David Tennant’s performance in Des, which has dropped on Netflix this weekend, and is one of the greatest serial killer portrayals on screen, led a friend of the real-life serial killer Dennis Nilsen to eerily compare watching the show to “seeing a ghost”.

Andrea Kubinova also described Tennant’s portrayal in the disturbing drama as “stunning”.

She appeared on Good Morning Britain to reflect on the three-part series when it originally aired on ITV in 2020.

And Andrea also revealed how she came to strike up a relationship with the man who murdered at least 12 young men and boys.

He was convicted in 1983 and died in prison in 2018.

David Tennant stuns Dennis Nilsen’s friend in Des

Appearing on GMB when Des aired on ITV in September, 2020, she told hosts Kate Garraway and Alex Beresford that she first contacted Dennis Nilsen to get his autograph.

Following that, the pair exchanged letters – with Andrea even visiting Nilsen in prison.

She explained her attention had been initially caught by the details of Nilsen’s crimes.

“I found [the case] very intriguing,” she said. “The motivation, the loneliness, it felt intriguing.”

Andrea continued: “His love of animals was something that stood out compared to all the other killers.”

How Dennis Nilsen and friend came into contact

Andrea – who owns a pair of Nilsen’s glasses – also noted how she had posted a sketch of Nilsen’s dog to him to catch his eye.

It was like seeing a ghost, it was brilliant. Absolutely stunning.

And when he replied, Andrea reckoned it would be “impolite” not to return the correspondence, sparking their pen pal association.

Reflecting on Doctor Who star David Tennant’s chilling depiction, Andrea was clearly impressed.

And even more unsettling was the confirmation that Tennant had got Nilsen spot on.

“It was like seeing a ghost, it was brilliant,” she said.

“[The performance] was absolutely stunning.”

Friend ‘forgot about killings’

Following Kate’s suggestion that some viewers would find the link “creepy”, Andrea suggested she separated the man from his vile actions.

“You have to think about it as a normal friendship,” Andrea insisted.

“Forget about all those killings, forget about the profanity of his crimes.”

However, Andrea did admit she does think about the late murderer’s victims.

She replied: “Of course I do, I did watch the documentary yesterday.

“It was heartbreaking seeing their families talking about their loved ones, it was difficult.”

Des is now streaming on Netflix, and available to watch on ITVX