Julie Graham Shines As Gangster's Moll In New Drama

In a new BBC crime drama set to captivate audiences, Scottish actress Julie Graham plays the role of a gangster's moll in the highly anticipated series This City Is Ours, drawing comparisons with the likes of Peaky Blinders and Line of Duty. At 59, Graham is thrilled to take on a character that promises to resonate with viewers. Set in Liverpool, the series follows the reign of a cocaine distribution operation run by a family that finds itself at a crossroads of loyalty, crime, and ambition.

Graham's character, Elaine Phelan, is married to the show's central figure, Ronnie Phelan, portrayed by the renowned Sean Bean, who is no stranger to gritty roles. Ronnie is portrayed as deeply involved in his family’s criminal enterprise but faces a crisis when a vital shipment from Colombia goes missing. Meanwhile, Michael, played by James Nelson-Joyce, also embodies the struggles of love and aspirations within the crime-laden context, further complicating the family's dire situation.

Julie Graham has described the series as a unique crime drama, stating, “It’s a crime drama like nothing else on TV. I know the cast all agree on that, too. It’s a drama series with mileage and longevity. There are eight episodes, and I would love to do more.” The Scottish actress highlights how the writing and character development keep audiences yearning for more, noting, “We couldn’t wait for the final scripts to arrive, we were all dying to know what happened next.”

The dedicated cast includes talents like Hannah Onslow from This Is Going To Hurt, Jack McMullen from Waterloo Road, and the villainous Laura Aikman from Gavin and Stacey. The series boasts a total of eight episodes, and Graham expresses optimism regarding its future after having a memorable shoot that spanned five weeks in a lavish Spanish villa emphasizing the high-stakes lifestyle of organized crime.

All episodes launched on BBC iPlayer at 6am this morning and will begin airing weekly on BBC One at 9pm, offering viewers new insights into a gripping world where family ties intertwine with criminal dealings. Graham expressed her excitement about portraying a strong female character, explaining, “Elaine is a wife and mother and that is what drives her before anything else. She is the heart of the Phelans. Family is everything to her and it comes before business and that is non-negotiable.”

As the plot unfolds, tensions rise within the family, primarily due to Jamie, her son, whose ambition threatens to derail the family business. “The question is, can he do it? The stakes are very high,” Graham elaborated, indicating the underlying conflicts that threaten the family unit. Furthermore, viewers will witness Ronnie's struggle against his longtime friends and eventual rivals, offering a dramatic exploration of family loyalty amid chaos.

On her character's essence, Graham reflected, “Elaine is well respected and does not suffer fools — and she calls the shots when she has to.” Elaine's strength and determination add a fresh dynamic to the series, setting it apart from typical portrayals of women in crime dramas.

Filming on location in Liverpool, Graham praised the city's vibrant culture, stating it provided a perfect backdrop for the narrative. She has deep admiration for Liverpool, having filmed there multiple times, commenting, “It is always a joy to film there, and of course the drama is called This City Is Ours — a very Liverpudlian trait.” Recognizing the city's character and welcoming spirit, Graham noted how the accents and the strong regional identity contribute to the show's authenticity. “I know that you get a real heartfelt welcome in Liverpool, and if the locals can help you then they go out of their way to do so.”

Sean Bean, who takes on the role of Ronnie, echoed Graham's sentiments about the show’s direction. He remarked, “This is different, though, as it is not from the police point of view, but from the villains’ perspective – we get to know why they do what they do.” Bean highlighted the depth of character exploration, suggesting that audiences may find themselves more intrigued by the villains than the heroes, saying, “Viewers will find the villains more interesting than the good guys.”

Bean holds high hopes for the project’s reception, predicting it will earn a special place in the crime drama realm. “I’m convinced it will become a classic piece of drama,” he noted confidently. It’s clear that both actors, alongside their talented cast, are committed to delivering a narrative rich with emotional conflict, not simply adhering to common tropes.

As the premiere date draws near, excitement is palpable among fans of gritty dramas craving something fresh. With its mix of familial bonds, ambitious characters, and high stakes, This City Is Ours aims to set a new standard in the genre, inviting audiences to root for characters who are, ultimately, flawed yet relatable.

As they join Elaine and Ronnie Phelan on their tumultuous journey, viewers are sure to question the very nature of morality in the context of love, loyalty, and crime. With the stage set for a gripping narrative, This City Is Ours promises to deliver a riveting viewing experience.