James Nelson-Joyce, the face of M&S Autograph, has revealed that even he struggles to buy one of the brand's most popular items in his home city. The 37-year-old actor, best known for his role as Michael Kavanagh in the BBC crime series This City is Ours, said M&S quarter zips are "always sold out" in Liverpool, forcing him to travel to Warrington to purchase them.
James, who became the official menswear ambassador for M&S Autograph last year, discussed the shortage during an appearance on the "Josh Smith's Great Chat Show" podcast. He was wearing a navy blue quarter zip at the time and told host Josh Smith: "I love the quarter zips. You go to the one in Liverpool, they're sold out. So I have to drive all the way to Warrington to pick up the t-shirts and the quarter zips."
Popularity among Scousers
Host Josh Smith noted the widespread appeal of the brand, saying: "We're in that age now where we are M&S obsessed. Every single person that I comes across [is wearing M&S] and you're the face of M&S Autograph." James responded: "All my mates are like 'M&S give us your discount' but I can't."
He added: "No I'm not lying, you can't get them for love nor money. Bit of a name drop but Wayne Rooney shops there and Jack Grealish."
M&S responds
Mitch Hughes, director of menswear at M&S, responded in the comments: "The team are sending more to Liverpool as we speak." Fans also shared their recommendations, with one writing: "Gemini Warrington is the one" and another saying: "Big up Gemini one ! Best one for clothes."
A third commenter said: "M&S is relevant now, and it's largely down to him and Ian Wright. Autograph have some proper nice clobber. Well thought out and well engineered pieces." Others suggested Cheshire Oaks and the Gemini retail park.
Return of This City is Ours
James will return to screens later this month for the second series of This City is Ours, which is based and filmed in Liverpool and centres around crime boss Ronnie Phelan (Sean Bean) and his right-hand man Michael. All episodes will be available on BBC iPlayer from Sunday October 25, with the series airing at 9pm on BBC One.
Series one, which launched in March 2025, received BAFTA Television Award nominations for Best Drama and Leading Actor (James Nelson-Joyce). It has attracted an average of 6.2 million viewers to date, with the first episode seeing more than 8.3 million viewers.
