This City is Ours returning to BBC One for a third series

The news comes ahead of the second series launching on Sunday.

Ahead of This City is Ours returning to BBC One this Sunday for its second series, the BBC has confirmed that the hit drama created and written by Stephen Butchard will return for a third series. With filming due to take place primarily in Liverpool in 2027.

The first series launched on BBC One in March 2025 and attracted an average of 6.3 million viewers to date, with the first episode seeing more than 8.4 million viewers, more than quadrupling its initial overnight figure of 1.9 million. And almost three million people streamed the series finale ahead of its BBC One transmission that May.

No details have been given yet about series three, with casting set to be revealed in due course, but we do know that series two picks up from where things were left at the end of series one.

James Nelson-Joyce and Hannah Onslow return as Michael Kavanagh and his partner Diana Williams. Having barely arrived in Spain, they are dragged back into the fold to answer questions around Ricardo’s death.

Back in Liverpool, tensions continue to bubble amongst the remaining members of the gang. Meanwhile, an old-school gangster from Ronnie's era, recently out of prison, wants compensation from the firm.

New cast members for series two include Shaun Evans as former gangster Ozzie Thompson, recently out of prison, and Álvaro Morte as Felipe Guzman, a member of the Colombian cartel and younger brother of Ricardo, who was murdered at the end of the first series.

Returning for series two are Jack McMullen as Jamie Phelan, Mike Noble as Banksey, Julie Graham as Elaine Phelan, widow of murdered gang leader Ronnie, 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.

Speaking on the news that there will be a third series of This City is Ours, creator, writer and executive producer Stephen Butchard 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! 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!"

To which Rebecca Hodgson, executive producer at Left Bank added "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. 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!"

And the BBC's Director of Drama, Lindsay Salt 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."

Made by Left Bank Pictures, This City is Ours is created and written by Stephen Butchard, who again serves as lead writer on series three and will executive produce alongside Jo McClellan for the BBC and Charlotte Moore, Rebecca Hodgson and Sian McWilliams for Left Bank Pictures.

This City is Ours returns Sunday 25th October at 9pm on BBC One