
BBC fans beg for season 2 of 'best crime dramas in years'
BBC fans have begged for one of 'the best crime dramas in years' to be renewed for season 2.
Dubbed the 'Scouse Sopranos', the eight-part thriller stars Sean Bean as a Liverpool drug kingpin whose decision to retire kicks off a battle between Michael (James Nelson-Joyce) and his son Jamie (Jack McMullen).
But, as fans of This City Is Ours gear up for what is shaping to be a thrilling finale tonight, rumours of a second season have begun circulating.
Starring Derry Girls actress Saoirse-Monica Jackson and Gavin and Stacey's Laura Aikman, fans of the show previously hailed its 'brilliant' acting and 'excellent plot twists'.
Now, viewers are demanding that the saga of the Liverpool-based Phelan family continues.
Taking to X, @IndeedItsMark said: 'Absolutely brilliant series. If this is not picked up for a second series then it's a travesty.'
@DWyattHupton added: 'This City is Ours on the BBC is one of the best TV series I've seen in years. It's absolutely outstanding from start to finish.
'If you love crime drama, then this is elite. Do yourself a favour and get on it ASAP.'
@stuartcrfc1939 also wrote: 'Just finished this city is ours – Waow! Unbelievable show! Hopefully a second series! No idea what to watch next.'
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Bean said he wants the show to have a 'long future'.
'There's not been anything like it before and I'm very pleased that I have been a part of it. I want it to have a long future – everyone involved in it deserves success,' he said.
Writer-creator Stephen Butchard offered a slightly different perspective, however, stating that he was commissioned to write eight episodes and 'did not call it 'Series 1'.'
He added: 'This City is Ours could never have been, say, a film because I would not have had the chance to develop the characters, and they are all important to me. I don't sit there saying, 'Oh this plot will be developed further in series two or three and so on'.
'I set out to write a fantastic story from episode one to episode eight – a tale of real life and real emotions where families are dragged deeper into confrontation.'
The series follows Jamie who plans to cut Michael out of their gang, however Michael has problems of his own as he falls in love with Diana Williams (Hannah Onslow) and tries to start a family with her using IVF.
Then, after a shipment bringing cocaine from Columbia goes missing, the separate storylines slowly descend into chaos as the gang realise their drug empire is under attack.
Writing a review on Google, James F Manning said: 'This is a brilliant crime drama. James Nelson-Joyce is brilliant as Michael Kavanagh, the right-hand man of Ronnie Phelan who is head of one of the most powerful crime families in Liverpool.
'Saorise-Monica Jackson, after seeing her in comedies, it's nice to see she can do serious roles as well.'
Fellow fan Simon added: 'Wow! Way more to this than I expected and such an exciting edge of your seat watch. Excellent story and plot twists. Acting from all of the cast is top notch. Highly recommended!'
Jacqui Reddey also said: 'WOW WOW fantastic acting. Kept me on the edge of my seat, haven't shouted at the TV in a long time!
'Watched three episodes and had a row with hubby about watching the next one but it was one in the morning. Just brilliant.'
In March it was revealed that the gangland drama has boosted Liverpool's economy by £9,000,000 following an investment from Liverpool City Region's Production Fund (LCR), its city council has confirmed.
The cast and crew of This City Is Ours spent 17 weeks filming in Liverpool, creating around 300 jobs for local people and supporting 17 trainees and two apprentices.
Steve Rotheram, mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: 'The LCR Production Fund isn't just bringing millions into our local economy—it's opening doors for local people, giving them life-changing opportunities and helping them get a foot in the door of the industry.
'By backing projects like This City Is Ours, alongside the world-class talent and infrastructure we've got here, we're making sure our region isn't just part of the conversation.'
Gavin and Stacey star Laura also spoke with the Metro about nailing a Liverpool accent, despite being born in London.
She said: 'I've got an ear for accents, but I'm very aware that this is one of those accents that if you get wrong, you'll never hear the end of it from Scousers so I was slightly scared.
'Everyone was really kind about respectfully telling you if you got a sound wrong or whatever, they would let you know.' More Trending
Describing the series, she added: 'It's like [Succession] in that battle for power, between all of these people who have previously been really close.
'It's interesting to see how quickly they can turn against each other under certain circumstances.'
The BBC is yet to confirm whether or not there will be a second series.
View More »
This City is Ours is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Got a story?
If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
MORE: Doctor Who just made best move ever resurrecting its most controversial story
MORE: Dragons' Den star shuts down business after 'most painful year of my life'
MORE: BBC viewers brand 90s one-hit wonder 'strange choice' for VE Day performance
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


BBC News
8 minutes ago
- BBC News
Actor arrested by police on set of TV show Rivals
An actor has been arrested on a set while filming the TV show Rivals, the BBC Adams, 45, was arrested by Avon and Somerset Police at Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire, where he was filming a scene for the TV Adams, of Locking in North Somerset, is accused of assaulting a woman at an address in Weston-super-Mare on 31 May and appeared at Bristol Magistrates Court on 6 June. He was released on conditional bail and is due to attend Bristol Crown Court on 7 July.A spokesperson for Happy Prince, the production company for Rivals, said: "On 4 June, the police visited the set regarding an unrelated matter involving a supporting artist." Rivals is a Disney+ show, starring David Tennant, Danny Dyer and Emily Atack and based on the Jilly Cooper production company added: "Production co-operated with the police. We do not have any further information as it is not connected to Rivals or to our production."


Daily Mirror
21 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
King Charles heart-breaking last words to Prince Philip hours before his death
King Charles once revealed the poignant and emotional last conversation he had with his father Prince Philip just hours before he died. Philip, who was born on this day in 1921, passed away in 2021 at the age of 99, seeing out his final peaceful days surrounded by his family in Windsor Castle. In a BBC documentary film celebrating the life of the late royal, King Charles reminisced on the last conversation he had with his father the day before he died, highlighting his quick wit and cheeky sense of humour. During the intimate interview, Charles recalled how he gently broached the subject of Philip's upcoming 100th birthday and suggested a party, knowing it was something his dad was not that excited about. Knowing his elderly father was hard of hearing, he clarified what he was talking about as he spoke loudly to Prince Philip, emphasising: 'We're talking about your birthday! And whether there's going to be a reception!' To which Charles said Philip replied sharply, without missing a beat: "Well, I've got to be alive for it, haven't I?" Charles then said: "I told him 'I knew you'd say that!'" Despite Philip's morbid sense of humour and candid comments about his morality, King Charles said the conversation made for an unforgettable and happy memory with his dad. According to royal expert Katie Nicholl and her 2022 book, The New Royals: Queen Elizabeth's Legacy and the Future of the Crown, the father and son shared another touching moment before his death in April 2021. Nicholl said that it was during one of their last visits together that Philip made a special request of the heir, as she wrote: "Charles got time with his father as well and Philip told him, 'Whatever you do, promise me you will take care of your mother.' Charles was very emotional.'" Following Philip's death, then-Prince Charles paid a loving tribute to his father, telling reporters outside his Gloucestershire estate of Highgrove: "As you can imagine, my family and I miss my father enormously." He described his father as "a much-loved and appreciated figure and apart from anything else, I can imagine, he would be so deeply touched by the number of other people here and elsewhere around the world and the Commonwealth, who also, I think, share our loss and our sorrow". He said: "My dear papa was a very special person who I think above all else would have been amazed by the reaction and the touching things that have been said about him and from that point of view we are, my family, deeply grateful for all that. It will sustain us in this particular loss and at this particularly sad time." In the days after his death, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, also spoke to parishioners outside a church service, making her own comments about the death of Prince Philip, while assuring the congregation that the royal passed away peacefully. She told the members of the Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge in Windsor: 'It was right for him. It was so gentle. It was just like somebody took him by the hand and off he went. Very, very peaceful and that's all you want for somebody isn't it? So, I think it's so much easier for the person that goes than the people that are left behind.' Today marks what would've been Prince Philip's 104th birthday, with the royal born on June 10th 1921 in Corfu, Greece. In February 1947, Philip took his mother's maiden name of Mountbatten while renouncing his rights to the Greek and Danish throne. In November the same year, Prince Philip married Queen Elizabeth at Westminster Abbey, with the royal couple going on to have four children: King Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward. Be first to get the biggest royal bombshells and exclusives to your phone by joining our . We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Or sign up to the to get all the biggest royal news and exclusive pictures, straight to your inbox.


Wales Online
39 minutes ago
- Wales Online
EastEnders' Colin Salmon says soap is in a 'good spot' as new boss takes over
EastEnders' Colin Salmon says soap is in a 'good spot' as new boss takes over t was announced in September 2024 that Chris Clenshaw - whose final episode credit will air on Friday - is leaving the BBC One soap Colin Salmon (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron ) EastEnders star Colin Salmon says the show is in a "good spot" amid a new Executive Producer taking over. It was announced in September 2024 that Chris Clenshaw - whose final episode credit will air on Friday (13.06.25) - is leaving the BBC One soap after three years as its head, and Ben Wadey, the programme's former Story Editor, will be replacing him. Chris created "mind-blowing plot twists and devastating real-life storylines" - with many coming in 2023, such as the return of Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins), the award-winning Loving and Losing Lola plot which saw Danielle Harold depart as her alter ego Lola Pearce, who died of a brain tumour. Chris also introduced the Knight family, who took over the Queen Vic, making them the first black and mixed heritage family to run a pub on any UK soap. And Colin - the head of the Knights - says Ben is taking at a high point for EastEnders. Speaking to The Mirror, he said: "I have always been a fan. There's great writing, we all work really hard. Article continues below "I think the authenticity of the humour of the East End, it's that you get stuff thrown at you and go, 'Oh that's fine, we'll deal with it', and then it all comes crashing down later, like in life. We're in a very good place with the show and it's fantastic for us." Colin's on-screen wife Harriet Thorpe (Elaine Peacock) said Ben's creativity and collaborative nature will build on Chris' success. She added: "Ben is wonderful. He's creative, collaborative and that's all you need." EastEnders features a diverse cast, and Colin said Ben's focus will be for the younger actors to be in the spotlight more. He teased: "It's great, we watch the show, we learn, we collaborate. It's nice to see the youngsters coming forward. They're all brilliant, amazing actors." Ben is returning to EastEnders from Channel 4 where he was a Commissioning Executive, overseeing Hollyoaks and a number of original dramas, including Generation Z. He originally worked at EastEnders as the show's Story Editor, and he worked on the soap's 35th anniversary in 2020, as well as a special episode that focused on Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) as she struggled with her alcoholism. Speaking about his new role as Executive Producer, Ben said: "I'm thrilled to be returning to EastEnders at such an exciting time for the show. "Having grown up watching and loving EastEnders, it sparked my passion for television, and I feel I've known the residents of Walford my entire life – so to lead this iconic BBC soap into its next chapter is a true privilege. Article continues below "I can't wait to collaborate with the exceptional team at EastEnders and build on Chris Clenshaw's brilliant work to deliver unmissable stories to fans - both those who have been watching for years and those just discovering Albert Square."