Adapted into a screenplay by Shola Amoo (The Last Tree) and directed by Lynette Linton, the series will star Sir Lenny Henry CBE, Malachi Kirby (Small Axe), Monica Dolan (A Very English Scandal), Olivia Williams (Counterpart), Christopher Eccleston (The A Word), Poppy Lee Friar (In My Skin), Shobna Gulati (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie) and Cole Martin, who will play the lead, Leon, in his first TV role.

Set in 1980s Birmingham, the feature film tells the uplifting and poignant tale of nine-year-old Leon, a mixed-race boy separated from his blue-eyed baby brother as he was taken into care, who is on a quest to reunite his family.

Told through the young boy’s eyes, the film will follow Leon on his journey full of hope and energy, despite the hardships he encounters, while shining a light on the touching relationship he has with his caring foster mum Maureen.

With his favourite action figure Sergeant Smith in tow, Leon’s adventure teaches him valuable lessons about himself, the world, love, and what family, in its various guises, truly means.

Set against the backdrop of the 1980s race riots, the film will explore issues of identity and belonging with a balance of gritty realism and charming gentle humour.

My Name Is Leon is made by Douglas Road Pictures, in association with Tiger Aspect Productions, Ringside Studios and Vicarious Productions.