Ted Lasso's Toheeb Jimoh and Snow White's Dujonna Gift Lead BBC's 'Open Water' Adaptation

Toheeb Jimoh and Dujonna Gift have been cast as the leads in the BBC’s adaptation of Caleb Azumah Nelson’s novel Open Water, according to Deadline. The series, which was unveiled by the BBC two years ago, will be adapted and directed by Nelson himself.

Jimoh, Emmy-nominated for his role as Sam in Apple TV+'s Ted Lasso, will play Marcus. Gift, who played Maple in Disney's 2025 Snow White adaptation, will play Effie. Marcus works in retail while trying to develop a career as a photographer. Effie is studying dance at university in Dublin. The two feel an immediate connection, but Effie is in a relationship with Marcus's friend Samuel, creating a boundary he is unwilling to cross.

What is the story about?

The series follows Marcus and Effie, whose lives intertwine through a shared project photographing and documenting Black creatives in London. The adaptation explores the tension between their burgeoning friendship and a powerful mutual desire.

Who else is in the cast?

The project features a large supporting cast. Joining Jimoh and Gift are Rhianna Dorris (Lockwood & Co.), Lamar Waves (The Tower), Nadine Marshall (Random), Hope Ikpoku Jnr (Top Boy), Sekou Diaby (Boarders), Tara Tijani (Death in Paradise), and Sherise Blackman (Bridgerton), among others.

Author and director Caleb Azumah Nelson shared his excitement for the project. “The process of bringing Open Water from page to screen has been amazing, and I’ve found some truly outstanding collaborators,” he said. “We rarely see love stories like this and everyone, from crew to cast, has put their whole heart into this production to make it happen.”

Jimoh called it a “dream project.” He said, “I fell in love with Marcus and Caleb’s story immediately. It’s such a sensitive, character rich, love story, delicately told and full of all the details of the south London I grew up in.”

Open Water is a production of Mam Tor Productions and B-Side Productions for BBC iPlayer and BBC One. Banijay Rights will handle international distribution.