麻豆社

Picking up from where things were left at the end of series one, Michael and Diana are more in love than ever when they arrive in their Spanish Happy Town.

However, they are soon dragged back into the world of crime to answer questions around Ricardo鈥檚 death, and there鈥檚 a new Colombian to deal with now - Felipe.  

In Liverpool, a coup within the Phelan firm sends the business into disarray, and to make matters worse, there鈥檚 a new threat in town - Ozzie Thompson. A newly-released old-school gangster from Ronnie鈥檚 past, he is out looking for compensation or revenge, whichever comes first.

Michael keeps a low profile as his investigation into Ricardo鈥檚 murder leads him into difficult territory, with no choice but to devise a plan that hinges on Diana鈥檚 cooperation, testing her loyalties more than ever before.

As Banksey鈥檚 son Freddie forms an unlikely friendship with Ozzie and the Phelan鈥檚 begin exploring business opportunities with a new supplier, more enemies lurk in the shadows. Michael may have no choice but to once again join forces with the Phelans, but that goes against everything he has promised to Diana. Will Michael be able to keep the love of his life if he can鈥檛 escape his past?

MB

Meet the This City is Ours Series 2 Cast and Creatives

James Nelson-Joyce (Michael Kavanagh)

For those coming to This City is Ours for the first time, can you introduce Michael? 

Michael is a very complex character; he's torn between two worlds. One is with the love of his life, Diana (Hannah Onslow), and with them hopefully starting a family, and then there鈥檚 this other side of his life, where he鈥檚 involved in crime. 

What can viewers expect from series two?

At the end of the first series Michael had decided that he wanted to choose a life with Diana, and they left for Spain. At the beginning of series two, that鈥檚 where we find them, in Happy Town, and it's picture-perfect. Then something happens that drags Michael back to Liverpool, and once again, he has to choose between Diana and his other life - he鈥檚 a complex mix of ruthless and vulnerable.

What was your reaction when you first read the scripts for series two?

I was just desperate to read the next one. Each episode was left on a cliffhanger, and we didn't know what was going to happen next. When I read the script for the final episode, I was shocked!

What is it like filming your hometown?

Filming in Liverpool again has been amazing. The city, now that they've seen the series, welcomed us with open arms and they鈥檙e proud of the show. There鈥檚 been a lot of people from across the world reaching out asking 鈥渨here is this location?鈥�, or 鈥渨here is that restaurant?鈥�. It鈥檚 a great opportunity for us to show the city, and everything it can offer, to even more to the world. I'm so, so proud of the series. 

What makes Liverpool unique as a filming location for the series? 

We've got beautiful architecture, the river, all the natural parks, the docks, but then we've also got areas that are not so gentrified - it's a very working-class city. I'd describe it as the New York of the UK. It looks stunning on camera. 

What do you love most about Liverpool? 

It鈥檚 the people, we're a unique breed, and we don鈥檛 pretend to be something we鈥檙e not. We treat people the way we want to be treated, and we have a plethora of culture coming from this city. You've got actors, musicians, footballers, and artists. Also, we love life. We know how to have a party. We stick together. We're fun, warm, happy people. I'm so proud to be a Scouser.  

Hannah Onslow (Diana Williams)

How would you describe Diana? 

Diana is Michael's (James Nelson-Joyce) partner. She isn't in the gang, she's very much a civilian. She's resilient, strong, and also quite damaged from her traumatic past. Diana wants to start her life again, and build a whole world for herself, so she can move on, but it's very hard for her. 

 Where do we find Diana at the start of series two? 

Series one ended with Michael and Diana leaving the gang - Diana's pregnant, and Michael knows her secret. She's hoping that they can begin their life and start again. Series two starts with Diana and Michael in Spain, where they were both hoping to start afresh and begin their life together, but it all very quickly goes very wrong鈥�

What can viewers expect from series two?

For me, series two is all about consequences. The consequences of people's decisions and how your past will always sneak back up, how you can't run away from what you've done and the decisions that you've made, how you can go in one direction with your life, or you can go in the other, but it's your choices that ultimately define you. In this series, we really see that come into play. 

What (Creator and Lead Writer) Stephen Butchard has done is just incredible, and I don鈥檛 think viewers will expect what's coming, none of us really knew where the scripts were going. We had all these predictions, but none of them were right! He continues to surprise us, so I was really delighted when I read the scripts for the new series. What he's done with Diana is really incredible, and it was really exciting for me as an actress to delve into that. 

How does the power shift in series two? 

We see a lot of people who are used to being in power lose their power, and we see a lot more vulnerability from those that are usually in control. As a result, we see how they deal with feeling vulnerable and the choices that means they make because of that. 

Is there a moment in series two you're especially excited for audiences to see? 

I'm really excited for people to meet Felipe (脕lvaro Morte). He really rocks things for Diana and Michael鈥� I think people are going to love him and also hate him!

What was it like filming back in Liverpool?

The architecture of the city is amazing, and the culture in Liverpool is so unique and special. The city is beautiful and I think the show really captures that. Also, the people are so warm and have really taken the show into their hearts. Because people had seen the first series when we started filming the second one, it was quite a different experience this time round, because people really loved it. They're so excited about it, and really proud that this has come out of their city. 

Also, I've never been somewhere where there's such unity - if one person wins, the whole of Liverpool wins. The community is so strong, everyone knows each other, and everyone is rooting for each other. People are really proud to be from Liverpool, and I can see why, because it's so special.  

Jack McMullen (Jamie Phelan)

For those coming to This City is Ours for the first time, how would you introduce Jamie and what can you tease for this series?

Jamie is the son of Ronnie (Sean Bean), who 鈥� spoiler alert - was murdered by Michael (James Nelson-Joyce) in the first series. Jamie sees himself as the heir to his father's empire, but Michael has different ideas, and so begins the battle for power between the two. 

I think in series one, Jamie was lost, but I think heading into series two, this feels like Jamie鈥檚 moment to pick up and take over from his dad. So viewers can expect a more ruthless, more relentless, and more ambitious Jamie. This series certainly feels exciting, tense, and it never lets you off the hook. But it's also got heart, you find yourself caring for these people, who do horrible things. 

What is it like filming your hometown?

This is one of those jobs that just ticks every box. I've been friends with James Nelson-Joyce, Bobby Schofield (Bonehead), and Mike Noble (Banksey) for a long time, and to get to do a job like this at home in Liverpool and experience it with the local people is so special. 

The response that we've got has just blown me away. That was one of the things that was most important to us at the beginning - we're making a show that's about the city, for the city, in a way. When we were shooting series one, I was thinking about how it was going to be received by the people of Liverpool, and the response has been nothing but positive.

What makes Liverpool unique as a place to film? 

Visually, it's so different - it's got so many different areas of architecture. You've got the docks, and then in contrast you've got the Georgian Quarter. So many different productions film in Liverpool because it doubles for different parts of the world. The series shows a real range of locations, visually, and that's something that I've not seen. I haven't seen Liverpool shot like this before.

What do you love about Liverpool?

The people. And for me, it's home, it's always going to be my home, no matter where I am. There's a buzz around it, you feel like anything's possible there. That comes from the attitude and the personality of the place and the people. 

Julie Graham (Elaine Phelan)

For those coming to This City is Ours for the first time, how would you describe Elaine? 

Elaine is matriarchal, and she's very loyal. At the beginning of series two, she is bereaved - her husband, Ronnie (Sean Bean) was murdered, and she's been betrayed. I would describe her as an iron fist in a velvet glove. 

What can viewers expect from series two of This City is Ours?

It鈥檚 a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat story about family, succession, betrayal, love, family, all the good stuff, all the big stuff! It carries on from series one, but it's much bolder, and there are lots of twists and turns. 

At the beginning of series two, the gang are very fractured, they鈥檙e not together anymore, and so people are at different stages of their grief, betrayal or anger, and that makes for a recipe for vengeance. Everybody has their own agenda, and they're willing to see that agenda through to the end. 

What I love about Stephen Butchard's writing is that when you start reading the scripts, you can't put them down. 

How does the power shift in series two? 

The power dynamics in series two are very different from those in series one because the characters have been split into two different factions.

What I love about the episodes and the writing is that the power dynamic shifts all the time. It shifts backwards and forwards, and then this new character, Ozzie Thompson (Shaun Evans), comes in, and he鈥檚 a real catalyst that drives a lot of the narrative throughout series two. He鈥檚 also got his own agenda - you're not quite sure where he stands and whose side he's on鈥�

What was it like filming back in Liverpool?

Liverpool is my adopted home now. I think once you're in with the people of Liverpool and they accept you, they really welcome you with open arms. It does remind me a lot of my hometown, Glasgow - it's similar in its humour and people - very warm, very open. But you can't get away with anything in Liverpool, I was walking down the street one day, it wasn't sunny but I had my sunglasses on, and I got called out for it. That's the kind of city I love!

There's something magical about the city, it's a kind of alchemy. It's not surprising that some of the best music and art has come out of here. That's why people flock here to create.

Mike Noble (Banksey)

How would you describe Banksey?

Banksey is a very loyal, good friend and a single dad to Freddie (played by Adam Abbou). He鈥檚 a good father who also happens to sell drugs for a living. I think he'd be a really good neighbour - he'd put your bins away on collection day! But you wouldn't want to cross him!

Where do we find Banksey at the start of series two? 

As the new series starts, we pick up just a few days after where series one ended 鈥� with Banksey having just taken matters into his own hands. Banksey's chosen not to tell anybody what he's done, but obviously the news is out, and people want to get to the bottom of what's happened. Banksey鈥檚 storyline this year is dealing with the repercussions of his actions. 

What can viewers expect from series two?

There are more power struggles. Nothing was really resolved at the end of series one. In fact, more things were thrown in the air, and in series two, we find out what happens when those things land and hit the ground. 

How does the power shift in series two? 

The firm has fully fallen out and Michael (James Nelson-Joyce) is out of the picture. Everyone鈥檚 reached a deal about how they're going to go forward, but if we've learned anything about the characters from series one, it's that people aren't particularly good at keeping their word in this business. There's a shift, and there's a struggle over who's going to be the leader and call the shots. 

What was your reaction when you first read the scripts for series two?

I was really excited; it starts at a pace. We know who these characters are now, there's no need to introduce them. After reading that first episode, I was left wondering where the hell it was going to go because we go from zero to 100 really quickly. Stephen Butchard is a phenomenal writer, and the scripts have been so strong. There's lots of action, there's lots of drama, and it really pulls you along.

What was it like filming back in Liverpool?

I've absolutely loved filming in Liverpool, it was so great to be home. Filming series two was the longest I'd spent there since moving away when I was 19, and I've really fallen back in love with the place. It's great to be surrounded by fellow Scousers, and it's great to be working close to my family. I'm really, really proud of the series. 

Kevin Harvey (Bobby Duffy)

Where do we find Bobby at the start of series two?

At the end of series one, there鈥檚 a summit meeting with the Phelan crime dynasty, and Bobby is given control over the organisation, in tandem with Banksey (Mike Noble). At the opening of series two, Bobby is all set to execute his role as joint head of the crime family. He has a monumental struggle to maintain the power.

What was your reaction when you first read the scripts for series two?

My reaction was, 鈥淥h my God! Oh no, you didn't." It was a page turner, and we didn't get the scripts all at once. I just couldn't believe it. Gobsmacked. 

Are there any moments in series two that particularly stand out for you?

The scene I'm most excited for the audience to see in series two is where Bobby is pleading with his wife, Rachel (Laura Aikman), to try and get her to moderate her behaviour and be a little bit less ruthless. There are a lot of layers of love and history, and this yearning in Bobby to find or maintain his closeness to this family.

What do you love about Liverpool? 

The thing I love most about Liverpool is its very distinct character - Liverpool is a very grounded place and doesn't suffer fools. You go to some cities and you never know what you're going to get from one person to the next, but there is a uniformity with Liverpudlians, and everyone is so warm in many ways, which feels unique to Liverpool. 

Laura Aikman (Rachel Duffy)

For those coming to This City is Ours for the first time, can you introduce Rachel? 

Rachel - "Rachel from accounts鈥�, as the cast affectionately call her - is smart, she's brave, she's loyal, she's glamorous鈥� and maybe a little bit moody. 

Where do we find Rachel at the start of series two?

Rachel has been ignored by the men in the business for years. In series one she was just starting to get a seat at the table, and then she was pushed aside again. At the end of the first series, you saw her make a little side deal with Jamie (Jack McMullen). At the beginning of two, Rachel is angry! And she's ready to go. 

What can viewers expect from series two?

We're really dealing with the aftermath of series one - the Colombians are out for blood, we are finding out about what Banksey's (Mike Noble) done, Diana's (Hannah Onslow) is in danger. Rachel and Jamie are becoming more and more powerful. There are two new brilliant characters joining us too, who are going to throw the cat amongst the pigeons.

How does the power shift in series two?

This whole series is about shifting power, both in the business and in people鈥檚 relationships. We're going to see Michael (James Nelson-Joyce) more powerless than we've seen him before, and Rachel more powerful than we've ever seen her. But as is true to the show, power is always up for grabs.

What was your reaction when you first read the scripts for series two?

The scripts were so exciting, and Stephen (Butchard, Creator and Lead Writer) has written more of those hold-your-breath, edge-of-your seat moments. For Rachel, I desperately wanted for her to get more power, it felt like she was so unheard, and pent up with anger at being ignored, so that starting to happen for Rachel in series two was all of my dreams coming true for her. 

Are there any moments in series two that particularly stand out for you?

Rachel does a business deal behind her husband, Bobby鈥檚 (Kevin Harvey) back, and everyone tells him that he can't stay with her. There鈥檚 a scene between Kevin and myself where Rachel questions if her actions would be judged so harshly if she was a man. That scene was really satisfying and makes you examine who you鈥檙e rooting for and why. I think the viewers all root for Michael, as do I, when I'm watching the series. This is a man who we saw murder his best friend (Ronnie, Sean Bean), and at no point do we think Diana should leave him. We want Michael to win. But when Rachel does something far less catastrophic, she is judged harshly.

What's it been like filming in Liverpool again? 

It's been amazing; I love Liverpool. Getting to come back for the second series, after having spent so much time there for series one, it feels more like home.

Saoirse-Monica Jackson (Cheryl Crawford)

Where do we find Cheryl at the start of series two?

In series one, Cheryl was on a quest to find out what happened to her husband, Davey (Stephen Crawford). Early on, she had a fair idea, knowing the gang and knowing the world that she's part of. She wants the respect of being told the truth about the person that she loved. 

We meet her now, in series two, at a point where she knows what has happened and she's determined and very clear in who she is and in her opinions on Michael (James Nelson-Joyce) and the rest of the gang. Grief is such an interesting thing to explore as an actor. It gives Cheryl a lot of clarity and determination and bravery.

She was already quite a brave person, but she's really now at a place in her life where she doesn't have anything to lose. Stephen Butchard (Creator and Lead Writer) has done such a gorgeous job of turning that situation into power, instead of letting her freefall into it. I feel very grateful as an actress to get to play that. 

What can viewers expect from series two?

We pick up where we left off and the end of series one - the gang is fractured, and everybody has their separate journey in this second series. Everybody has a lot of wants and needs, and has a lot riding on whatever outcome that they're after.

The stakes are 10 times higher for Michael, and for a lot of the characters. Michael has a lot more on his plate and he has a lot more to lose between him and Diana (Hannah Onslow). It makes the whole series so much more dramatic, and I feel like knowing the characters from series one, and now getting to explore each one of them in more depth, just adds so much weight and excitement to the show. 

How does the power shift in series two?

Cheryl's power certainly shifts this series. Knowledge is power, and it certainly gives her power and strength, and she's out to get what she wants. Michael's in a vulnerable position, as are the rest of the gang, and the power has shifted to those outside the city. 

Can you talk a bit about Cheryl and Diana鈥檚 (Hannah Onslow) relationship? 

Their relationship has developed massively in series two. It's so lovely. They really have each other's backs and there's a lot of trust that's been built there. They've gone through a crazy amount together, and it might be a trauma bond friendship, but it's a friendship all the same. 

You live in Liverpool? 

I do, I love it! At home people often describe Liverpool as the 33rd county of Ireland. I just think the people are amazing. They're so warm and friendly, and really family focused, which just builds such a great community. The series reflects that - even with all the twists and turns and the toxic behaviour that happens, it's a family all the same. 

脕lvaro Morte (Felipe)

Can you introduce Felipe to us? 

Felipe is Ricardo's younger brother, and following his brother鈥檚 death at the end of the first series, he finds himself having to take control of the cartel, even though it鈥檚 not something he really wants. He鈥檚 also carrying a lot of pain connected to Michael, which will shape many of the decisions he makes and fuel a strong desire for revenge.

What did you think when you watched the first series?

I loved it. I thought it felt incredibly authentic, not only because of the story and the characters, but also because of the way it was shot. There鈥檚 something very simple yet incredibly powerful about the way the story is told. When I watched it, I knew it was a very special project, and I was genuinely excited to know that I was going to become part of this family.

What can viewers expect from series two?

I think the second series is a very natural evolution of the first. Everything that was already there grows: there鈥檚 more tension, the conflicts become more intense, and the characters find themselves facing even more difficult situations. There鈥檚 more suffering, but there are also some lighter moments.

I think if you enjoyed the first series, you鈥檙e going to enjoy the second even more.

What did you feel when you first read the scripts for series two?

I was incredibly excited. I loved discovering just how important Felipe was going to be in this series and the journey they had created for him. As an actor, being given a character like this, with so many layers and so much to explore, is a real gift. Knowing that I was going to share such a big part of this story with actors like James (Nelson-Joyce), Hannah (Onslow) and Saoirse (Monica Jackson), who are all brilliant, made me even more excited to get started. 

Darci Shaw (Melissa Sullivan)

Where do we find Melissa at the start of series two of This City is Ours?

I feel like Melissa has found a new strength. She makes it clear to Jamie (Jack McMullen) that he needs to change in order for them to be a family again and regain her trust. She wants to be more involved in making decisions and what exactly is happening in the business, and she isn't afraid of the consequences if it means her family is safe.

How does Melissa's story develop during the new series?

A lot happens within Melissa and Jamie鈥檚 relationship in series two, we see the power dynamic shifting, but also Melissa's recklessness in deciding to accept Jamie鈥檚 proposal. Despite knowing she is putting her and baby Alfie at risk, she feels able to move forward knowing she has more control and influence within the relationship and business. 

What was your reaction when you first read the scripts for series two?

I was so excited, the scripts couldn't come fast enough. The storylines this series are twisty and unexpected, and thoroughly entertaining. What the writers Stephen Butchard and Robbie O'Neill have achieved is amazing. Stephen is a master at building flawed and complicated characters, and the way the series two unfolds is just so good.

How have you found the reaction to series one, and what was it like filming in Liverpool again for series two?

To have someone stop you and say they enjoyed watching a series you are a part of is so lovely, and the response from Liverpool has made me really happy. Filming in the city for series two was definitely different 鈥� people were taking a lot more notice this time, which was funny. I love working on this series so much, and all the cast, crew and team behind it are amazing, talented people, I couldn't ask for more.

Stephen Butchard (Writer and Creator)

Can you set the scene for the start of series two?

At the end of Series One, Michael (James Nelson-Joyce) and Diana (Hannah Onslow) set off for a new life in Happy Town. Michael decided to walk away from the business, leaving Banksey (Mike Noble) and Duffy (Kevin Harvery) as custodians and leaders of the Phelan firm.

Naturally, Elaine (Julie Graham), Jamie (Jack McMullen) and, to an extent, Rachel (Laura Aikman), weren鈥檛 happy 鈥� especially with Duffy and Banksey鈥檚 apparent lack of ambition. Elaine and Jamie know that it was Michael who killed Ronnie (Sean Bean), and in the very last beat of series one, Banksey takes revenge on Ricardo by running him down with a car.

What are the key themes of series two?

A major theme this series is consequences 鈥� for every action, there is a reaction 鈥� the problem is that some reactions are predictable, but most are not. An action can quite often be considered as a domino 鈥� it topples, but that is the beginning and not the end. Again, we explore the delicious human emotions and truth of love, desire, greed, fear, anger, betrayal and the need for status and power.

Was there a greater sense of pressure writing the second series after the first series became a hit with viewers?

Going into series two, I knew that people had enjoyed spending time with our characters as much as I did when writing them. That helps. My job is then to ensure the characters remain true to themselves 鈥� there鈥檚 no real pressure there because that鈥檚 how I approach all my work.  The pressure comes in finding truthful events and plot 鈥� but I had wonderful jumping off points: Banksey killing Ricardo, Michael and Diana鈥檚 new life in Spain and the new hierarchy and internal politics of the Phelans. The pressure then does come in making sure that every moment in every episode matters.

Speaking of which, what did it feel like when series one became such a hit with both critics and the public?

The show being considered a hit was just fantastic. We knew we had all made something really good. We also knew that to an extent, the stars had aligned: we had the material, a brilliant crew who gave everything, a perfect cast - within days you couldn鈥檛 imagine anybody else playing those roles, and the city of Liverpool in all its glory. We hoped it would be well received 鈥� but I was really and absolutely blown away by the response. It鈥檚 a wonderful feeling.

I think it helps to know that viewers want to spend time with these characters and I鈥檝e really enjoyed that people are very open about having their favourites!

Can you speak to Shaun Evans and 脕lvaro Morte joining the cast for series two?

Shaun and 脕lvaro are magnificent additions to our cast. They have really embraced Ozzie and Felipe and brought so much depth and range of emotion and truth to those characters.

One of the beauties of filming a series is that you can be filming one block of episodes whilst still working on the next block. Watching Shaun and 脕lvaro work, talking to them and listening to them, really helped me grow these newer characters whilst they were shooting, and they鈥檙e incredibly talented actors.

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