THEY ARE big shoes to fill.

But Winston Churchill’s grandson believes Gary Oldman has done justice to the intimidating legacy of Britain’s biggest war hero.

The Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy star plays the lead role in Darkest Hour, the latest film to tackle Churchill’s part in the Second World War.

Sir Nicholas Soames told The Argus he had enjoyed the film, which came out in cinemas across the UK a week ago.

“I think it’s a remarkable portrayal of my grandfather,” he said.

“Gary Oldman has just nailed him.

“Historically, it’s an extraordinary presentation of a moment when Britain’s life as a free country was hanging by a thread.”

The long-serving MP for Mid Sussex said he had been struck by the enthusiastic reception the movie had received all around the world since its American release late last year

He said: “It’s interesting it’s been so acclaimed. It’s been getting standing ovations abroad.

“It’s beautifully done. It conveys some very powerful messages about an extraordinary period in our history.”

Starting with Churchill’s election on the day of the Nazi invasion of France in May 1940, the film tells the story of his colourful leadership all the way through to his general election defeat just weeks after the end of the fighting.

Sir Nicholas said it was a reminder of how close Britain had been to the abyss during the Second World War.

“It gives us a proper sense of proportion,” he said.

“Seeing what was at stake then puts modern politics in perspective.”

He also had warm words for Kristin Scott Thomas’s depiction of Churchill’s formidable wife, Clemmie.

Scott Thomas and Oldman have both been nominated for gongs at next month’s Baftas.

Darkest Hour is the second film to have been made about Churchill in less than a year.

Churchill, a biopic starring Shakespeare actor Brian Cox, was released last summer to mixed reviews.

It focused on the pugnacious premier’s episodes of depression, which he called his “black dog”.

Oldman had to don a fat suit for his interpretation of a role he described as “the hardest job I’ve ever done”.