Stormzy has been cast as a newspaper editor in the forthcoming adaptation of Malorie Blackman's book series Noughts & Crosses, which is currently being filmed in South Africa.

The MOBO Award winner will play newspaper editor Kolawale, a new character created especially for the show, and will appear in one episode of the six-part drama.

Stormzy joins the previously-announced Jack Rowan (“Peaky Blinders”) who plays Callum and newcomer Masali Baduza who stars as Sephy Hadley. Helen Baxendale, Paterson Joseph and Ian Hart will also appear.

The 2001 book is set in a world divided by race, where black people ("Crosses") are the rulers and white people ("Noughts") are the underclass. The book was an instant success among young adults when it came out and won multiple book awards.

"As a diehard fan of Malorie's novels, being a part of this important show is a dream come true," Stormzy said in a statement.

Blackman added:

"The first time I met Stormzy he was a huge fan of my Noughts & Crosses series of books. I'm thrilled he will now be a part of the Noughts & Crosses TV production. It's so exciting!"

This won’t be Stormzy’s first foray into the acting world, as he also appeared in Noel Clarke’s 2016 film Brotherhood.

ITV-owned “Victoria” producer Mammoth Screen is making the show for the BBC. ITV Studios’ sales arm is handling distribution and will take the series out internationally.

IMAGE CREDIT: Xavi Torrent/WireImage