BBC Children’s and Education and New Pictures (an All3Media Company) has revealed the cast and a first look at the upcoming series CRONGTON, a new ten-part comedy-drama for BBC iPlayer written by the award-winning writer and comedian Archie Maddocks and based on the best-selling British novels by Alex Wheatle.

With a focus on nurturing homegrown talent from across the UK, CRONGTON held an open casting call on social media for underrepresented young actors. Samson Agboola plays Lemar ‘Liccle Bit’ Jackson, with Nielle Springer as Venetia King, Noah Cox as Mckay Tambo, Seyi Andes-Pelumi as Jonah ‘Rapid’ Hani, Safia Hamad as Saira Alzuhur, Sophie Spatariu as Juniper Petrescu and Bobby North as ‘Boy from the Hills’.

The series also stars Seraphina Beh as Elaine, Bunmi Osadolor as Manjaro and Savannah Steyn as Mo. Supporting the cast are Kelle Bryan, Sutara Gayle and Toussaint Meghie, with appearances from Eddie Kadi, Michelle de Swarte and Munya Chawawa.

CRONGTON is an adaptation of the modern classic book series by Alex Wheatle, adding to the BBC’s established legacy of backing the best of British storytelling. CRONGTON KNIGHTS, the second book in the series, won The Guardian’s Children’s Fiction Prize 2016 and is widely read in schools across the UK.

CRONGTON (10 x 25’) chronicles the lives and journeys of a group of young people living in a thriving, multicultural community in a fictional urban housing estate, as they navigate the complexities of social politics, peer pressure and identity while trying to forge a place for themselves within a world full of possibility and littered with danger.

Shot through with irreverent humour and featuring animated fantasy sequences, it’s a joyful, energetic ride through the trials and tribulations of growing up, a celebration of the kind of community you only find on an estate, and a look at how you come to terms with the darkness of the world around you when you’re on the cusp of childhood and adulthood.

CRONGTON writer Archie Maddocks said: “I’m so excited for people to see the quirky, mad world of CRONGTON that we've created. Every single cast member is fire, but then again, I’m also in the cast and definitely drag the team down, but I’m sort of proud of that? Allow me - I can’t wait for everyone to see the show”

Author Alex Wheatle added: “It was wonderful to meet the CRONGTON cast, especially the young actors. They brought to vivid life characters right in front of me that I had carried in my head for years.”

Sarah Muller, Senior Head of Children’s Commissioning 7+, BBC Children’s and Education said: “CRONGTON is a brilliant example of unique British storytelling and a lens through which young people can understand the world around them. The characters in the books spill off the page in their vibrant portrayals of the trials and tribulations of growing up – so it’s a real joy to have such a talented bunch of rising stars bringing these stories to life.”

Imogen O’Sullivan, Executive Producer commented: "We’re privileged to be working with such an extraordinarily talented cast and crew to bring Alex and Archie’s world to life, and are thrilled to share a first look at their amazing work in action. We can’t wait to introduce the madcap world of CRONGTON, and the highs and lows of our fantastic Liccle Bit, Venetia and the gang, to a legion of new fans on the BBC."

CRONGTON is produced by Joanna Hanley (Phoenix Rise), directed by Ethosheia Hylton (Boarders), and executive produced by Imogen O’Sullivan (Champion), Elaine Pyke (No Escape), and Willow Grylls (The Long Shadow). Aisha Bywaters cast the series. Alongside Archie Maddocks, episodic writers include Athena Kugblenu (Horrible Histories), Thara Popoola (Sex Education), Willow Mirza (A Town Called Malice), with story contributions from Alex Wheatle, Haleema Mirza (Secret Invasion), and Cherish Shirley (Everything I Know About Love).

The series was commissioned by Sarah Muller, Senior Head of Children’s Commissioning 7+ and the commissioning editor is Amy Buscombe for BBC Children’s and BBC iPlayer. CRONGTON is produced by New Pictures in association with All3Media International, which has exclusive worldwide distribution rights. The series will air later this year on BBC iPlayer.