Entertainment
Kenneth Branagh and Ophelia Lovibond transform into Boris Johnson and Carrie Symonds to film Covid drama
Kenneth Branagh has been joined by Ophelia Lovibond as the Carrie Symonds to his Boris Johnson in new Covid drama, This Sceptred Isle.
The coronavirus drama is currently filming in London, and has gone to extreme lengths to nail the looks of the leading characters – most notably thespian Branagh, 60, completely transforming into the Prime Minister.
While the cast of the series has largely remained under wraps, Ophelia, 35, was spotted on set today quite clearly as Carrie, wearing a pregnancy belly as she strolled through the streets.
In scenes set before the birth of the real couple’s son Wilfred on April 29 last year, Ophelia looked the spitting image of the expectant mum, and was followed by Branagh.
These two could easily get away with trading places with the real couple, who are engaged, and noone would be any the wiser.
The five-part series will track Johnson and the Government’s efforts during the first months of the coronavirus pandemic, and how he led the country through the uncertain times.
This will include the efforts surrounding the NHS, the daily news briefings held to maintain updates, and the successes as well as the failings to contain the virus.
This Sceptred Isle was created using ‘first-hand testimonies from individuals from Number 10 Downing Street, the Department of Health’ among others, it’s been claimed.
Filmmaker Michael Winterbottom will direct every episode of the programme and co-wrote the drama alongside writer Kieron Quirke.
Michael, whose previous work includes films Welcome to Sarajevo, Wonderland and 24 Hour Party People, said that the series ‘weaves together countless true stories’.
It will chronicle the efforts of not just the government, but frontline workers, scientists, doctors, care home workers and policy makers to protect us from the virus.
Tim Shipman, the political editor of The Sunday Times, is to act as a consultant on the Sky Original drama.
This Sceptred Isle is yet to be given a release date by Sky Atlantic.
Got A Story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : Carrie Symonds’ zoo charity hit with official investigation into its finances
