Litvinenko viewers say 'chameleon' David Tennant is completely transformed into poisoning victim

David Tennant has been praised for his transformation in the ITVX drama Litvinenko, which sees him play former Russian security officer Alexander Litvinenko who was murdered by poisoning.

Litvinenko reported his own murder to police after realising he had been poisoned by Russian agents while living in Britain and working as a British intelligence informant, three weeks before he eventually died.

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Doctor Who star Tennant is shown in hospital as Litvinenko who lost all of his hair as a result of the poisoning, and viewers have shared their amazement at how convincing he is in the role.

He stars alongside Margarita Levieva as Litvinenko's wife Marina, who campaigned for justice after his death.

One viewer tweeted: "Just finished episode 1 of #Litvinenko. It was intense. I didn't realise I had been holding my breath till I started crying towards the end. David Tennant is stunning on the role. He's unrecognizable, now I understand why Marina said she could see Sasha when she saw him perform."

Someone else added: "Watching #Litvinenko and David Tennant never fails to amaze me, a literal chameleon."

Another fan agreed: "Watching #Litvinenko on ITVX. It’s a sign of a great actor that I keep forgetting I’m watching David Tennant in the title role. Really good stuff."

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A Russian viewer added that his accent in the role was also near perfect.

She tweeted: "If someone needs my opinion about #DavidTennant's russian accent in #Litvinenko, here it is. It's very odd to hear him speaking like me. His Russian is pretty good too. It's amazing to hear how he speaks my language. It's a gift."

The praise for his commitment to the role continued, as one person tweeted: "Currently watching the SUPERB #litvinenko @ITV series. #DavidTennant is astounding. I keep looking for traces of him, the actor, and finding none. Completely transformed. Sensational. And can't wait to see @MaggieEvans4052 in this brilliant drama!"

Someone else agreed: "I've always been a fan of David Tennant's acting (bc he's always exceptional), I'm watching #Litvinenko and I feel sick, scared and a chill runs down my spine when he's on scene. His acting is phenomenal and it's horrible that this actually happened."

Another viewer added: "David Tennant and Margarita Levieva are superb in #Litvinenko You feel like you are watching the man himself and his wife in his final days."

Litvinenko is currently streaming on ITVX.

Watch: See David Tennant in the trailer for Litvinenko