, to try something a little unorthodox.

I worry that risk-taking is becoming a dirty word… And that, in less than a decade, the industry might be moving from ‘peak TV’ to ‘peak caution’ But not the BBC.” “Our mission means we’ve always had a responsibility to back the U.K.’s best storytelling, and champion the brightest, bravest talent,” she continued. “I believe we’re the only place that can promise true boldness and braveness in all our decision-making.” “In an era of caution, it’s our time to shine.” The new dramas are: “Dear England”Joseph Fiennes reprises his role as England football manager Gareth Southgate as “Sherwood” creator James Graham’s hit West End play gets its first screen adaptation. “The Crown” producers Left Bank Pictures are making the series.