This City is Ours commissioned for third series ahead of series two premiere

This City is Ours, the award-winning hit drama created and written by Stephen Butchard and produced by Left Bank Pictures, has been commissioned for a third series ahead of series two launching on BBC iPlayer and BBC One on Sunday 25 October. Filming on the third series will take place primarily in Liverpool in 2027.

• Watch This City is Ours series two from Sunday 25 October, add to your Watchlist

Series one launched on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in March 2025 to critical acclaim and received BAFTA Television Award nominations for Best Drama and Leading Actor (James Nelson-Joyce). The series has attracted an average of 6.3 million viewers to-date, with the first episode seeing more than 8.4 million viewers - more than quadrupling its initial overnight figure of 1.9 million. Almost three million people streamed the series finale ahead of its BBC One transmission that May.

The much anticipated second series will be available on BBC iPlayer from Sunday 25 October, and will air Sunday and Monday nights at 9pm on BBC One from this same date. James Nelson-Joyce - who won the Best Breakthrough Talent Award at the RTS North West Awards 2025 for his role in This City is Ours - returns as Michael Kavanagh, alongside Hannah Onslow as Diana Williams, Michael’s partner.

Joining This City is Ours for series two are Shaun Evans (Until I Kill You, Endeavour) as former gangster Ozzie Thompson, recently out of prison, and Álvaro Morte (Money Heist, Immaculate, The Wheel of Time) as Felipe. Returning cast for series two are Jack McMullen as Jamie Phelan, Mike Noble as Banksey, Julie Graham as Elaine Phelan, widow of murdered gang leader Ronnie (Sean Bean), Laura Aikman as Rachel Duffy, Kevin Harvey as Bobby Duffy, Saoirse-Monica Jackson as Cheryl Crawford, Darci Shaw as Melissa Sullivan, Adam Abbou as Freddie, and Bobby Schofield as Bonehead.

Picking up from where things were left at the end of series one, series two starts with Michael and Diana having 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.

On the commission of series three, Stephen Butchard, creator, lead writer and executive producer says: “Following the quite breathtaking response to series one, myself, the cast and our wonderful crew were all determined not to drop the ball and endeavour to deliver an even better series two! No spoilers, but I’m hoping this fantastic early commission from the BBC for a third series is an indication that we may have come close to doing just that! Many, many thanks to Lindsay Salt, Jo McClellan and all at BBC Drama for their never-ending support. And of course, sincere thanks to all who have watched, embraced and spread the word. I hope you enjoy series two as much as we enjoyed making it - can’t wait to do it all over again!”

Rebecca Hodgson, executive producer at Left Bank says: “Left Bank are thrilled to be getting the This City is Ours family back together. The world that Stephen Butchard has created is so special and one that we all love spending time in. Our amazing cast and crew, led by lead director Saul Dibb, have stuck with us for two series, and it’s testimony to their talent that we have been commissioned for a third series. We are very grateful to Lindsay Salt and Jo McClellan at the BBC for continuing to believe in us and for wanting more. We can’t wait for our audience to see series two and then series three!”

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama adds: "We're delighted to share that This City is Ours will return for a third series. Stephen Butchard and the team at Left Bank have built a world filled with ambition, authenticity and heart that has been embraced by millions. With series two still to come this weekend, there's so much for viewers to look forward to."

This City is Ours is produced by Left Bank Pictures for BBC iPlayer and BBC One. The new 8 x 60 series was commissioned by Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, for BBC iPlayer and BBC One. The series is created by Stephen Butchard, who again serves as lead writer on series three. The third series will be executive produced by Charlotte Moore, Rebecca Hodgson and Sian McWilliams for Left Bank Pictures, Stephen Butchard, and Jo McClellan for the BBC. Sony Pictures Television distribute This City is Ours internationally.

Casting details for series three will be announced in due course.

MB

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