’90s sitcom legend looks unrecognisable in Channel 4’s terrifying new horror series Generation Z
A NINETIES sitcom legend looks completely different from her plethora of TV roles after bagging new part in a terrifying horror series.
Sue Johnston, famed for her role in the classic show The Royale Family, has signed up to star in brand new Channel 4 programme Generation Z.
In a role that is worlds away from her usual characters, Sue, 80, will be portraying an OAP zombie in the scary new series.
Sue will play the leading part of Cecily alongside co-star, Paul Bentall as Frank, famed for his role in The World’s End.
In first-look images at the brand new show, Sue sports a bloodied and infection-riddled chin as she is surrounded by fellow zombies.
A similarly eerie trailer sees Sue’s character preparing a meal of some sorts in what seems a fairly ordinary situation.
However, when it comes to plating up her dish, it is revealed that Cecily is actually preparing to eat a human head with vegetables.
The series will follow flesh-eating couple Cecily and Frank as they develop a rich taste for teenagers in the blood-curdling horror-comedy.
Cecily and Frank find themselves in their ungodly state during an apocalypse when an uncontrollable zombie-making chemical leak occurs outside their care home.
Sue is far from the only star who looks completely different in the programme with EastEnders and acting legend Anita Dobson also bagging a part in the six-parter.
Also portraying a zombie, Anita’s drastic transformation sees her sport extremely pale skin for the role.
Other stars to appear in the show include comedian Johnny Vegas and Somewhere Boys star Lewis Gribben.
Speaking about the brand new series, Rebecca Holdsworth, the commissioning editor at Channel 4, said: “Generation Z promises to have all of the unique visual flair and mischievous spirit that characterises Ben’s film work.
“It is in turn wickedly funny, deftly political, and delivers on the kind of eye-popping shocks and thrills that mean this is shaping up to be a zombie drama like no other.”
Sue, who turns 81 this December, has had a glistening TV career after making her acting debut with a very minor role in Coronation Street aged 38.
She achieved mainstream fame for her role in the Channel 4 soap opera Brookside where she played the iconic role of Sheila Grant for eight years between 1982 and 1990.
However, she is arguably best known for her portrayal of Barbara Royale in The Royale Family, which she starred in alongside her former on-screen husband on Brookside, Ricky Tomlinson.
In April 2012, she made a return to where her acting career began by securing the part of acid-tongued Gloria Price in Corrie – a role she played for two years.
Generation Z stars on Channel 4 on Sunday 27 October.