Forbidden love leaps off the pages
When Malorie Blackman’s Noughts & Crosses was published in 2001, it was a huge hit, and young readers have turned her series of books into cult classics.
There are elements of Romeo and Juliet to the tale about a world where black people – Crosses – rule, while their white neighbours – Noughts – are the underclass. Racial tension constantly hangs in the air.
The series, filmed in South Africa, centres on Callum (Jack Rowan) a Nought, who starts a forbidden romance with his childhood friend Sephy (Masali Baduza).
Callum lands a place as one of the few Nought recruits to a military training school and Jack spent time at a real facility before starting filming as an outsider within the ranks.
He said: “When we got on set, there were 100 other young lads told to not talk to me. You’re in this soldier’s uniform and it’s hot and everyone’s giving you dirty looks. But that sense of isolation works for the character so I embraced it.”
While Callum is hiding a cross culture romance, his older brother Jude, played by Josh Dylan, doesn’t avoid conflict, allying himself with the Liberation Militia lead by Dorn (Shaun Dingwall).
Josh said: “He’s a bad boy in many ways but he’s not just the psychopath, the racist, the angry young man. Callum and Jude are very different and go their separate ways, but he’s a very rich character.”
The Noughts & Crosses books have high profile fans. Jay Z’s Roc Nation are involved in the production, and British music star Stormzy, who has a guest role in the final episode.
While Jack has a CV any young actor would love, he admits to being in awe of Stormzy.
He said: “I’m 22 now he’s only like 25. He was cool to work with, a lovely guy. It was one of his favourite books that touched him when he was younger. He’s really respectful and kind.”