New drama flatters me: Hancock

MATT Hancock has said that he is “flattered” at the choice of actor to portray him in the upcoming Kenneth Branagh-led Covid-19 drama, This Sceptred Isle.

The Sky drama is a five-part series which will explore the British Government’s questionable response to the pandemic and Boris Johnson’s life during his first six months as Prime Minister in unprecedented times.

Co-written by Michael Winterbottom and Kieron Quirke, This Sceptred Isle will also look at the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on the UK and the response of the front-line NHS staff.

Belfast man Branagh will play Johnson in the new drama while Hancock will be portrayed by Broadchurch actor — and James Bond contender — Andrew Buchan.

Speaking on yesterday’s This Morning programme, the Health Secretary dodged the question when he was asked if he was going to watch the controversial drama. But he did admit he had looked up the actor playing him and was pleased with the “upgrade”. He told Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby: “I had a look and I was quite flattered actually. Someone’s given me an upgrade. I’m very lucky.”

When asked if he had been approached by anyone involved with the drama for research purposes, he said: “I don’t know where they’ve got the information from.” Holly told him: “(From) first hand testimonies of people, including those from Number 10,” to which the Health Secretary replied: “Right. Marvellous.”

Last month, Sky released its first image of Branagh as Johnson, in a transformation that bears an uncanny resemblance to the Prime Minister.