BBC PAUSES DEVELOPMENT OF NOEL CLARKE PROJECT

The BBC has reportedly shelved a planned adaptation of Alex Wheatle's book Crongton Knights, which was being produced by Noel Clarke's production company, after allegations from 20 women were published against Noel Clarke's 'inappropiate behaviour'.

Deadline understands that Noel Clarke’s Unstoppable Film & Television production company had secured the rights to the novel adaptation and was in active development with the BBC.

A BBC spokesperson told Deadline: “We are not progressing any projects with Noel Clarke at this time.”

The book's synopsis reads: "Living on the South Crongton council estate has its worries - and life for McKay has been even tougher since his mum died. His dad has been working all hours to keep the bailiffs from their door. His brother is always out riding the streets at night, tempting trouble...

And now, having strayed off his turf on a 'heroic' (if misguided) mission to help out a girl, McKay finds himself facing a friend's crazy ex-boyfriend, some power-tripping hood-rats and a notoriously violent gangster with a vendetta which hits too close to home."