Stormzy joins cast of Noughts + Crosses TV adaptation

British musician Stormzy is joining the cast of the BBC One adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s YA novel Noughts & Crosses (Penguin Random House Children's).

Stormzy will play newspaper editor Kolawale, a character created for the TV series, which is being adapted by Mammoth Screen. He said: "As a diehard fan of Malorie's novels, being a part of this important show is a dream come true."

Blackman said: "The first time I met Stormzy he informed me he was a huge fan of my Noughts & Crosses series of books. I’m thrilled he will now be a part of the 'Noughts + Crosses' TV production.  It's so exciting!”

The cast also includes Jack Rowan as Callum and Masali Baduza as Sephy, Helen Baxendale, Paterson Joseph and Ian Hart.

Blackman published Noughts & Crosses, in 2001 and it was an instant popular and critical hit. The series has sold more than 1.7 million copies in the UK and in export, according to Penguin Random House Children’s, and has been adapted for the stage by the RSC.

Last year Blackman announced she was writing a fifth book in the series,  inspired by Brexit, Trump and the rise of the far-right in Europe, entitled Crossfire. It will be published by PRH later this year.

Stormzy is also working with PRH on his imprint, Merky Books, which he launched last year to publish new voices.