BBC This City Is Ours season 2 update confirmed after 'phenomenal' ratings
BBC This City Is Ours season 2 update confirmed after 'phenomenal' ratings
The BBC drama has been a huge hit with viewers and the broadcaster has now confirmed it will be back for a second series
The BBC has confirmed the return of This City Is Ours for an eagerly anticipated second season. Set in Liverpool, the crime drama features James Nelson-Joyce as the lead character Michael Kavanagh, who is torn between maintaining his criminal empire and experiencing love for the very first time.
Since its premiere on March 23, the series has garnered a large following with fans quickly devouring all eight episodes made available on iPlayer from the release date.
For those who've shown restraint and followed the weekly schedule, the climax of series one aired on Sunday night. Recognised as the BBC's most popular new drama launch this year, the series has enjoyed both critical acclaim and social media buzz, with many calls from viewers for a second season even before today's official confirmation.
BBC Drama's director, Lindsay Salt, expressed her delight at the audience reactions and hinted at more surprises in the developing warfare for control of Ronnie Phelan's criminal organisation.
This City Is Ours is returning with a second series
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Lindsay Salt commented: "This City is Ours was one of our team's first commissions when I joined the BBC, and I could not be happier with how Stephen [Butchard], Saul [Dibb] and the Left Bank team have brought it to the screen so classily.
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"The response from viewers has been a joy to see, with millions discovering its thrilling, character-driven drama for themselves to become gripped by the raging war of the Phelans.
"I'm delighted that we now get to build on this fantastic first run and show that things are only just getting started for this very special series."
The creator of the programme, Kirkby's own Stephen Butchard, is eager to continue the saga of Michael Kavanagh and Jamie Phelan (portrayed by Jack McMullen), reports the Liverpool Echo.
Butchard shared his enthusiasm: "We have all been blown away by the incredibly positive response to This City is Ours, I can't thank the audience enough for their time and emotional investment."
He also expressed gratitude towards the BBC Drama team: "My heartfelt thanks also to Lindsay Salt and her wonderful team at BBC Drama for their unflinching support and continued belief in the show, our story and our characters - and not least for this opportunity to do it all over again! See you soon!".
Filmed within the Liverpool city region, This City Is Ours is set to return to Merseyside for its next instalment, much to the excitement of its production company, Left Bank Pictures. Sian McWilliams, Creative Director at Left Bank Pictures and executive producer of the series, commented: "We are so delighted to be diving back into Stephen Butchard's brilliant underworld of Liverpool crime with our wonderful collaborators at the BBC.
The show proved to be hugely popular
(Image: BBC/Left Bank Pictures/James Stack )
"It's been a joy to watch audiences fall in love with these fantastically complex characters. After the tumultuous events of the season one finale, the gang rivalries and betrayals have escalated to new levels, new ones have just begun, and there is a lot of unfinished business!".
In anticipation of the season premiere, Walton-born star James Nelson-Joyce shared his aspirations for the series to honour his city. The 36 year old actor, who also featured in this year's A Thousand Blows alongside Stephen Graham, remarked: "It's a love letter to Liverpool, in a way.
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"The city looks absolutely stunning and I'm just really proud of it" he continued. He concluded: "I hope the city watches it and it's something they're proud of. That's all I hope for."
All eight episodes of season one are now available to watch on iPlayer. Further information about series two will be announced in due course.
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