Kenneth Branagh is set to play BORIS JOHNSON in a gripping Sky drama about the COVID-19 pandemic

Kenneth Branagh is set to play Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a gripping Sky drama depicting the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic

Kenneth Branagh is set to play Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a Sky Atlantic drama about the COVID-19 pandemic.

The politician, 56, will be depicted in the five-part series This Sceptred Isle which will chart events during the terrifying first wave of the crisis when it began in March.

Sir Kenneth, 60, is most well-known for his work adapting the works of William Shakespeare for the big screen, and is next set to star in the much-delayed Death On The Nile.

Spitting image? He's set to play Boris Johnson in the five-part series of Sky Atlantic

Spitting image? Kenneth Branagh (left) is set to play Prime Minister Boris Johnson (right) in a Sky Atlantic drama about the COVID-19 pandemic

This Sceptred Isle will be co-written by Michael Winterbottom and Kieron Quirke, and is set to focus on the response of key workers and politicians as they desperately tried to contain the virus.

It will be based on first-hand testimonies from Number 10 Downing Street, the Department of Health, The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), and hospitals and care homes across the country.

Writer Michael told iTalk Telly: ‘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. 

Praised: The actor is most well-known for his work adapting the works of William Shakespeare for the big screen, acting as both director and star of multiple films (pictured in 2018)

Praised: The actor is most well-known for his work adapting the works of William Shakespeare for the big screen, acting as both director and star of multiple films (pictured in 2018)

‘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.’

Michael had previously worked on films including 2002’s 24 Hour Party People, which competed for the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

Meanwhile Kenneth has been nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Actor and Best Director for Henry V in 1989, and most recently Best Supporting Actor for 2011’s My Week With Marilyn.

Scary: This Sceptred Islewill chart events during the terrifying first wave of the coronavirus crisis when it began in March 2020 (Prime Minister Boris is pictured last week)

Scary: This Sceptred Islewill chart events during the terrifying first wave of the coronavirus crisis when it began in March 2020 (Prime Minister Boris is pictured last week)

He most recently took on the role of detective Hercule Poirot for Agatha Christie’s Murder On The Orient Express, and earlier this year starred in the Christopher Nolan epic Tenet.

Kenneth will next star in the star-studded Death On The Nile, which will be released in September 2021 following multiple delays due to the pandemic. 

Since March 2020 life in Britain has been brought to a half by the COVID-19 crisis, with much of the nation placed in lockdown to try and reduce the spread of the virus.

While there is a vaccine being rolled out to those most vulnerable to the virus, England remains in its third lockdown, with all non-essential businesses and schools closed.

Coming soon: Kenneth is next set to star as Hercule Poirot in Agatha Christie's Death On The Nile, while has been delayed multiple times due to the pandemic

Coming soon: Kenneth is next set to star as Hercule Poirot in Agatha Christie’s Death On The Nile, while has been delayed multiple times due to the pandemic