Kenneth Branagh is unrecognisable as Boris Johnson in This Sceptred Isle

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Sky has released a first-look image of Kenneth Branagh’s incredible transformation into Boris Johnson in the forthcoming drama This Sceptred Isle.

Branagh will portray the UK prime minister in the TV series set during the pandemic.

It will be based on testimony from real people living through the crisis, including hospital and care home workers.

The official Twitter account for Sky TV teased a glimpse of Branagh in character on the first day of filming.

His resemblance to Johnson is uncanny, from the worried facial expression to the mess of white blonde hair.

Read more - ‘Far too soon’: Pandemic TV drama starring Kenneth Branagh as Boris Johnson accused of being ‘inappropriate’

After news of the Michael Winterbottom project broke last month, many voiced their objection to its premise on social media, calling it “inappropriate” to produce while the pandemic was still ongoing.

“People are still placing headstones from the first wave,” wrote one Twitter user. “Please don’t release this.”

The Sky Original drama will air in autumn 2022.