Julie Graham, who plays Elaine Phelan in the BBC drama This City is Ours, may have accidentally revealed a clue about the show's future during an appearance on BBC Breakfast. The series, created and written by Stephen Butchard, has been commissioned for a third series ahead of the debut of series two this weekend.
The third series will consist of eight new episodes, with filming taking place predominantly in Liverpool in 2027. The BBC has not yet announced which cast members will return, but Graham's slip on BBC Breakfast may have hinted at her own return.
BBC Breakfast Slip-Up
Graham and her co-star Laura Aikman appeared on BBC Breakfast to discuss the release of series two and the recommissioning news. Presenter John Kay asked Graham about the announcement, and she said: "Yes, we... well, the show has been commissioned for series three."
Co-host Sally Nugent noticed Graham's hesitation, saying: "Oh! Say that again! We... We, the show!" Graham then clarified: "We, the show! The show has been commissioned for series three. Whether all the characters come back, you just don't know, because, I mean, if they're bold enough to get rid of a main character, you just don't know with this show."
She added: "That's the surprise. But anyway, we're over the moon. Yeah, it's fantastic." Aikman commented: "It's a very hard working cast and crew, and they all really deserve it."
Creator and Producers React
Stephen Butchard, creator, lead writer and executive producer, said: "Following the quite breathtaking response to series one, myself, the cast and our wonderful crew were all determined not to drop the ball and endeavour to deliver an even better series two!"
He continued: "No spoilers, but I'm hoping this fantastic early commission from the BBC for a third series is an indication that we may have come close to doing just that! Many, many thanks to Lindsay Salt, Jo McClellan and all at BBC Drama for their never-ending support. And of course, sincere thanks to all who have watched, embraced and spread the word. I hope you enjoy series two as much as we enjoyed making it - can't wait to do it all over again!"
Rebecca Hodgson, executive producer at Left Bank, said: "Left Bank are thrilled to be getting the This City is Ours family back together. The world that Stephen Butchard has created is so special and one that we all love spending time in. Our amazing cast and crew, led by lead director Saul Dibb, have stuck with us for two series, and it's testimony to their talent that we have been commissioned for a third series."
She added: "We are very grateful to Lindsay Salt and Jo McClellan at the BBC for continuing to believe in us and for wanting more. We can't wait for our audience to see series two and then series three!"
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said: "We're delighted to share that This City is Ours will return for a third series. Stephen Butchard and the team at Left Bank have built a world filled with ambition, authenticity and heart that has been embraced by millions. With series two still to come this weekend, there's so much for viewers to look forward to."
Series Two Details
Series two will be available on BBC iPlayer from Sunday, October 25, and will broadcast on Sunday and Monday evenings at 9pm on BBC One from the same date. The BBC has stated that casting announcements for series three will follow in due course.
Returning cast members include James Nelson-Joyce as Michael Kavanagh, Hannah Onslow as Diana Williams, Jack McMullen as Jamie Phelan, Mike Noble as Banksey, Julie Graham as Elaine Phelan, Laura Aikman as Rachel Duffy, Kevin Harvey as Bobby Duffy, Saoirse-Monica Jackson as Cheryl Crawford, Darci Shaw as Melissa Sullivan, Adam Abbou as Freddie, and Bobby Schofield as Bonehead. New cast members for series two include Shaun Evans as Ozzie Thompson and Álvaro Morte as Felipe.
