This City Is Ours star James Nelson-Joyce teases season 2 and Endeavour star’s “villainy”

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James Nelson-Joyce, who stars in the popular BBC drama This City is Ours, has given fans a hint of what to expect in the show’s second season, which centers around a Liverpool crime family torn apart by conflict.

The series debuted in March 2025, featuring Michael Kavanagh, played by Nelson-Joyce, as a man who works for gang boss Ronnie Phelan (Sean Bean). Michael was being prepared to take over the gang when Ronnie eventually stepped down.

Ronnie’s son, Jamie (Jack McMullen), was furious. He believed he deserved to take over the family business, and this disagreement led to a bitter and unpredictable conflict that played out over eight tense episodes.

The popular BBC drama, This City is Ours, is coming back for a second season later this year. Shaun Evans, known for his role in Endeavour, is joining the cast.

At the TopMob Covers Party 2026, Nelson-Joyce hinted that Evans will play a somewhat villainous character and described his performance as amazing.

Unlike the familiar detective Endeavour Morse, actor Simon Evans plays a very different role here: Ozzie Thompson, a menacing former gangster. Thompson, an old friend of the deceased Ronnie, seeks payment from the Phelans after being released from prison.

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Nelson-Joyce revealed that Michael and his partner, Diana (Hannah Onslow), will begin season two in a blissful setting, though their happiness won’t last, as Michael’s actions will eventually lead to its downfall.

The story will move forward due to the consequences of Ricardo Guzman’s murder. Guzman, a Colombian drug supplier played by Daniel Cerqueira, was killed in the finale by Banksey (Mike Noble), Michael’s trusted associate.

Nelson-Joyce mentioned we’ll see how the events impact other people on the show, but she’s particularly excited about Mike Noble’s performance this season, predicting he’ll be a standout. She didn’t want to reveal any more details.

The surprising death at the end of season one has introduced a new character, Felipe Guzman, played by Álvaro Morte – known for his role as The Professor in Money Heist. Felipe is Ricardo’s younger brother and will be a key player moving forward.

He’s likely seeking revenge, which makes you wonder: can Banksy escape his anger?

The events of season one’s intense battles will still be fresh in everyone’s minds when the new season begins, as it picks up only two or three weeks later, according to Nelson-Joyce.

Alongside returning cast members Nelson-Joyce, McMullen, Onslow, and Noble, Julie Graham (as Elaine), Saoirse-Monica Jackson (as Cheryl), Adam Abbou (as Freddie), Laura Aikman (as Rachel), Kevin Harvey (as Bobby), and Darci Shaw (as Melissa) will also be back for This City is Ours.

This City is Ours season 2 is coming soon to BBC One and iPlayer.

Don’t forget to add “Add This City is Ours” to your watchlist on the TopMob: What to Watch app! Download it today for daily TV suggestions, articles, and other great content.

Authors

David CraigSenior Drama Writer

I’m a big fan of David Craig’s work! He’s the Senior Drama Writer at TopMob, and he really knows his stuff when it comes to all the best scripted shows – both dramas and comedies – on TV and streaming. Before that, he was writing for Starburst Magazine, and he even hosted his own podcast, ‘The Winter King,’ for ITVX. He got his training at the University of Sheffield, studying Journalism, which clearly set him up for success!

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2026-01-28 21:06