James Nelson-Joyce, the 36-year-old star of the acclaimed BBC drama 'This City Is Ours', is a central figure in a new city-wide campaign celebrating Liverpool's significant role in television production. The actor, who plays gang leader Michael Kavanagh, was recently photographed alongside a large billboard on Edge Lane featuring his character as part of the BBC's 'Made Of Here' initiative.
The campaign highlights several popular series filmed in the city, coinciding with news that production for the second season of 'This City Is Ours' is actively underway. Nelson-Joyce has expressed deep pride in representing his hometown on such a prominent scale.
Key Takeaways
- Actor James Nelson-Joyce is featured in the BBC's 'Made Of Here' campaign in Liverpool.
- The campaign uses over 100 billboards to celebrate shows filmed and set in the city.
- Production for season two of 'This City Is Ours' has begun, with filming scheduled for October.
- Other featured shows include 'Time' and 'The Responder', reinforcing Liverpool's status as a key UK filming hub.
BBC Highlights Liverpool's TV Production Role
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has launched a significant outdoor advertising campaign titled 'Made Of Here' across Liverpool. The initiative is designed to celebrate the city's growing importance as a location for high-profile television dramas. More than 100 billboards have been installed throughout the city centre, showcasing characters from various popular series.
The campaign places a spotlight on the authentic connection between the productions and their Scouse setting. By featuring the faces of characters from these shows, the BBC aims to foster a sense of local pride and acknowledge the talent and locations that make the programmes successful.
Liverpool on Screen
Alongside 'This City Is Ours', the 'Made Of Here' campaign also features artwork from other critically acclaimed dramas filmed in the region, including:
- Time (Series Two): The prison drama starring Bella Ramsey and Jodie Whittaker.
- The Responder: A police drama featuring Martin Freeman as a Merseyside officer.
The billboard on Edge Lane, one of the city's main routes, features a prominent image of James Nelson-Joyce as Michael Kavanagh. He is pictured alongside his co-stars Kevin Harvey, who plays Bobby Duffy, and Mike Noble, who portrays Banksey in the series.
A Hometown Star's Perspective
For James Nelson-Joyce, seeing his character displayed on a massive scale in his own city was a significant moment. The actor spoke about the personal importance of being part of a production so deeply rooted in Liverpool's culture and landscape.
"It’s fantastic to see characters from This City is Ours, including my own, Michael Kavanagh, on screens in my hometown. Everyone involved in making the show is made up about how well it’s gone down with viewers, particularly across Merseyside."
He emphasized the pride that comes from local storytelling and its potential to inspire the next generation of creative talent within the city. According to Nelson-Joyce, seeing familiar locations and faces on screen validates local stories and demonstrates viable career paths in the creative industries.
"It means the world to me to be part of something that’s made and set in my city," he stated. "When you see your hometown on screen it makes you feel proud and importantly, it shows young people that there are opportunities to work in TV where they live.”
The actor acknowledged that he is still adjusting to the public recognition that has come with his leading role. He described the experience as humbling and expressed a willingness to engage with fans, recalling his own childhood experiences of looking up to local figures.
'This City Is Ours' Season Two Preparations
Fans of the crime drama have eagerly awaited news about its continuation, and Nelson-Joyce has provided confirmation that the next chapter is in motion. He recently shared an image on social media from a table read for the first episode of season two, signalling that pre-production is well underway.
Production Timeline
In a recent interview, James Nelson-Joyce confirmed the schedule for the upcoming season. Pre-production was set to begin in September, with principal photography, or filming, slated to commence in October. This timeline suggests the new season could potentially air in late 2026 or early 2027.
The first season of 'This City Is Ours' was met with positive reviews for its gripping narrative and authentic portrayal of Liverpool's criminal underworld. Nelson-Joyce's performance as the conflicted protagonist Michael Kavanagh was particularly praised, establishing him as a compelling leading man.
The renewal of the series further cements Liverpool's reputation as 'the Hollywood of the North,' a title earned due to the high volume of film and television productions that choose to shoot in the city. The Liverpool Film Office continues to attract major projects, contributing significantly to the local economy.
Community Engagement and Local Pride
Beyond his on-screen work, James Nelson-Joyce remains actively involved in the local community. He recently made a special guest appearance at the 'A Celebration of Zoe's Place' concert, an event supporting the children's charity as it transitioned into its new identity, 'Little Lights'.
Despite being in meetings with producers for 'This City Is Ours' on the day of the concert, the actor made it a priority to attend and show his support. Organisers invited him to the event, where he introduced musician Jamie Webster to the stage for his set.
"I am proud of where I'm from and if I can do anything to help this city, I always will," Nelson-Joyce said, explaining his motivation for attending. His appearance was met with a warm reception from the thousands of people in attendance, highlighting his growing status as a celebrated local figure.
This commitment to his roots, combined with his professional success, exemplifies the spirit that the BBC's 'Made Of Here' campaign aims to capture—celebrating the talent and stories that are authentically Liverpudlian.