BBC confirms third series of This City is Ours with filming set to return to Liverpool

The BBC has confirmed that hit crime drama This City is Ours will return for a third series, with filming set to take place primarily in Liverpool in 2027.

The announcement comes ahead of the highly anticipated second series, which launches on BBC iPlayer and BBC One on Sunday 25 October.

BBC confirms third series of This City is Ours with filming set to return to Liverpool — *Credit: BBC*

Created and written by Stephen Butchard and produced by Left Bank Pictures, the Liverpool-set drama has become a major success since its debut in March 2025, earning widespread critical acclaim and two BAFTA Television Award nominations.

The first series has attracted an average of 6.3 million viewers, with its opening episode watched by more than 8.4 million people. Almost three million viewers streamed the series finale before its BBC One broadcast.

James Nelson-Joyce returns as Michael Kavanagh for series two, alongside Hannah Onslow as his partner Diana Williams.

The new series picks up immediately after the dramatic events of the first, with Michael and Diana barely arriving in Spain before being drawn back into the criminal underworld following questions surrounding Ricardo’s death.

Back in Liverpool, tensions continue to rise among the remaining gang members, while a former gangster from Ronnie’s era emerges from prison demanding compensation from the firm.

New additions to the cast include Shaun Evans, known for Endeavour, as former gangster Ozzie Thompson, and Álvaro Morte, best known for Money Heist, as Felipe.

Returning cast members include Jack McMullen, Mike Noble, Julie Graham, Laura Aikman, Kevin Harvey, Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Darci Shaw, Adam Abbou and Bobby Schofield.

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!

“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 Pictures, welcomed the announcement, praising the cast and crew behind the drama.

“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.”

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, added:

“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.”

The third series will consist of eight hour-long episodes, with Stephen Butchard returning as lead writer. Further casting announcements will be made in due course.

This City is Ours series two will be available on BBC iPlayer from Sunday 25 October 2026, with episodes airing on BBC One on Sunday and Monday evenings at 9pm.

You can add to your Watchlist here.