Coronavirus: CNN appears to compare Boris Johnson to Lord Farquaad on live TV segment

Fans of the film spotted similarities between the prime minister's fearmongering speech and that of the fictional character

A CNN broadcast apparently compared Boris Johnson to the character Lord Farquaad in the animated film Shrek.

The UK prime minister spoke at a press conference this week where he addressed the global coronavirus pandemic.

In his speech, the 55-year-old said: “Many more families are going to lose loved ones before their time.”

After a number of viewers appeared to draw their own comparisons, CNN aired a clip of Johnson’s speech, then followed it with a clip from the first Shrek film in which Lord Farquaad attempts to entice people into a perilous journey.

“Some of you may die but it’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make,” the character, who was voiced by John Lithgow, says.

“Did CNN really compare the Prime Minister’s speech to Shrek?” one disbelieving viewer tweeted.

Anyone currently in self-isolation was likely grateful for the entertaining moment. A number of UK institutions, including London’s Royal Albert Hall and the Barbican Centre, have closed temporarily, as have most UK cinemas. Live music events, film and TV releases have also been cancelled or postponed.

See our list of the best TV to watch while in self-isolation here.