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One Of The Stars Of The BBC’s This City Is Ours Talks Series Two
Still Torn Between Two Worlds
The BBC’s This City Is Ours, its acclaimed gangster series, returns for a second series soon and here’s one of its stars James Nelson Joyce on the new run…
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’s this other side of his life, where he’s 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’s 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’s 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’re proud of the show. There’s been a lot of people from across the world reaching out asking “where is this location?”, or “where is that restaurant?”. It’s 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’s the people, we’re a unique breed, and we don’t pretend to be something we’re 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.
Here’s the second series trailer too
