This City is Ours viewers receive 'best news' as BBC confirms show's return
This City is Ours is returning to the BBC with a second series, the broadcaster has confirmed.
The crime drama was created and written by Stephen Butchard and made by Left Bank Pictures, with filming taking place in the north west of England, including Liverpool and Bolton.
It tells the story of Michael (James Nelson-Joyce) and Diana's (Hannah Onslow) love affair, set against the disintegration of Michael's crime gang.
For years, together with his friend Ronnie (Sean Bean), Michael has successfully been bringing cocaine into the City and beyond, using his close links with the Marbella underworld; but when a shipment goes missing, he knows their kingdom is under attack.
This City explores what happens when Ronnie's son Jamie (Jack McMullen) decides he wants to inherit the kingdom over Michael and the subsequent battle for control.
Episode one of the series has been watched by over 6.6 million people so far, more than tripling its initial overnight figure of 1.9 million.
Announcing the news, BBC iPlayer's official Instagram account shared: "The secret's out! This City Is Ours will return for a second series! 👏 All Michael knows is crime, until he falls in love. Now he has something to lose - but how far will he go to keep it? #ThisCityIsOurs".
One fan commented: "Best news I've heard today 👏".
Another shared their excitement: "Fantastic drama with so much acting talent! Absolutely loved it ❤️".
This person said: "The ending of series one pointed to another series! Made up 👏👏👏 excellent drama."
A second series of This City is Ours is confirmed but a release date has not yet been announced.
While viewers wait for more details about the release date, those who haven't watched the series before can catch up with all episodes on BBC iPlayer.
Stephen Butchard, This City is Ours creator, lead writer and executive producer says: '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.
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'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!'
Sian McWilliams, creative director at Left Bank Pictures and executive producer on This City is Ours, said: 'We are so delighted to be diving back into Stephen Butchard's brilliant underworld of Liverpool crime with our wonderful collaborators at the BBC.
'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!'
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