EXCLUSIVE: The BBC is returning to its adaptation of Alex Wheatle’s book Crongton Knights after shelving the series amid sexual misconduct allegations against actor and producer Noel Clarke.
Clarke was overseeing an adaptation through his Unstoppable Film & Television outfit, but the project has now transferred to The Long Shadow and Champion producer New Pictures.
New Pictures is adapting the novel for CBBC, the British broadcaster’s kids channel. Archie Maddocks, a writer and comedian, has penned the scripts. The BBC and New Pictures declined to comment.
Crongton Knights centers on McKay, who has experienced the hardship of his mother’s death and his father working all hours to keep the bailiffs from the door.
Having strayed off his turf on a mission to help out a girl, McKay finds himself facing a friend’s crazy ex-boyfriend, a group of kids on a power trip, and a violent gangster with a vendetta close to home.
The book gave rise to a Crongton series, written by Wheatle, who was a subject of Steve McQueen’s BAFTA-winning Small Axe series after transforming his life following the 1981 Brixton riots.
The BBC halted all work with Clarke in 2021 after The Guardian published claims from more than 20 women about his alleged inappropriate behavior. Clarke vehemently denied wrongdoing and is currently pursuing legal action against The Guardian.
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