Boris Johnson watches Love Actually and plays Sudoku as he recovers in hospital

The prime minister, 55, is now able to take short walks as he recovers from a severe case of coronavirus.

Boris Johnson is making ‘good progress’ in hospital and has been kept entertained by baby scans, Sudoku and classic British films.

The prime minister, 55, is now able to take short walks as he recovers from a severe case of coronavirus at St Thomas’ Hospital in London, a Downing Street source said today.

The Tory leader’s pregnant fiancée Carrie Symonds has been sending him daily updates and letters, as well as images of their unborn child, as he builds his strength back up.

Mr Johnson is said to have viewed Love Actually for the first time from his sick bed – despite parodying the famous doorstep scene in a campaign video in December.

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He also rewatched Withnail & I, while other films loaded on to an iPad for him by Number 10 staff include Groundhog Day and Home Alone.

The Conservative politician is believed to have been playing number-placement puzzle Sudoku and sources say there are thousands of ‘get well soon’ cards from well-wishers ready for him to read.

Aides reportedly expect Mr Johnson to be off work for a month, with Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab left in charge of running the country.

Mr Johnson’s father, Stanley Johnson, said on Friday his son ‘almost took one for the team’ in an interview with BBC Radio 4.

The former MEP said: ‘To use that American expression, he almost took one for the team. We have got to make sure we play the game properly now.

‘He must rest up. I don’t think you can say this is out of the woods now.

‘He has to take time. I cannot believe you can walk away from this and get straight back to Downing Street and pick up the reins without a period of readjustment.’

The prime minister was originally admitted to hospital on Sunday on the advice of his doctor, amid concerns that he was still suffering coronavirus symptoms 10 days after testing positive.

It was initially said to be as a ‘precautionary’ measure and on Monday he was reportedly issuing instructions and working on his ministerial red boxes from his hospital bed.

However, by the evening his condition had deteriorated and he was transferred to the intensive care unit in case he required a ventilator.

Mr Johnson was moved to a general ward on Thursday and thanked his clinical team for the ‘incredible care’ he has received in a message delivered by his spokesman.

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