This City Is Ours cast: Full list of actors in BBC crime drama

The BBC presents a new series that serves as a counterpart to Gangs of London, titled “This City Is Ours.” Instead of the city being London, the focus shifts to Liverpool, where the Phelan clan finds itself on the brink of an impending conflict. As patriarch Ronnie (Sean Bean) prepares for retirement, they’re at odds over who should take his place.

As a die-hard cinema enthusiast, I find myself drawn between two promising figures: my own flesh and blood, Jamie (Jack McMullen), and the loyal enforcer, Michael Kavanagh (James Nelson-Joyce). Over the course of countless years in this cinematic journey, Michael has grown to be more like a son to me.

As shifts occur within the Phelan family, key members may soon act to secure their spots at the helm of the criminal organization. However, could their actions unwittingly dismantle all that they have carefully constructed along the way?

The series titled “This City Is Ours” hails from the esteemed screenwriter Stephen Butchard (known for “The Last Kingdom”) and boasts an impressive ensemble, featuring Julie Graham (“Shetland”), Laura Aikman (“Gavin & Stacey”), and Hannah Onslow (“This Is Going to Hurt”).

Discover additional details about the listed cast members below, such as the roles they are portraying in this upcoming crime series.

This City Is Ours cast: Full list of actors in BBC crime drama

This paragraph provides an overview of the cast in the show “This City Is Ours”, with further details about each character and actor to follow.*

  • Sean Bean as Ronnie Phelan
  • James Nelson-Joyce as Michael Kavanagh
  • Jack McMullen as Jamie Phelan
  • Hannah Onslow as Diana
  • Julie Graham as Elaine Phelan
  • Laura Aikman as Rachel Duffy
  • Kevin Harvey as Bobby Duffy
  • Saoirse-Monica Jackson as Cheryl Crawford
  • Stephen Walters as Davey Crawford
  • Darci Shaw as Melissa Phelan
  • Mike Noble as Banksey
  • Bobby Schofield as Bonehead

Sean Bean as Ronnie Phelan

In simpler terms, Ronnie Phelan is the head of an influential and long-established crime syndicate operating primarily in Liverpool. A significant portion of their earnings comes from dealing cocaine, which they acquire through a Colombian associate stationed in Marbella, Spain.

After spending many years in his profession, he is planning to retire and enjoy a more peaceful lifestyle with his cherished spouse, Elaine. But, prior to making this transition, he needs to select a replacement – between whom there are two strong candidates vying for the position.

In his latest project, Bean remarked: “The title suggests numerous aspects. ‘This City Is Ours’ explores themes like possession, ownership, authority, and resistance. All these situations require bold actions with consequences. They find themselves ensnared by their own triumphs in managing drug territories and the ever-present corruption that accompanies power.

As a die-hard cinephile, I don’t need to introduce Sean Bean – he’s one of the most iconic British actors on the big screen! From Sharpe and GoldenEye to The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Game of Thrones, and even The Martian, you’ve likely crossed paths with him in some form or another. Recently, he’s graced our screens in Time, alongside my co-star from This City Is Ours, James Nelson-Joyce, as well as Marriage and Shardlake.

James Nelson-Joyce as Michael Kavanagh

Michael Kavanagh is known as Ronnie’s close associate and reliable enforcer, with extensive experience in the organized crime realm. Over the years, he has honed a keen business sense and an unyielding approach towards his competitors.

In the process of relinquishing his role, Ronnie leaves behind two potential candidates: Michael or his own son Jamie. The latter is seen as a more risky choice. Interestingly, the prospect of fatherhood seems to have diverted Michael’s focus away from his past criminal activities, as he and his partner Diana are undergoing in-vitro fertilization to start their family.

In Nelson-Joyce’s own words, he described his character as follows: “Certain roles I’ve taken on have been downright unpleasant individuals, but Michael is different – he possesses numerous dimensions. I believe audiences will grow fond of him and perhaps even feel remorseful after witnessing some of his actions.

As a movie-goer, I’ve found myself smitten for the very first time, and I must admit, it feels good. I yearn for this relationship to succeed, I need it to. The raw truth is, I long for change, and the motivation behind this desire is the vision of a brighter future that I can now see more clearly. However, I have to carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks before taking the next step.

Besides the shows you mentioned, James Nelson-Joyce has also been featured in other productions such as Time, The Outlaws, The Responder, Industry, and The Gold. More recently, he graced our screens in the Disney Plus drama A Thousand Blows, a creation of Peaky Blinders’ Steven Knight.

Jack McMullen as Jamie Phelan

Who is Jamie Phelan?” can be restated as “Can you tell me about Jamie, who thinks he should take over his father’s criminal organization but his family doubts his fitness for the role because of his impulsive and risky actions? Jamie is married to Melissa and they have a baby together.

McMullen hinted: “Throughout the series, there’s a palpable Shakespearean vibe as we delve into tales of love and kinship set against a harsh, violent backdrop. The tension never lets up, making it an engaging viewing experience… Each character has their flaws, which adds intrigue. Stephen [Butchard, the creator] keeps us guessing about who to support.

Has Jack McMullen appeared in any other productions? Yes, he was seen in Idris Elba’s hit action drama Hijack, as well as BBC One’s prison drama Time and Channel 4’s Screw. His acting career started on the soap opera Brookside, followed by roles in Grange Hill and the original run of Waterloo Road where he portrayed the character Finn Sharkey, a rebellious student.

Hannah Onslow as Diana

What can be said instead is: Who is the person that Michael is in a relationship with? The individual you’re asking about is Michael’s girlfriend. They have been together for around two years and are now considering moving forward by attempting to conceive a child using IVF. It’s worth noting that while Michael’s work may be illegal and risky, his girlfriend has agreed to this as long as he eventually leaves it behind. She too carries her own hidden truths, much like him.

In a recent conversation, Onslow observed that the bond between Diana and Michael is incredibly deep, with an evidently strong affection for one another. They are currently facing significant milestones in their lives and share the desire to embark on parenthood together.

Diana and Michael seem to have discovered feelings they never thought possible, and it appears that both are experiencing this extraordinary emotion. The way their relationship unfolds through the story is truly unique, and working on it with James has been a delightful experience.

Has Hannah Onslow appeared in any other productions aside from “This Is Going to Hurt” on BBC One? If so, her additional roles are in “Call the Midwife,” “Ridley Road,” and “Belgravia: The Next Chapter.

Julie Graham as Elaine Phelan

Elaine Phelan is known as Ronnie’s supportive pillar and confidante. She prioritizes family above all, yet isn’t shy about standing up for her loved ones when needed – often times, she even needs to keep Jamie in check. In fact, she’s one of the select individuals who can calm him down during tense situations.

Graham clarified: “Elaine commands respect and doesn’t tolerate ignorance; she takes charge when necessary. With her husband Ronnie considering retirement and stepping back, and their son Jamie aiming to succeed him in the family endeavors, the dilemma arises – does Jamie have what it takes to follow in his father’s footsteps?

Has Julie Graham acted in any other shows apart from ITV comedy-drama At Home with the Braithwaites, pandemic thriller Survivors, period piece The Bletchley Circle, Ridley, Maternal, Payback, and The Serial Killer’s Wife?

Laura Aikman as Rachel Duffy

Who is Rachel Duffy? She is the accountant-cousin of Ronnie and Elaine, actively involved in their family business. Yet, she yearns for a greater say in the major decisions, not content with merely being in the background.

As a cinephile reflecting on Laura Aikman’s acting repertoire, I can confidently share that she recently graced the final episodes of Gavin & Stacey, portraying the enigmatic Sonia – a character who added an intriguing twist to James Corden’s beloved Smithy. Additionally, her impressive resume includes roles in The Job Lot, The Rising, and Archie and Joan, demonstrating her versatility as a talented actress.

Kevin Harvey as Bobby Duffy

Who is Bobby Duffy? Bobby is Rachel’s husband. He is also a trusted member of the family business.

Has Kevin Harvey appeared in any other productions besides The Gathering, Treason, and Time?

Saoirse-Monica Jackson as Cheryl Crawford

Cheryl Crawford is known as the spouse of Davey Crawford, who is a confidant of Jamie Phelan. Despite her affection for him, she has grown bitter over the deceptions and perils that often accompany his profession.

Has Saoirse-Monica Jackson been in anything else besides Derry Girls, The Decameron on Netflix, and the DC Comics movie The Flash?

Stephen Walters as Davey Crawford

Who is Davey Crawford? Davey is an associate of Jamie Phelan.

Has Stephen Walters appeared in any other productions besides the Apple TV+ spy series “Slow Horses” where he played Zeppo and the fantasy period drama “Outlander” as Angus? Yes, his resume also includes roles in “Silent Witness”, “Anne”, and “A Gentleman in Moscow”.

Darci Shaw as Melissa Phelan

Who is Melissa? Melissa is Jamie’s wife, with whom she has recently had a baby boy named Alfie.

Has Darci Shaw appeared in any other shows or films? Yes, following her debut in The Bay, she went on to act in Netflix’s The Irregulars and Sky’s Brassic. More recently, she played Alice Diamond in Steven Knight’s A Thousand Blows, and portrayed a young Judy Garland in the biopic that won an Oscar with Renée Zellweger in the lead role.

Mike Noble as Banksey

Who is Banksey? Banksey is Michael’s trusted friend, colleague and confidant.

As a fan of mine own works, I can tell you that Mike Noble has been involved in more than just Shardlake on Disney Plus. He’s also graced the screens with his presence in The Long Shadow, Trigger Point, The Capture, and Help, which boasts talented actors like Stephen Graham and Jodie Comer.

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2025-03-23 12:06