The second series of BBC drama Noughts + Crosses has revealed new cast members and a gallery of first-look images, ahead of the drama’s return to BBC One and iPlayer this Spring.

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 promises to bring the iconic, forbidden love story between Sephy (Masali Baduza) and Callum (Jack Rowan) to its epic conclusion.

Announced today, the actor, rapper and comedian Michael Dapaah will star as Mensah, a powerful and well-known TV personality whose influence stretches far across Albion. Mensah has a fractious relationship with his onscreen co-host, Chidi Abara, who will be played by the comedian, presenter and Strictly Come Dancing star Judi Love.

Michael Dapaah says: “Joining the series was a honour, especially because of how renowned Malorie Blackman’s novels are and what they represent. I enjoyed watching season one and I’m a fan of director Koby Adom’s previous work. For me it was time to properly enter the world of acting and this was a great introduction for me. I wanted to show people and myself that I can play a role which isn’t so heavily comedic and can do so much more, and I found this character Mensah really entertaining, which is always a bonus.”

Michael and Judi can be seen in character for the first time in the twelve new images released today, alongside returning cast members Masali Baduza, Jack Rowan, Helen Baxendale, Paterson Joseph, Bonnie Mbuli, Jonathan Ajayi, Josh Dylan and Kiké Brimah, plus Noughts + Crosses newcomer Jasmine Jobson (Top Boy) as Cara.

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

Filming took place in South Africa and the UK. The series will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer soon.

Series one of Noughts + Crosses is available to stream in full 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, heart-breaking 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