BBC announces Noughts and Crosses will return for series 2 – with filming kicking off next month
BBC have announced that Noughts and Crosses will return for series 2 - with filming kicking off next month.
Based on the beloved 2001 novel by Malorie Blackman, Noughts & Crosses transports us to a dystopian London where racial and social divides are rife.
The award-winning novel gripped viewers when the first series hit our screens last year.
Series two will throw viewers straight back into the dangerous, alternate world of the bestselling novel and the irresistible, forbidden love story at its heart.
Actors Jack Rowan and Masali Baduza will return as Callum and Sephy, now desperately attempting to flee Albion in search of a new life together.
Meanwhile the city they left behind ignites in the wake of Sephy's 'kidnap' and the devastating events of series one.
BBC One fans will be delighted to know that the it has been confirmed that filming will begin next month in South Africa.
Author Malorie said: “I am delighted that Noughts + Crosses is returning for a second series.
"So many people have asked me, 'So what happens next?’. Now they will find out!
"Having read the scripts, I think I can safely say that even those familiar with the Noughts & Crosses series of books will find surprises, suspense and so much to savour.”
A new addition to the series will be Top Boy's Jasmine Jobson as Cara, an enigmatic new figure in Jude’s life.
Endeavour's Robert Hands has also been cast as Clem, whose character will unfold throughout the series.
Paterson Joseph, Helen Baxendale, Bonnie Mbuli, Jonathan Ajayi, Josh Dylan and Kiké Brimah will all reprise their roles from the first series.
Masali Baduza, who plays Sephy, said: “The journey continues! I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to Sephy’s story with our talented cast and crew.”
Jack Rowan, who plays Callum, shared his delight about returning and working with the team again.
He said: "I’m buzzing to be returning as Callum in the next series of Noughts + Crosses.
"The show means a lot to me and it’s an honour to have brought Malorie Blackman’s creation to life on screen.
"Here’s to the continuation of a story we hold very close to our hearts. Looking forward to getting the team back together!”
Set in a dystopian 21st century Britain, the show sees black people - Crosses - as the ruling race while white people - Noughts - are the lower class.
Racial segregation is rife in this version of Britain, despite the fact white slavery was abolished a number of years ago.
Despite all the challenges facing them, a love story develops between two lifelong friends from opposing races.
As the daughter of the British Home Secretary Kamal Hadley, Sephy is not allowed to get too close to Callum McGregor - the son of her white nanny.
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After a series of unfortunate events, the pair part ways and Callum soon ends up mixing with the wrong crowd - a gang that want to use his connection to Sephy for a horrific plot.
Ben Irving, executive producer for BBC Drama, said: “It was a joy and an honour to see this exceptional team bring Malorie Blackman’s iconic, thought-provoking and exhilarating world to life on screen.
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"We’re thrilled they are reuniting for the return of Noughts + Crosses to BBC One and iPlayer.”
Viewers will be able to catch the series BBC One when it airs and BBC iPlayer.