This City Is Ours Season 2: Filming Kicks Off With Major New Cast Additions!

Get ready for more gritty drama from Liverpool! Filming for This City Is Ours Season 2 has officially begun, and we've got exciting news about some familiar faces joining the already brilliant cast of BBC's breakout crime hit.

TL;DR: Here's the Scoop on This City Is Ours Season 2

This City Is Ours Season 2 is now officially filming in and around Liverpool, with additional scenes being shot in Spain.
Shaun Evans (of Endeavour fame) and Álvaro Morte (from Money Heist) are joining the ensemble as pivotal new characters.
The new eight-part season picks up right where Season 1 left off, promising even more high-stakes gangland tension and personal drama.

If you were hooked by the intense, street-smart crime drama of This City Is Ours last year, you're in for a treat! The BBC series, which quickly became the broadcaster's biggest new drama of the year, is officially back in production for its second season. And it’s not just returning faces we’re excited about – two major actors are stepping into the fray, guaranteeing an even more electrifying ride.

The Star-Studded Ensemble Just Got Even More Thrilling for Viewers

The biggest news buzzing around the set is the addition of two incredibly talented actors to the cast. Get ready to welcome Shaun Evans and Álvaro Morte!

Shaun Evans: Best known for his iconic role as the young Endeavour Morse in ITV's Endeavour (and also seen in Until I Kill You), Evans is stepping into a very different kind of character. He'll be playing Ozzie Thompson, a former gangster who’s just been released from prison. Ozzie is described as an "old school gangster" from the era of Ronnie (Sean Bean's character from Season 1) and he's back with a clear demand: compensation from the firm. This sounds like he'll be shaking things up significantly in Liverpool's criminal underworld!
Álvaro Morte: If you've watched Netflix's global phenomenon Money Heist (where he played The Professor) or Amazon's The Wheel of Time, you'll recognize this charismatic Spanish actor. Morte joins as Felipe Guzman, a crucial new antagonist. Felipe is a member of the powerful Colombian cartel and, significantly, the younger brother of Ricardo, who was brutally murdered at the end of Season 1. Felipe is coming to Liverpool (and Spain) looking for answers and retribution for his brother's death, which will undoubtedly drag Michael and Diana back into the dangerous fold.

These two additions promise to bring fresh layers of complexity and intense new rivalries to the already gripping narrative. Imagine the tension as Ozzie tries to reclaim his past and Felipe seeks vengeance!

Familiar Faces Are Back for More High-Stakes Gangland Action

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Of course, you can't have This City Is Ours without its core characters. We're thrilled to confirm that many of your favorite stars are returning to reprise their roles, continuing the saga of loyalty, betrayal, and survival in the crime-ridden streets of Liverpool and beyond.

The returning cast members include:

James Nelson-Joyce as Michael Kavanagh
Hannah Onslow as Diana Williams, Michael’s partner
Jack McMullen as Jamie Phelan
Mike Noble as Banksey
Julie Graham as Elaine Phelan, Ronnie's widow
Saoirse-Monica Jackson as Cheryl Crawford
Also returning are Adam Abbou, Laura Aikman, Kevin Harvey, and Darci Shaw.

Seeing this talented ensemble back together is exciting, especially with the added dynamic of the new characters. Their performances in Season 1 were a huge reason for the show's success, and we can't wait to see how they navigate the escalating conflicts.

Unpacking the Intense Plot and Storylines for the Second Season

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Season 2 is set to kick off right where the explosive Season 1 finale left us. The official synopsis hints at immediate trouble for our protagonists, Michael and Diana, who had hoped for a fresh start.

"Picking up from where things were left at the end of series 1, Michael and Diana have barely arrived in Spain when they are dragged back into the fold to answer questions around Ricardo’s death. Back in Liverpool, tensions continue to bubble amongst the remaining members of the gang. Meanwhile, an old school gangster from Ronnie’s era, recently out of prison, wants compensation from the firm."

This means we'll see Michael and Diana grappling with the fallout from Ricardo's murder, possibly trying to evade suspicion or deal with the cartel's demands. The reappearance of Ozzie Thompson adds another layer of complication, as he'll be looking to settle old scores and demand his due, further destabilizing the already fragile power dynamics within the Liverpool gang. Expect a gripping narrative that explores new power struggles and tests Michael's efforts to balance his criminal life with his relationship and personal aspirations, including the challenges they face with fertility treatment that were hinted at in the first season.

Behind the Scenes: Locations, Creative Minds, and Production Details

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Just like its inaugural season, This City Is Ours Season 2 will be filmed extensively in and around Liverpool, capturing the vibrant and distinctive atmosphere of the city that creator Stephen Butchard describes as "really handsome" and "friendly." This local authenticity was a huge part of what made the first season so engaging, earning it the nickname "Scouse Sopranos."

Adding to the international flair, additional filming will also take place in Spain. This makes perfect sense, given Michael and Diana's attempted escape there and the Colombian cartel's involvement, visually expanding the scope of the show beyond its UK roots.

Stephen Butchard, the mastermind behind the series, returns as the lead writer, ensuring the show maintains its distinct voice and sharp storytelling. Saul Dibb, who helmed the first season, is back as lead director, joined by Chris Baugh for additional episodes. Sony-owned Left Bank Pictures is producing the series for BBC iPlayer and BBC One, with Sony Pictures Television handling international distribution. The quality of the creative team behind the scenes promises a show that's as meticulously crafted as it is dramatic.

Could Sean Bean Make a Surprise Return to This City Is Ours?

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Fans of Sean Bean were undoubtedly shocked when his character, gang leader Ronnie Phelan, met an untimely end in just the second episode of Season 1. But don't count him out entirely just yet! James Nelson-Joyce, who plays Michael Kavanagh, has publicly expressed his desire to see Bean return.

"I was fighting for a flashback episode in season 2 set before season 1, so that Bean could return."

— James Nelson-Joyce on RadioTimes.com

While there's no official confirmation, the possibility of flashbacks to Ronnie's era, perhaps shedding more light on Ozzie Thompson's past or the origins of the gang, is certainly intriguing. For now, it remains a hopeful wish, but we'll be keeping our eyes peeled!

When Can We Expect to See More of This Gripping BBC Drama?

With filming now underway, everyone's wondering when we can dive back into the world of This City Is Ours. While an exact release date hasn't been set, some reports indicate that Season 2 is "expected to air in early 2026." Given that Season 1 premiered in March, a similar timeframe next year seems plausible. We'll be sure to update you as soon as an official release schedule is announced!

In the meantime, if you need to catch up or refresh your memory on all the twists and turns, all episodes of This City Is Ours Season 1 are readily available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

Why This City Is Ours Continues to Be a Must-Watch Drama Series

The first season of This City Is Ours truly resonated with audiences and critics alike. It was dubbed by some reviewers as the "Scouse Sopranos" and attracted an average of 5.8 million viewers, with its opening episode pulling in over 6.6 million or even 7.8 million viewers depending on the source, making it the BBC's most-watched new drama launch of the year. Creator Stephen Butchard noted he was "blown away by the incredibly positive response" and thanked the audience for their "emotional investment."

The show managed to blend intense criminal activity with surprisingly lighter, viral moments, like Sean Bean leading a charge of golf buggies to "Ride of The Valkyries" or the cast's line-dancing scene to "The House of Bamboo" that spawned countless imitations online. This unique blend of grit, humor, and heart is what sets it apart, offering a fresh take on the crime drama genre.

With its compelling storylines, complex characters, and the exciting addition of Shaun Evans and Álvaro Morte, This City Is Ours Season 2 is shaping up to be another unmissable television event. Get ready to witness new power struggles, deeper personal stakes, and the same vibrant, visceral storytelling that captivated us all in its first outing!

Frequently Asked Questions About This City Is Ours Season 2

Where can I watch This City Is Ours Season 1?

All episodes of This City Is Ours Season 1 are currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer in the UK.

When is This City Is Ours Season 2 expected to be released?

While an official release date hasn't been confirmed, Season 2 is currently filming and is expected to air in early 2026.

How many episodes will be in This City Is Ours Season 2?

The second series of This City Is Ours will consist of eight hour-long episodes, matching the length of the first season.

Who are the new cast members joining This City Is Ours Season 2?

Shaun Evans (as Ozzie Thompson, an ex-gangster) and Álvaro Morte (as Felipe Guzman, a Colombian cartel member and Ricardo's brother) are the main new additions to the cast for Season 2.

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