Series two will dive back into the alternate history of Malorie Blackman’s bestselling novels, where black ‘Cross’ people rule over the white ‘Noughts’.

Jack Rowan and Masali Baduza will return as forbidden lovers Callum and Sephy, who are now attempting to escape Albion in search of a better, safer life together.

In light of Sephy’s ‘kidnap’ and the events of series one, political violence erupts in the city they leave behind.

Paterson Joseph (Peep Show), Helen Baxendale (Cold Feet), Bonnie Mbuli (Invictus), Jonathan Ajayi (Wonder Woman 1984), Josh Dylan (The End of the F***ing World) and Kiké Brimah (Death in Paradise) will also reprise their roles from the first series.

Joining the cast for series two will be Jasmine Jobson (Top Boy) as Cara, a mysterious new figure in Jude McGregor’s (Josh Dylan) life, and Robert Hands (Endeavour) as Clem.

Blackman said: “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.”

Filming for series two of Noughts + Crosses will begin in June 2021 in South Africa. The series will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.