Series explores the marriage of football legend Bobby Moore

Casting has been confirmed for ITV’s new three-part drama series, Tina and Bobby an epic love story about the marriage of football legend Bobby Moore and his wife and childhood sweetheart Tina.

Leading the cast is former Coronation Street actress Michelle Keegan and actor Lorne MacFadyen (Granchester) who will play the titular ‘golden’ couple.

Written by Lauren Klee (EastEnders, Holby City), Tina and Bobby is based on Tina Moore’s memoir, Bobby Moore: By The Person Who Knew Him Best. Tina and Bobby. The story is based on the England and West Ham legend’s life of ups and downs with his childhood sweetheart, Tina Dean, from their humble beginnings to the dizzy heights of superstardom.

When England won the World Cup in July 1966 Bobby Moore became a national hero. Swept up by the media frenzy and the nation’s adoration, he and wife Tina were the original ‘golden’ couple. As the original WAG, Tina began to realise whilst on honeymoon in Majorca, she might have to share Bobby with the world of football. Though she struggled to master life as a suburban housewife, her pregnancy with their first child gave her renewed purpose.

In 1965 the couple were dealt a devastating blow: Bobby was diagnosed with testicular cancer and faced a career threatening operation.  With the World Cup around the corner it looked as if Bobby wouldn’t be able to play but, against all the odds, he fought his way back to fitness and the rest, as they say, is history.

Further casting includes Patsy Kensit (Holby City) who will play Tina’s mother Betty and David Bamber (What Remains) who takes on the role of England Manager Alf Ramsey.

“Most people will know the story of Bobby Moore’s achievements as captain of club and country – the only Englishman ever to lift the football World Cup,” said Executive Producer for ITV Studios, Kieran Roberts. “Far fewer will know the story of his life with Tina  – a love story every bit as dramatic and epic as Bobby’s exploits on the pitch. We are delighted to be dramatising Tina and Bobby’s amazing story for ITV and, in Michelle and Lorne, we think we have the perfect casting of the ‘golden’ couple and we are thrilled.”

Tina and Bobby is set to film in Manchester in July 2016.