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Kenneth Branagh’s a dead ringer for Boris Johnson ... but he won’t be going to any parties

Sir Kenneth Branagh and Ophelia Lovibond, right, depict the real life Boris and Carrie Johnson - Sky/AFP/Getty Images
Sir Kenneth Branagh and Ophelia Lovibond, right, depict the real life Boris and Carrie Johnson - Sky/AFP/Getty Images

The “partygate” scandal will be conspicuous by its absence in a new series about the Prime Minister's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, starring Sir Kenneth Branagh as Boris Johnson.

This England will be broadcast later this year and is based on the first-hand evidence of people inside Downing Street, the Department of Health and the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), as well as hospitals and care homes across the country.

While it is expected to chart the twists and turns of an at-times chaotic pandemic response, the series will not dramatise the parties in Downing Street that threatened to topple Mr Johnson's premiership earlier this year.

Sources have told The Telegraph that filming on the series had already finished by the time the parties came to light.

On Wednesday, a new 42-second trailer was released showing Sir Kenneth, 61, dressed as Mr Johnson and copying his mannerisms.

He can be heard saying: “A new dawn is breaking, 2020 will be a year of prosperity.”

The tone of the clip shifts as Mr Johnson’s concern for the pandemic appears to grow, with him saying: “This Covid virus we need to keep an eye on.”

A montage of clips showing the inside of Number 10 follows as the Covid-19 pandemic escalates - with a voice saying “500,000 deaths, that is a worst-case scenario”.

The familiar mantras of “wash your hands” and “stay at home” can then be heard alongside images of the Prime Minister hosting press conferences at Downing Street.

The pressure of the premiership appears to mount, as Sir Kenneth's Mr Johnson says: "Isn't it someone's actual job to give me a heads up?"

It closes with an image of the No 10 door shutting as a radio announcer states: "The United Kingdom has overtaken Italy to report the highest official death toll."

The series will trace the impact on Britain from the pandemic, and the response of scientists, nurses and doctors.

Sir Kenneth as the Prime Minister in This England - Phil Fisk/Sky
Sir Kenneth as the Prime Minister in This England - Phil Fisk/Sky

Newly-released images also show Ophelia Lovibond, who is also known for her roles in BBC sitcom W1A and Guardians Of The Galaxy, portraying Carrie Johnson, the Prime Minister’s wife.

Andrew Buchan, star of Broadchurch, can be seen portraying Matt Hancock, the former health secretary.

The series will be directed by Michael Winterbottom, also a co-writer, while Tim Shipman, political editor of The Sunday Times, will act as a consultant.

The Sky Original drama, originally titled This Sceptred Isle, will premiere in 2022.