This City Is Ours Season 2: Filming Underway & New Cast Revealed

Good news, crime drama fans! Filming has officially kicked off for the second series of the BBC's gritty hit, This City Is Ours, bringing back our favorite conflicted characters and introducing some seriously dangerous new blood.

TL;DR: The Quick Scoop on Season 2

Filming for This City Is Ours Season 2 is now underway in Liverpool and Spain.
Shaun Evans (Endeavour) and Álvaro Morte (Money Heist) are joining the cast as formidable new characters.
Michael and Diana are pulled back into the underworld after Ricardo's death, facing fresh threats from old-school gangsters and vengeful cartel members.

Why "This City Is Ours" Season 1 Grabbed Everyone's Attention

If you were one of the millions who tuned into This City Is Ours Season 1, you already know why this news is so exciting. The first series, which premiered on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in March, wasn't just a hit – it was a phenomenon! It became the BBC's biggest new drama launch of 2025 to date, pulling in an average of 5.8 million viewers. The opening episode alone reached an incredible 7.8 million viewers across all platforms, with nearly three million people streaming the finale ahead of its TV broadcast. Talk about a word-of-mouth success story!

Critics and audiences alike absolutely raved about the show, with some even calling it the "Scouse Sopranos." That's high praise, and it was well-deserved. Creator and lead writer Stephen Butchard managed to capture the raw energy and "vibrancy" of his native Liverpool, crafting a crime drama that felt both authentic and utterly gripping. He's previously mentioned being "blown away by the incredibly positive response" and couldn't "thank the audience enough for their time and emotional investment."

Beyond the intense gangland battles and moral ambiguities, the series also delivered some truly memorable, lighter moments that went viral. Who could forget Sean Bean's character, Ronnie Phelan, leading a charge of golf buggies to "Ride of The Valkyries," or the cast's unexpected line-dancing scene to "The House of Bamboo"? These moments, while surprising, only cemented the show's unique charm and broad appeal, showing its blend of family drama, criminal enterprise, and northern swagger.

"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, Saul and the Left Bank team have brought it to the screen so classily. 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."

— Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama

The Story Unfolds: Where Michael and Diana Pick Up in Season 2

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Season 2 is set to kick off right where we left off, plunging us straight back into the aftermath of that explosive Season 1 finale. Michael Kavanagh (James Nelson-Joyce), the conflicted gangster at the heart of the story, and his partner Diana Williams (Hannah Onslow) had barely managed to escape to Spain. But as anyone who's tried to leave the criminal underworld knows, it's never that simple.

They're quickly dragged back into the fold, forced to answer some serious questions surrounding the death of Ricardo, who was brutally murdered at the end of the first series. Meanwhile, back in Liverpool, the gang Michael left behind is bubbling with tensions. Old loyalties are fraying, and a new power vacuum is creating chaos, setting the stage for even more thrilling and high-stakes drama. Can Michael and Diana truly escape their past, or will the city always pull them back?

Familiar Faces Returning to the Gritty Liverpool Underworld

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We're thrilled to see many of our favorite cast members reprising their roles, diving back into the complexities of Liverpool's criminal landscape. James Nelson-Joyce is back as Michael Kavanagh, continuing his struggle to balance his dangerous life with his relationship with Diana Williams, played again by Hannah Onslow. Their dynamic, caught between love and the illicit world, remains a core tension of the show.

Also returning to navigate the treacherous waters of the gang are:

Jack McMullen as Jamie Phelan
Mike Noble as Banksey
Julie Graham as Elaine Phelan, the strong-willed widow of the murdered gang leader Ronnie (originally played by Sean Bean)
Saoirse-Monica Jackson as Cheryl Crawford
Adam Abbou as Freddie
Laura Aikman as Rachel Duffy
Kevin Harvey as Bobby Duffy
Darci Shaw as Melissa Sullivan

And for those wondering about Sean Bean's character, Ronnie Phelan, who famously met his end in Season 1 (a fate not unfamiliar to Bean's characters!), there's a glimmer of hope. James Nelson-Joyce has actually expressed his desire for a flashback episode in Season 2, which could potentially bring Bean back to the screen. Fingers crossed for that!

Dangerous New Blood: Introducing the Formidable New Cast Members

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Season 2 is really upping the ante by introducing two incredible new additions to the cast, each promising to bring fresh challenges and intense drama to the Liverpool underworld. Get ready to meet:

Shaun Evans as Ozzie Thompson: You might know Evans from his acclaimed role in Endeavour, and now he's stepping into a completely different kind of character. Ozzie Thompson is a former gangster, an "old school" figure from Ronnie Phelan's era, who has just been released from prison. His return isn't a quiet one; he's back and he wants compensation from the firm, believing he's owed for his past loyalties and losses. His presence will undoubtedly shake things up, bringing a new, dangerous dynamic to the already volatile gang tensions.
Álvaro Morte as Felipe Guzman: Best known globally as 'The Professor' from Money Heist, Morte is set to play Felipe Guzman, a member of a powerful Colombian cartel. Felipe isn't just any cartel member; he's the younger brother of Ricardo, whose murder at the end of Season 1 is a central mystery. Felipe is on a mission for vengeance, seeking answers and retribution for his brother's death. His arrival expands the show's scope, introducing international criminal connections and escalating the stakes beyond Liverpool's streets. Michael and Diana will definitely feel his presence as he comes looking for answers.

These two new characters, with their distinct motivations and backgrounds, are poised to create even more gripping conflicts, threatening Michael and Diana's fragile peace and the stability of the entire criminal network.

Behind the Scenes: The Talented Crew Bringing the Drama to Life

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The success of This City Is Ours isn't just about the on-screen talent; it's also a testament to the brilliant minds working behind the cameras. Stephen Butchard, the show's visionary creator, continues his role as lead writer for the eight-part series. He's joined in the writing room by Robbie O'Neill, who penned an additional episode for this season.

The acclaimed Saul Dibb, who helmed much of Season 1, returns as the lead director, ensuring that the show maintains its distinctive gritty realism and atmospheric visual style. Chris Baugh will also be directing episodes, bringing his unique touch to the series. Production duties are handled by Sony-owned Left Bank Pictures, a powerhouse in British drama, with Andy Harries, Rebecca Hodgson, and Sian McWilliams serving as executive producers from Left Bank, alongside Butchard, Dibb, and Jo McClellan for the BBC.

Filming is taking place in and around the vibrant city of Liverpool, truly capturing the essence of the setting, with additional crucial scenes being shot in sunny Spain. This dual location shoot highlights the expanded geographical scope of the series, reflecting the international connections of the criminal underworld explored in Season 2. Simon Maloney is back as the series producer, with Nathan Juckes returning as the block two producer. And for fans around the globe, Sony Pictures Television will be handling the international distribution, making sure This City Is Ours reaches audiences worldwide.

The Future is Bright (and Gritty) for This Exceptional Crime Drama

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With its proven track record of critical acclaim and massive viewership, This City Is Ours Season 2 is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated returns to British television. The addition of talents like Shaun Evans and Álvaro Morte, combined with the compelling plot of revenge, old debts, and escalating gang tensions, promises a series that will be even more thrilling and complex than its predecessor.

The show has been praised for reinvigorating the British crime drama genre, blending intense action with deep character development and a unique sense of place. It manages to explore themes of loyalty, family, and the impossible choices individuals are forced to make within a criminal lifestyle. As filming gets into full swing, expectations are sky-high for this special series to cement its status as a must-watch drama. Get ready to be gripped once again!

Frequently Asked Questions About "This City Is Ours" Season 2

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When will "This City Is Ours" Season 2 be released?

While filming is currently underway, an official release date for This City Is Ours Season 2 hasn't been announced yet. Stay tuned for updates, but typically, after filming begins, shows can take several months to a year for post-production and scheduling.

Where can I watch "This City Is Ours" Season 2?

Just like the first series, Season 2 of This City Is Ours will air on BBC One and be available to stream on BBC iPlayer in the UK. For international viewers, Sony Pictures Television is distributing the series, so keep an eye out for local announcements on where it will be available in your region.

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

The second series of This City Is Ours will consist of eight episodes, matching the length of its critically acclaimed first season.

Will Sean Bean return as Ronnie Phelan in Season 2?

Sean Bean's character, Ronnie Phelan, was famously killed off in Season 1. While there's no official confirmation of his return, actor James Nelson-Joyce has expressed hope for a flashback episode in Season 2 that could potentially feature Bean. So, while unlikely in a main role, a cameo isn't entirely out of the question!

What is the plot of "This City Is Ours" Season 2?

Season 2 picks up immediately after the first, with Michael and Diana dragged back from Spain to address questions around Ricardo's death. Back in Liverpool, tensions among the gang members are high. Meanwhile, an old-school gangster, Ozzie Thompson, just out of prison, demands compensation from the firm, and Ricardo's brother, Felipe Guzman of the Colombian cartel, seeks vengeance for his murder.

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