The six-part series will follow the love story between two teenage protagonists Sephy Hadley (Baduza) and Callum McGregor (Rowan) who are divided by the colour of their skin in a dystopian world. 

Childhood friends Sephy, a member of the black ruling class the 'Crosses' and the daughter of the Home Secretary, and Callum, a member of the white underclass the 'Noughts', must overcome violent forces trying to tear them apart as their relationship becomes more complex and romantic as they grow up. 

The best-selling novel, which won the Red House Children’s Book Award and the Fantastic Fiction Award, explores racism, forbidden love, and the dangers of power and prejudice. 

The cast also includes Paterson Joseph (Peep Show) as Home Secretary Kamal Hadley, Bonnie Mbuli (Invictus) as Sephy's mother Jasmine and Kike Brimah (Love Type D) as her sister Minerva.

Helen Baxendale (Cold Feet) and Ian Hart (The Last Kingdom) are set to play Callum's parents Meggie and Ryan, and his older brother Jude will be played by Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again star Josh Dylan.

"I’m thrilled that the TV dramatisation of Noughts + Crosses has such an amazing cast to bring the story to the screen," Malorie Blackman said of the adaptation. 

"It will be so exciting to see how the writers and actors open up the world I created, adding new breadth and detail," she added about writers Toby Whithouse (Being Human), Lydia Adetunji (Riviera), Nathaniel Price (Tin Star) and Rachel De-Lahay (Kiri).

Executive producer, Preethi Mavahalli commented, "It is an absolute honour to be adapting this treasured novel for television. We are delighted to have such a phenomenal cast bringing this iconic love story to the screen for both existing fans and a whole new audience."

Jack Rowan was nominated for an RTS Programme Award for his role in Born to Kill, and is known for his role as boxer Bonnie Gold in Peaky Blinders.