FIRST LOOK: NOUGHTS + CROSSES RETURNS IN 2022 FOR SECOND SERIES

Noughts + Crosses will return for a second series, the BBC has announced.

Paterson Joseph, Helen Baxendale, Bonnie Mbuli, Jonathan Ajayi, Josh Dylan and Kiké Brimah will all reprise their roles from the first series.

Jack Rowan and Masali Baduza will return as Callum and Sephy, now desperately attempting to flee Albion in search of a new life together, while the city they left behind ignites in the wake of Sephy's 'kidnap' and the devastating events of series one.

Joining Noughts + Crosses for series two will be Jasmine Jobson (Top Boy, Surge) as Cara, an enigmatic new figure in Jude’s life, and Robert Hands (Endeavour, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell) as Clem. Further casting and characters for series two will be announced in due course.

Malorie Blackman, author of the Noughts & Crosses novels, says: “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.”

Masali Baduza, who plays Sephy, says: “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, says: “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!”

Preethi Mavahalli and James Gandhi, Executive Producers for Mammoth Screen, say: “We are delighted to be able to reunite our passionate and loyal cast and crew, led by writer Lydia Adetunji and director Koby Adom, for a second series. It is a privilege to revisit Malorie's much-loved characters and bring Callum and Sephy's iconic love story to its epic conclusion.”

Ben Irving, Executive Producer for BBC Drama, says: “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. We’re thrilled they are reuniting for the return of Noughts + Crosses to BBC One and iPlayer.”

The series will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in 2022.