Classic portraits get a modern day makeover. [Photo/icpress]

A host of classic portraits have been given a modern day makeover thanks to a unique art project.

A team of digital artists spent three months working with TV historian Dr Susannah Lipscomb to update iconic portraits for a string of historical figures.

Dr Lipscomb used insights from her research into their lives to help the artists imagine what the famous figures from the past might look like were they alive today.

Dr Lipscomb was promising to "dish the dirt" on Henry VIII and Marie Antoinette in a new historical series called "Secret Life Of" that was airing on the TV channel.

Queen Elizabeth I, William Shakespeare and Admiral Horatio Nelson are also among the historical figures whose sex lives, spending habits and wardrobes are subjected to scrutiny in the series as if they were modern celebrities.

Renowned for being a vain and conceited dandy, Henry VIII has been given hair plugs like footballer Wayne Rooney's to hide his baldness in the artists' makeover.

But his pearly white veneers, tailored designer suit and open, unbuttoned white shirt are most reminiscent of X Factor guru Simon Cowell.

The king, who liked to flaunt his wealth, has also gained a designer watch and sparkling diamond ring.

An avid sportsman who spent a lot of time outdoors riding, hunting and playing tennis, the modern Henry is hunkier after being slimmed down and tanned.

Dr Lipscomb said: "Henry's image from later in life is of a big, fat man who killed all his wives.

"But from when he ascended to the throne aged 18 until his mid 40s he was considered athletic and very good-looking.

"It was only later that his waistline expanded from 38 inches to 54 inches in just five years."

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