My Name is Leon cast: Who is starring in new BBC show?
BBC ONE’S adaption of Kit de Waal’s novel, My Name is Leon, will soon arrive on your screens.
It is a touching story about a nine-year old mixed-race boy called Leon who’s on been taken into car and is now looking into bringing his family back together.
Who is in the cast of My Name is Leon
Cole Martin as Leon
Youngster Cole Martin will be taking on the role of Leon in his first ever TV appearance.
The actor is still making his way into the film industry having only featured in Witness No. 3 so far, as Kyle.
Sir Lenny Henry as Mr Johnson
Sir Lenny Henry will portray the role of Mr Johnson, a gardener at the allotment Leon visits.
He is also the executive producer of the movie and he said: “It is my honour to be part of the squad bringing Kit De Waal’s My Name is Leon to BBC Television.
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“I discovered the book whilst performing the audio book and was so moved on the first day’s work what I rang my office at lunch time and said, ‘We’ve got to try and do this.’
“Thankfully, after five year, we’ve pulled it together with a great writer (Shola Amoo), director (Lynette Linton), cast and crew.
“I can’t wait to see the results.”
Malachi Kirby as Tufty Burrows
The former Eastenders stars will take on the role of Tufty Burrows, a boy Leon meets at the allotment.
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He told the BBC, “It’s rare, in my experience, for projects such as this to be made and even more rare to be seen, so I’m really excited and grateful to be part of it.”
In his role, Malachi will introduce Leon to a new insight into race politics despite his age.
Monica Dolan as Maureen
Monica Dolan will be one of the women helping Leon to reunite his family.
She’s excited and honoured to be taking on the role in the new BBC production: “Rarely do you get the chance even to read a script of such heart, soul and wisdom as Shola’s.
“And it could not have come at a more appropriate time.
“I am thrilled and privileged to be working with such a great cast and to be part of Lynette Linton’s TV debut.”
Olivia Williams as Sylvia
Olivia Williams will portray Sylvia in the new film.
She is Maureen’s sister and is also helping Leon on his mission to get his family back together.
Sylvia said: “The film is a real challenge for me.
“The subject matter has deep resonance, and my character is both grotesque and very real.
“I’m so excited to be involved.”
Christopher Eccleston as Mr Devlin
Mr Devlin, portrayed by Christopher Eccleston, is a gardener at the allotment Leon is going in.
He is seen as one of the father figures at the allotment but he is not what he always seems to be.
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Poppy Lee Friar as Carol
The role of Leon’s mother, Carol, will be portrayed by Poppy Lee Friar.
Viewers will notice that something is not right with Carol, who after she gives birth to Leon’s baby brother, Jake, instead of cradling him, goes out to have a cigarette, as said in the book.