Cummings returns, and the Johnson drama unfolds

Viewers have been given a first glimpse of Dominic Cummings in a new series about Downing Street’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic, starring Sir Kenneth Branagh as Boris Johnson.

This England, which will be broadcast next month on Sky, is based on the first-hand evidence of people inside Number 10, the Department of Health and the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), as well as hospitals and care homes across the country.

A new trailer, released by the broadcaster on Thursday night, features shots of Simon Paisley Day playing Cummings as well as Ophelia Lovibond – known for her roles in BBC sitcom W1A and Guardians Of The Galaxy – as Carrie Symonds.

Andrew Buchan, star of Broadchurch, portrays Matt Hancock, the former health secretary.

Originally titled This Sceptred Isle, the six-part series will tell the story of experts and scientists racing against time to understand the virus, including the doctors and nurses working on the front line at the early stages of the pandemic.

The drama is set inside the halls of government and interwoven with stories from around the country, according to Sky. The broadcaster has also revealed that the show will highlight the twists and turns of Mr Johnson's personal life as well as his handling of the Government during Covid-19.

This means the series is likely to feature his low-key wedding ceremony to Ms Symonds which took place in strict secrecy in May 2021 when Covid restrictions meant they had to stick to a strict limit of 30 people.

The pair exchanged vows in Westminster Cathedral in front of a small group of close friends and family. It was Mr Johnson's third marriage, having finalised his divorce from his second wife Marina Wheeler in 2020. He and Mrs Johnson have a son, Wilfred, who was born in April 2020 and daughter Romy, born Dec 2021.

The trailer includes shots of Mr Johnson chairing Cabinet meetings and filming his address to the nation during the pandemic.

It also has a montage of footage capturing romantic moments between Mr Johnson and his wife Carrie Symonds, including the couple enjoying a glass of champagne together and relaxing on a boat. In one clip, a voiceover says: “Our focus groups show that people will accept a lockdown if we support them financially.”

At one a voiceover can be heard saying: "I'm concerned about the lack of transparency... it could just look like jobs for the boys... what do you think, Dom?"

The parties will not feature

Elsewhere, a voice can be heard dismissing something as “another of Dom’s bright ideas… you have to rein him in”. And another section of the trailer shows Mr Johnson being wheeled into intensive care after being diagnosed with Covid-19.

The series will not dramatise the parties in Downing Street that threatened to topple Mr Johnson's premiership earlier this year. It is understood this omission is down to the fact that filming on the series had finished by the time the parties came to light.

It is directed by Michael Winterbottom, also a co-writer, while Tim Shipman, chief political commentator at The Sunday Times, acted as a consultant.

The series will launch on Sky Atlantic and the streaming service Now on Sept 21.