Fans of the BBC crime drama This City Is Ours have been left on the edge of their seats as the series two teaser trailer drops, offering a first look at the upcoming season. The show, often hailed as better than Line of Duty, continues to captivate audiences.
Teaser Trailer Released
James Nelson-Joyce, who plays troubled gangster Michael Kavanagh, delighted followers by resharing the BBC's initial glimpse at the new series. The 37-year-old Liverpudlian demonstrated his leading man prowess in the acclaimed drama's opening series, earning a BAFTA nomination for Best Lead Actor.
The BBC confirmed the story was far from over when the programme secured renewal for a second series. Enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the next chapter of Michael's conflict with the Phelan crime syndicate can celebrate as a preview clip for the second run has now dropped.
The brief footage features a soundtrack of I've Gotta Be Me by Sammy Davis Jr and opens with Michael and his partner, Diana (Hannah Onslow), enjoying the overseas refuge they escaped to at the conclusion of series one. Yet this tranquil haven is quickly shattered as Michael is pulled back into the criminal underworld. During a fraught encounter, the character is warned by a cartel chief that it represents merely the start of the protagonist's ordeal.
Cast and Filming
First series regulars Mike Noble, Julie Graham, Saoirse Monica-Jackson and Jack McMullen are all present in the footage, showing how tensions will intensify throughout the new series. Liverpool native Shaun Evans has also joined the ensemble, with filming for series two captured extensively across Liverpool in recent months, reports the Liverpool Echo.
James reshared the trailer and confirmed it will be hitting our screens in October. Fans flocked to the comments section to express their excitement about the next chapter of This City Is Ours.
One person wrote: "Can not wait! Time to binge the 1st series again to get ready! X" Another added: "Omg I am so excited for this." Someone else commented: "Omg I can't wait for this." As another said: "Oh my god."
James Nelson-Joyce on BAFTA Nomination and Liverpool Roots
James received a Best Lead Actor nomination at the BAFTAs for his role in the debut season. The Scouser spoke exclusively to the ECHO on the red carpet, dropping hints about what lies ahead in the new series. He revealed there are "quite a few shocks" in store, though he kept schtum about the direction the storyline will take.
This City Is Ours forms part of Liverpool's cultural renaissance, with James being one of four Best Lead Actor nominees proudly boasting Merseyside roots. He spoke of how honoured he felt walking the red carpet at Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall. He said: "I am slightly overwhelmed to be here at the BAFTAs, it feels weird. I was in the car with my mum, dad and two sisters yesterday and my dad said 'from County Road to the BAFTAs lad' and I said 'I know, it is mad' but I am just very lucky."
"I saw my mum's face on the red carpet earlier when she saw Alan Carr, it is little moments like that. It is nice that I get to share and experience these moments with my family. If it weren't for them I definitely would not be here."
Reflecting on how Liverpool has moulded him into the person he is today, he explained: "I am doing something people only dream of and I just feel lucky. You can't ignore our city [Liverpool], we are from the greatest city in the world. They will try and hold us back and block us, but we always find a way through."
Stephen Graham's Influence
James highlighted two crucial factors that have propelled him to success as an actor. He said: "We have a mentality in Liverpool of 'if you lock the door we will come through your window' and then there's Stephen Graham."
"Stephen Graham has opened the door for me and many other actors. He has held the door open on his way up to the very top. He has not forgotten about giving back and helping people. He gives advice on auditions and agents, I realise how lucky I was to be one of those people he looked out for."
This City is Ours is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
