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Stormzy joins cast of the Noughts + Crosses BBC Drama television adaption

Joining the cast of the much anticipated adaption of Malorie Blackman's young adult book series is 'a dream come true'

Stormzy in Noughts + Crosses

British musician Stormzy has joined the cast of the much anticipated BBC One drama Noughts + Crosses, a Mammoth Screen adaptation of Malorie Blackman's award-winning young adult book series currently being filmed in South Africa.

Stormzy will play newspaper editor Kolawale, a character created for the TV series, and admits: 'As a diehard fan of Malorie's novels, being a part of this important show is a dream come true.'

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!'

Executive producer Preethi Mavahalli adds: 'As an icon of black British culture, we are honoured to have Stormzy play a part in this adaptation of a novel he's such a fan of.'

A gripping story of first love in a dangerous, alternate world where racism divides society BAFTA Cymru winner Jack Rowan (Peaky Blinders, Born to Kill) will play Callum McGregor and newcomer Masali Baduza has been cast as Sephy Hadley. Other cast include Helen Baxendale, Paterson Joseph and Ian Hart.

In July 2018, Stormzy announced #Merky Books, an imprint within Penguin Random House UK, dedicated to publishing the best new fiction, non-fiction and poetry, and in August 2018 he announced ‘The Stormzy Scholarship’, a studentship to fund two black British students to go to the University of Cambridge. The launch of the #Merky Books New Writers' Prize was announced on 8 March 2019, aiming to connect with young writers and find a new work of fiction, non-fiction or poetry to publish.

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