BBC One Releases First Look Image For Noughts + Crosses

BBC One has released a first-look image from Noughts + Crosses, its forthcoming adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s bestselling novels, ahead of the drama’s arrival in 2020.

Set in an alternative version of Britain, the series imagines a world in which the African empire colonised Europe centuries ago. Society is split between the ruling black “Crosses” and the oppressed white “Noughts”, with relationships between the two forbidden. Against that backdrop, childhood friends Sephy and Callum fall in love, putting them both in danger.

South African newcomer Masali Baduza stars as Sephy Hadley, the daughter of a powerful Cross politician, with Jack Rowan, of Peaky Blinders, as Callum McGregor, a Nought who wins a place at an elite military academy. Paterson Joseph and Helen Baxendale also feature, while the musician Stormzy takes a role written specially for the series.

Adapted by Levi David Addai and Matthew Graham and produced by Mammoth Screen, the six-part series was filmed in South Africa.