The drama is an adaptation of the Malorie Blackman novel, a dystopian book set in an alternate 21st century Britain. The 2001 book’s world is divided by race, where black people (“Crosses”) are the rulers and the white people (“Noughts”) are the underclass.
The show and book follow Sephy, a member of the ruling black “Crosses”, and her childhood friend Callum, a “Nought”, and member of the white lower class who were once slaves to the Crosses. Both of their lives are changed forever by the foundation of the Liberation Militia – a terrorist organisation devoted to ending the Cross supremacy.
The BBC’s synopsis says: “Against a background of prejudice, distrust and powerful rebellion mounting on the streets, a passionate romance builds between Sephy and Callum which will lead them both into terrible danger.”
Stormzy will play a newspaper editor, Kolawale, which is a completely new character created specially for the show, which is currently being filmed in South Africa. He will be a guest star in just one episode of the six-part series.
Malorie Blackman says: “The first time I met Stormzy he informed me he was a huge fan of my Noughts and Crosses series of books. I’m thrilled he will now be a part of the Noughts + Crosses TV production. It’s so exciting!”
The drama will be aired on BBC One, with the two main characters played by Peaky Blinders actor Jack Rowan as Callum, and newcomer Masali Baduza as Sephy.
Image: BBC