Ted Lasso Star Toheeb Jimoh Heads BBC’s ‘Open Water’ With ‘Snow White’s Dujonna Gift!

Toheeb Jimoh, known from the Emmy-nominated series Ted Lasso, and Dujonna Gift from the upcoming Snow White, have been cast as the leads in the BBC’s television adaptation of Caleb Azumah Nelson’s acclaimed debut novel, Open Water.

Jimoh takes on the role of Marcus, who balances his retail job with aspirations of becoming a photographer. Gift portrays Effie, a dance student at a university in Dublin. Their meeting sparks an instant and profound connection. However, Marcus soon discovers that Effie is involved with his friend Samuel, a complication he chooses not to challenge.

Jimoh received an Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Sam in the hit Apple TV series Ted Lasso. Although Gift is new to television, she appeared as Maple, the best friend of Snow White, in the 2025 Disney live-action film.

Alongside Jimoh and Gift, the cast includes Rhianna Dorris (Lockwood & Co.), Lamar Waves (The Tower), Nadine Marshall (Random), Henrietta Pearl Quartey, Hope Ikpoku Jnr (Top Boy), Sekou Diaby (Animol, Boarders), Tara Tijani (Death in Paradise), Enva Lewis (How To Have Sex), Nash Nørgaard (Death of Ivan Ilyich), Stevie Odu (Boiling Point), Renee Bailey (Call The Midwife), Jayden Fowora Knight (The Nutcracker and the Four Realms), Janina Elkin (The Queen’s Gambit), Sherise Blackman (Bridgerton), Matthew Dunster (Coronation Street), Neve McDonnell (G’wed), Javier Bonaparte, Beaux Bryant (Stolen Dreams Redemption) and Mo Sesay (The Diplomat).

Announced by the BBC two years prior, this series adapts a novel that quickly became one of the most talked-about of its time, with Azumah Nelson not only adapting his work for the screen but also directing. His second novel, Small Worlds, has also caught the attention of Brock Media.

Azumah Nelson shared his enthusiasm, stating, “The journey of transforming Open Water from a novel into a series has been incredible, with a team of exceptionally talented people. This type of love story is seldom seen on screen, and the passion from our cast and crew has been palpable. I am eager for viewers to see our creation.”

Jimoh expressed his excitement about the project, remarking, “This has been a dream role for me. The story of Marcus, penned by Caleb, captured my heart instantly. It’s a beautifully nuanced love story, rich with characters and set in the South London where I grew up. I am thrilled to be part of this production and can’t wait for everyone to see it.”

Open Water is a production collaboration between Mam Tor Productions, supported by Banijay, and B-Side Productions, set for release on BBC iPlayer and BBC One. The series was greenlit by Lindsay Salt, BBC Drama Director. Banijay Rights is managing international distribution. Azumah Nelson leads the project as writer and director and serves as executive producer alongside Tally Garner of Mam Tor Productions, Matimba Kabalika of B-Side Productions, and Rebecca Ferguson from the BBC. The series is produced by Karlvyn Dove, with an original score composed by renowned musician Cassie Kinoshi.