This City Is Ours, a new BBC One gang drama, takes audiences deep into the life of criminal Michael Kavanagh, portrayed by the up-and-coming actor James Nelson-Joyce. In this gritty portrayal, Kavanagh navigates the dangerous underworld while entangled in a complex romantic relationship with Diana Williams, played by the talented Hannah Onslow.
James Nelson-Joyce, a native of Liverpool, is in his mid-30s, embodying the struggles and aspirations of a working-class upbringing. His road to acting was not straightforward; he candidly shared that he left school without qualifications due to undiagnosed dyslexia. In an interview with YMLiverpool.com, Nelson-Joyce reflected on how he stumbled into the acting world: “It was a bit of luck really. I was just a normal kid, playing football and that. I fancied my English teacher and the only way I could get her attention was by putting on an accent when she’d ask someone to read aloud in class.” He admitted that at the time, he felt uncomfortable reading because of his dyslexia, but he was willing to put himself out there for attention.
His early struggles did not hinder his talent; the same English teacher who recognized his potential later encouraged him to pursue his passion at The City of Liverpool College. Nelson-Joyce's first notable performance came in 2017 when he took on the role of James Yates, a teenage gang member in the drama Little Boy Blue. Following this breakthrough, he showcased his talent in other productions such as The Outlaws and Time, before stepping into the role of gang leader Ronnie in This City Is Ours alongside renowned actor Sean Bean.
A chance encounter with acting veteran Stephen Graham at a Nando's restaurant became a pivotal moment in Nelson-Joyce's career. He recounted the experience: “I went over and said ‘I’m a big fan, I’ve just left drama school and you’ve been really inspiring.’ He was with his wife and I thought I better leave them to it. His wife came back over to me and went ‘here’s my email let me know when you’re in stuff and we’ll watch out for you.’” This serendipitous moment not only led to inspiration but established a connection that would blossom in the future.
Three years later, when they were cast together in Little Boy Blue, Nelson-Joyce was given another chance to reconnect with Graham. “Three years later when we sat down for the read-through of Little Boy Blue, Stephen was just looking at me and he mouthed ‘you’re that lad from Nando’s,’” he recalled. “He mouthed to me ‘boss that lad,’ and put his thumbs up.” Graham offered mentorship to Nelson-Joyce, encouraging him to pursue larger roles, and even introduced him to his agent—providing a significant boost to a budding career.
In his personal life, James has been romantically linked to jazz singer Olivia Frances Brown, who is a regular companion at his public appearances. Their relationship seems to be a loving one, often seen together at premieres, and Nelson-Joyce frequently appears on her Instagram profile. This wholesome glimpse into his life stands in contrast to the tumultuous world his character Michael Kavanagh navigates.
This City Is Ours captivates audiences as it presents not just a story of crime and relationships but also serves as a platform for Nelson-Joyce’s personal narrative of overcoming obstacles. The series is set to air on March 23, 2025, at 9 PM on BBC One, bringing together both seasoned viewers and newcomers drawn to the rich storytelling enveloping the lives of complex characters.
