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

Produced by Mammoth Screen for the BBC, series two will dive viewers straight back into the dangerous, alternate world of Malorie Blackman's bestselling novels and the irresistible, forbidden love story at its heart.

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

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.”

Noughts + Crosses series two (4x60') will be written by Lydia Adetunji and Jerome Bucchan-Nelson, directed by Koby Adom and produced by Sarah Lewis. Executive Producers are Preethi Mavahalli, Damien Timmer and James Gandhi for Mammoth Screen in association with ITV Studios, Ben Irving for BBC One, Malorie Blackman, Lydia Adetunji and Kibwe Tavares. The series will be distributed internationally by ITV Studios.

Filming will begin next month in South Africa, and the series will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Noughts + Crosses series one is available to stream on BBC iPlayer now.

Praise for Noughts + Crosses series one

"Even better than you expected... To say this interpretation of Blackman's book is thought-provoking would be a wild understatement. It's moving, challenging, heartbreaking and more relevant than many may care to acknowledge." - Refinery29

"This ambitious, provocative race drama is a must-see." - Daily Telegraph

"Vital viewing" - The Guardian

"Definitely worth the wait" - The Sun

"An enlightening, evocative experience." - Culture Whisper

"BBC’s adaptation does Malorie Blackman’s seminal novel justice." - The i

"Richly imagined and jaw-dropping drama" - The Times

"Viewers won’t be disappointed. Directors Koby Adom and Julian Holmes weave a clever and absorbing narrative that tackles socio-political issues such as love, personal responsibility and identity in a multicultural community." - NME