Veteran actor Sean Bean has expressed enthusiasm for the new BBC drama This City Is Ours, which premieres on March 23, 2025. The series follows Michael (played by James Nelson-Joyce), a man deeply entrenched in organized crime, whose life takes a dramatic turn when he falls in love with Diana (Hannah Onslow) for the first time. The narrative unfolds against the collapse of Michael's crime gang, heavily involved in smuggling cocaine from Colombia.
As the plot thickens, Bean's character Ronnie, Michael's mentor, faces retirement amidst rising threats from rival gangs. Bean, reflecting on his latest role, highlighted the strong bond amongst the cast, many of whom he had worked with previously, and praised writer Stephen Butchard’s crafting of the narrative, promising viewers a top-tier crime drama.
Bean recounted, “For years, together with his friend Ronnie, Michael has successfully been bringing cocaine into the city and beyond, directly from Colombia; but when a shipment goes missing, then he knows their kingdom is under attack.” His character, Ronnie, is portrayed as an aging patriarch grappling with his legacy in a chaotic crime world.
Not only is This City Is Ours a tale of crime and ambition, but it also examines the impact of love and family ties within this tumultuous environment. “I can promise fans of crime dramas that this series takes it to another level,” Bean stated in a recent interview. The series also lays its framework in the vibrant city of Liverpool, which Bean called a place full of welcoming people who contribute positively to any film production.
“It is a special place and has been good to me and it has a special place in my heart,” he emphasized, noting the city’s character adds richness to the storytelling.
Throughout the filming, locations around Liverpool including Hope Street, Exchange Flags, and Ormskirk Road were utilized, showcasing the city’s stunning backdrop. Nelson-Joyce, in a recent Q&A session, described the project as a “love letter to Liverpool,” reflecting pride in the representation of the city.
The series not only tells a gripping story but also contributes economically; according to the Liverpool Film Office, it has provided a £9 million boost to the local economy due to the substantial investment from the Liverpool City Council’s Film Office.
Lynn Saunders from the Liverpool Film Office praised the production, stating, “This City Is Ours is a fantastic example of how the LCR Production Fund has worked to not only draw in production but bring great benefit to the local economy.”
The series begins airing weekly episodes every Sunday at 9 pm on BBC One with the complete series available on BBC iPlayer starting from the first episode’s launch on March 23. Fans and viewers alike can look forward to a tale rife with drama, emotional depth, and the struggles of loyalty in a self-destructive world.
In this exciting new venture, viewers are set to witness a captivating performance from a stellar cast including Jack McMullen as Jamie Phelan, Ronnie's ambitious son, and Julie Graham as the strong matriarch Elaine Phelan. As their family navigates through the rising tension rooted in power struggles and betrayal, the drama promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Alongside the main storyline, the motivations of each character will unfold as they grapple with familial bonds and personal dreams. Michael’s quest for a more stable life, fuelled by his relationship with Diana, is counterbalanced by the chaotic ambitions of Jamie, who is intent on taking the reins from his father.
Ultimately, This City Is Ours seeks to explore complex themes of power, ambition, and the delicate interplay of love amidst chaos. As viewers tune in to the initial broadcast, many are left eagerly anticipating what the characters’ complex journeys will unveil in future episodes.
The series, with its strong production and compelling writing, clearly reflects the vibrant culture of Liverpool while intertwining gripping storytelling that resonates with audiences will undoubtedly be a major highlight of BBC's programming.
