Sky announces new drama with Kenneth Branagh playing Boris Johnson

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief

Published: January 23 2021 | 23:17

Last updated: January 24 2021 | 08:40

Kenneth Branagh is to play Boris Johnson in an ambitious new drama series chronicling the government's response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Kenneth Branagh is to play Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a new five-part drama about the UK government's response to the coronavirus pandemic.

This Sceptred Isle, written by acclaimed filmmaker Michael Winterbottom, is being developed for Sky Atlantic and is "based on the first-hand testimony of people from all walks of life; from Number 10 Downing Street, the Department of Health, The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), and from hospitals and care homes across the country".

Announcing the project, Winterbottom - known for 24 Hour Party People and Welcome To Sarajevo - said: "The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic will be remembered forever.

"A time when the country came together to battle an invisible enemy. A time when people were more aware than ever of the importance of community.

"Our series weaves together countless true stories - from Boris Johnson in Number 10 to front line workers around the country - chronicling the efforts of scientists, doctors, care home workers and policy makers to protect us from the virus."

The miniseries will begin filming in the next few months but is not expected to air on Sky Atlantic until Autumn 2022.

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