A NEWLY announced drama series which will star Kenneth Branagh as Boris Johnson as he tries to lead the UK through the Covid pandemic has been derided as “too soon” and in "very bad taste".

The show, which was announced yesterday (January 23) will see Branagh play the Prime Minister from his appointment to the top role in 2019.

The five-part drama will recount the first Covid-19 cases in the UK, through to Johnson falling ill with the virus, and the arrival of his son.

This Sceptred Isle, which was first announced last year and has now been commissioned by Sky, will be directed by Michael Winterbottom, who will also co-write. Tim Shipman, the political editor of The Sunday Times, will act as a consultant.

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

It is based on the first-hand testimony of people inside Number 10 Downing Street, the Department of Health, The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), and from hospitals and care homes across the country.

Winterbottom has co-written the series with Kieron Quirke, and will direct all five episodes.

He 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.”

However, reactions from the public on social media have suggested that there is not an appetite for the show.

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Commenting on the announcement on Twitter, one Joseph Ed Thomas wrote: “Why? Who asked for this? We’ve lived it, we don’t need to give it anymore air time! Also... Kenneth Branagh?! If this is what entertainment is going to be I’ll make my own fun!”

One user named Caroline said: “Too soon. How can we be making TV shows about a pandemic we don’t even know the ending of her? Maybe there should be a public enquiry before a tv show is made?!”

Responding to a tweet that suggested it might not be the time to release a drama about the pandemic in Britain “just yet”, one user wrote: “If ever. Too many have been lost. Feel it would be in very bad taste.”

Another user wrote: “Far too soon. People are still placing headstones from the first wave. Please don’t release this.”

The editor of the political diary Mandrake, Tim Walker, responded to that comment saying: “Agree - don’t do this, Kenneth Branagh. Don’t feed into the whole celebritisation of evil. Bad enough that Cumberbatch played Cummings when he did.”

Walker was referring to the movie Brexit: An Uncivil War. Released in 2019 and focusing on Vote Leave’s attempts to win the European referendum, the film saw actor Benedict Cumberbatch play Dominic Cummings.

Many suggested that Branagh was too serious an actor to play Johnson, with other suggestions being put forward including the Honey Monster.

Others suggested Matt Lucas, after the comedian went viral with his impressions of the Prime Minister earlier in the pandemic.

A CGI Benny Hill, Mr Blobby, and American film star Gary Busey were also suggested by Twitter users.

Others expressed concerns that the show is “going to be propaganda, isn’t it”. Responding to that question, one user quipped: “Yup. Looking forward to [Johnson’s] near death scene and resurrection on the third day.”

Others said that the title of the show, “This Sceptered Isle”, would better fit the premise if it was called This Septic Isle.

"This Sceptered Isle" is a quote from a speech in William Shakespeare’s Richard II. It also refers to Britain as a “fortress built by Nature for herself, Against infection and the hand of war”.

In the speech John of Gaunt bemoans the fall of the nation, saying that England: “Dear for her reputation through the world, Is now leased out.”

It goes on: “England, that was wont to conquer others, Hath made a shameful conquest of itself.”

Sharing the story, former Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell wrote: "Most of the media having failed so spectacularly in its role of holding government to account, perhaps the arts will do better at exposing deathly incompetence."