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 25-year-old grime star will play editor Kolawale, a character created especially for the TV series. He will have a guest role in one episode of the six-part drama
Noughts & Crosses is described as a "gripping story of first love in a dangerous, alternate world where racism divides society" based on the 2001 book where black people ("Crosses") are the rulers and white people ("Noughts") are the underclass.
The cast also includes Peaky Blinders star Jack Rowan, and newcomer Masali Baduza.
Stormzy has called Blackman a "childhood hero" and said the Noughts & Crosses series were "still my favourite books of all time". The artist is a known supporter of literature, having partnered with Penguin Random House to create the imprint #Merky Books, which aims to help young writers become established authors.
Blackman spoke at the launch of #Merky BOoks last year, alongside hip hop artist and author Akala, and poet Benjamin Zephaniah.
"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!"
Executive producer Preethi Mavahalli said: "As an icon of black British culture, we are honoured to have Stormzy play a part in this adaptation of a novel hes such a fan of."
Stormzy was announced in November last year as one of the three headliners at Glastonbury Festival 2019. He will be joined by fellow headliners The Cure, and The Killers.
