A TV star looked unrecognisable as he was transformed into Alexander Litvinenko for a new ITV thriller.
Alexander fled to Britain after leaving Russia’s Federal Security Service before being poisoned with polonium-210 in November 2006.
He died 22 days after the poisoning, and the new drama will follow the Metropolitan Police’s investigation into his death.
While Mark Bonnar plays Scotland Yard Officer Clive Timmons, Alexander is played by former Doctor Who star David Tennant.
In a newly released pictures, David, 51, can be seen lying in a hospital bed with wires hooked up to his body, just like Alexander was.
David’s dark hair is nowhere to be seen as he sports a completely bald look – minus eyebrows as well – and a deathly pale complexion.
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It’s yet another incredible transformation for the actor, who shocked ITV viewers with his uncanny resemblance to serial killer Dennis Nilsen in 2020’s Des.
David has opened up about his latest role, revealing he found the process tough after spending time with Alexander’s wife Marina.
He said during an appearance on the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Interval Drinks podcast: “Litvinenko stayed with me because of meeting Marina and being so aware that this is the life she is still living.
“We are recreating something that happened relatively recently, that was devastating to her and to her life and has entirely transformed what her life since has become.
“I felt the responsibility of that, of getting that right. Just the horrors that she lived through and that that story signifies, our world is still living through.”
Speaking about David’s casting, ITV head of drama, Polly Hill, said: “After David’s incredible performance as Dennis Nilsen I’m delighted he returns to ITV to play Alexander Litvinenko in the incredible story of his murder.
“George Kay’s scripts are brilliant and this is an important story that documents a long police investigation and a powerful campaign for justice by his wife Marina. It is going to make a compelling drama and I am proud to have it on ITV.”
ITV today announced the official launch date of new, free streaming platform ITVX. Replacing ITV Hub as the online home of all ITV content, viewers can expect a new and improved product experience through ITVX as well as more new and exclusive programmes to stream for free, than anywhere else.
All ITV’s channels will be available to livestream through ITVX, as well as additional themed channels (known as FAST channels), and a dedicated news section on ITVX.
