This City is Ours: Cast of famous faces led by Sean Bean and James Nelson-Joyce in tense BBC thriller
By Helen Fear | Wed Mar 19 2025This City is Ours is the latest unmissable drama to land on BBC One, with Sean Bean leading the cast as deeply flawed crime boss Ronnie Phelan.
Give the casting director all the awards right now for this inspired piece of casting. Although Sean's co-stars more than match him in talent as the storyline slowly climbs to boiling point.
The brand-new crime drama from Shardlake's Stephen Butchard is a story about family, love, corruption, power, ambition, pride and greed. If you liked Kin, The Sopranos, Animal Kingdom, and Gangs of London, then you'll love this.
Here's everything you need to know about who plays who in the cast of This City is Ours on BBC One, and where you've seen them before...
Sean Bean plays crime boss Ronnie Phelan in the cast of This City is Ours on BBC One
The always watchable Sean Bean portrays gang leader Ronnie Phelan in the brand new crime thriller from the Beeb. As we join the crime boss, he is dreaming of retirement... But who will he hand the reins of his huge drug-smuggling empire to?
Sheffield-born Sean Bean, 65, is one of the most respected British actors on our screens and has a career spanning four decades. His very first role was playing Horace Clark in one episode of The Bill in 1984!
After nine years as a jobbing actor, appearing in TV series such as The Practice, Sean found mainstream success as heroic Richard Sharpe in the ITV series of the same name, which ran on and off from 1993 to 2008.
That same year, in 1993, he played gardener Mellors in the mini-series Lady Chatterley, based on the racy - once banned for obscenity - book by DH Lawrence. The role, which gave housewives across the UK a collective hot flush, cemented him as a down-to-earth sex symbol.
Of course, Game of Thrones fans will know him as Eddard 'Ned' Stark, the patriarch who came to a rather grisly - and surprising! - end in the first series.
Other notable roles include Paul Winstone in Missing, Martin Odum in Legends, Father Michael Kerrigan in Broken, John Marlott in The Frankenstein Chronicles, and Jacopo de' Pazzi in Medici.
In 2021, he portrayed out-of-his-depth prison inmate Mark Cobden in the brilliant Time. Sean Bean's character Mark, a former teacher, found himself inside for killing someone while driving drunk. The cast of This City is Ours reunites him with some of his Time co-stars, including James Nelson-Joyce (Johnno), and Jack McMullen (Daniel).
More recently, he portrayed Ian in the romantic drama Marriage, Thomas Cromwell in historical Shardlake, and Joseph Wilford in Snowpiercer.
Film fans will know him best as Boromir in The Lord of the Rings franchise, villain Alec Trevelyan in Bond's GoldenEye, Mitch Henderson in Ridley Scott's The Martian, and John Dawson in the TV movie Red Riding.
James Nelson-Joyce portrays Michael Kavanagh
Liverpool-born actor James Nelson-Joyce, 36, leads the cast of This City is Ours as Michael Kavanagh, a man up to his neck in organised crime.
For all of his adult life, he's worked for gang leader Ronnie. However, when friend and boss Ronnie begins to hint at retirement, Michael too begins to imagine another life...
James is perhaps most famous for playing Liam in Mount Pleasant, and Spider in The Outlaws. However, Time fans may shudder at the recollection of him playing vile bully Johnno in the first series of the BBC prison drama in 2021. In fact, his character made life hell inside for Sean Bean's Mark Cobden. Luckily, their characters are a bit friendlier - at first - in This City is Ours.
Other notable roles include Degsy in Cilla, James Yates in Little Boy Blue opposite Unforgotten's Sinéad Keenan, Aaron Holmes in Innocent, and Greg Gallagher in The Responder.
He's also played Jamie Henson in Industry, Greg in The Family Pile, Brian Reader in The Gold, and Barney in A Town Called Malice. More recently, he's portrayed Edward 'Treacle' Goodson in the Stephen Graham drama A Thousand Blows, from the creator of Peaky Blinders. In Strike - The Ink Black Heart, James starred as womanising artist Pez Pierce.
James has been in multiple films, including The Nest, The Sound of Philadelphia, The Covenant, The Trap, and Bird.
Jack McMullen stars as Ronnie's son Jamie Phelan
Scouser Jack McMullen, 34, stars as Ronnie's son Jamie Phelan in the cast of This City is Ours. Jack also starred in Time opposite Sean Bean, and James Nelson-Joyce. He played Daniel in all three episodes of the award-winning prison drama in 2021.
Jack is actually a former child star, who first appeared on TV at the age of 11. In 2002, he joined the cast of Brookside as Josh McLoughlin, a role he played until 2003.
Between 2005 and 2008, he starred as Tigger Johnson in school drama Grange Hill. After that, he played another school boy in Waterloo Road, this time Finn Sharkey, between 2010 and 2012.
Other significant roles include Dean Kelly in hard-hitting drama Little Boy Blue, Jack Turner in The F1rst Team and, more recently, Lewis in Idris Elba plane thriller Hijack.
This City is Ours cast: Julie Graham portrays Ronnie's wife Elaine Phelan
Scottish actress Julie Graham, 59, portrays Elaine, head of the Phelan family alongside her husband Ronnie. She's fiercely protective of her son Jamie, and his place in the business.
Yep, eagle-eyed TV fans will know that Julie is another familiar face from the cast of Time. Although she was in the mostly female cast of series 2.
Of course, Julie is very well known to TV viewers, having appeared in popular TV series such as Benidorm, Shetland, and The Bill. Her first major role was on Channel 4's Blood Red Roses in 1986, and she went on to bag a recurring role on Casualty in 1988, starring as student nurse Alison McGrellis.
Between 2000 and 2003, she played the leading role of Megan Hartnoll in At Home with the Braithwaites. Julie appeared in all four seasons of the award-winning comedy-drama, written by Happy Valley's creator Sally Wainwright.
In 2003, Julie starred alongside Martin Clunes in the BAFTA-nominated William and Mary. The series explored the romance between undertaker William Shawcross and midwife Mary Gilcrest.
From 2008 to 2010, Julie played the lead role of Abby Grant in BBC science fiction drama Survivors. Abby was the leader of a group of survivors from a deadly flu epidemic.
Next were roles in Being Eileen, and The Bletchley Circle, followed by the big role of DI Perez's boss Rhona Kelly in Shetland. And then came her famous turn in Benidorm. While her character Sheron only appeared in the last three seasons of the hit comedy, she certainly made them memorable!
Her more recent TV roles have included Acorn TV's Queens of Mystery, which aired from 2019 to 2021. She also played Annie Marling in Ridley, and Dr Susan Fisher in Maternal. In 2023, she played Lou Harkness in Time, Connie Morris in Payback, and Clover in The Serial Killer's Wife.
Last year, she portrayed Home Office's Elinor Shaw in the Silent Witness two-hander Death by a Thousand Hits. Elinor arrived on the scene with the possibility of a grant for the Lyell Centre - but there were strings attached...
The same year, in 2024, Julie also portrayed wily Ma in the cast of Channel 5 period drama The Hardacres.
Stephen Walters stars as Davy Crawford
Another Scouser - well it is set in Liverpool! - Stephen Walters plays Phelan family 'friend' Stephen Walters in the cast of This City is Ours. And he's no stranger to playing villains!
A prolific actor, he's been on our screens since 1989 when he first appeared as Tomkins in Dramarama, a series of plays for children. That same year he appeared as Omo in Brookside, only to return four years later as a different character called Geoff Rogers.
Between 1996 and 1997, Stephen starred as Jamie Johnson in the TV drama Springhill. Other notable roles in the 90s and 2000s include John McGrath in Band of Brothers, Dr. Nick Vaughan in prison drama Buried, Mad Twatter in Skins, Splodge in The Visit, and James Williams in Robson Green drama Wire in the Blood.
He is perhaps most famous for playing Angus Mhor in period drama Outlander, DCI Mark Guinness in Little Boy Blue, or Thomas Malone in Shetland.
More recently, Stephen has portrayed Anne Williams' husband Steve in the drama Anne, Zeppo in Slow Horses, Nial Heslop in Vera, Rob in Channel 5 thriller The Night Caller, and Captain Abashev in A Gentleman in Moscow.
His film roles have included Milko in Hannibal Rising, Shanks in Layer Cake, and Scott in Nice Guy Eddie.
Saoirse-Monica Jackson is Cheryl Crawford
Northern Irish actress Saoirse-Monica Jackson, 31, stars as Davy Crawford's wife Cheryl. Far from being comfortable as a gangster's moll, Cheryl is quick to warn Michael's girlfriend against the dangers of the lifestyle.
Of course, Saoirse-Monica is most famous for playing Erin Quinn, a role she portrayed in all three seasons of the comedy between 2018 and 2022.
Her very first TV role was portraying Sasha in the Harlan Coben thriller The Five, before she went on to play Janet in Urban Myths, Mia in Unprecedented, and Tara in Skint.
More recently, she portrayed Bluebell in The Doll Factory, and Misia in black death comedy The Decameron. She's been in multiple films, including Upgraded, The Flash, Coffee Wars, and Finding You.
Kevin Harvey portrays Bobby Duffy in This City is Ours cast
Liverpudlian actor Kevin Harvey, also a former Time star, portrays Phelan insider Bobby Duffy. Like his co-stars, he's often cast in less than savoury roles...
Those of who you watched Channel 5's gripping thriller The Inheritance in 2023 will remember him as the violent thug - and abusive partner - Glen.
He also played convict Paul McAdams in BBC prison drama Time in 2021. Other notable roles include Jeff Crabtree in Prey, Lewis Skinner in The Trial: A Murder in the Family, Clive Brock in Vera, and Olamide Bello in Treason.
Don't worry, though, he's also been on the other side of the law, having played defence barrister Michael Patten in Hollyoaks, DC Vince Peterson in Merseybeat, Sgt Bill Rudd in Safe House, and Sergeant Middleton in Good Cop opposite Ten Pound Poms star Warren Brown.
More recently, Kevin starred as Phillipe Varane in Death in Paradise series 13, and Saul in the Channel 4 drama The Gathering.
Laura Aikman plays Rachel Duffy
London-born actress Laura Aikman, 39, portrays Bobby Duffy's wife Rachel, who are friends with the Phelan family and holiday with them in Spain.
Laura made her name playing "sassy fairy" Mysti in the CBBC children's TV series The Mysti Show, a role she played between 2004 and 2005.
She went on to play Milly in the Adrian Edmondson comedy Teenage Kicks in 2008, before going on to portray Lucy Baxter in Personal Affairs, May Phelps in Casualty, and Rosie Parker in Lemon La Vida Loca.
Between 2012 and 2014, Laura starred as Miss Poppy in the kids drama 4 O'Clock Club. Then she went straight back to school as Lorna Hutchinson in Waterloo Road.
Other notable roles include Ellen in Bluestone 42, Natalie Mason in The Job Lot, Debbie in Citizen Khan, Jo in Lovesick, and Ms Parfitt in So Awkward. Mor recently, Laura portrayed Dyan Cannon in Cary Grant drama Archie, Sarah Courtney in Grace, Val in Joan, and Sonia in Gavin & Stacey.
Bobby Schofield portrays Bonehead
Kirkby-born actor Bobby Schofield plays Bonehead in the cast of This City is Ours on BBC One.
He's best known for playing soldier Dave Kershaw in both series of SAS Rogue Heroes on BBC One.
In 2017, he starred as Parsifal in period drama Knightfall, before portraying Baz in Time (him, too!), Michael Williams in Anne, and troubled psychiatry patient Bobby Moran in Aidan Turner thriller The Suspect.
In 2022, he portrayed the hideously unpleasant fascist Matt Hankinson in The Walk-In, part of a Neo-Nazi terror group. More recently, he starred as Kennedy in the Benedict Cumberbatch Netflix drama Eric.
His film roles include Jared in Don't Breath 2, Noah in Locked Down, and Pricey in How to Build a Girl.
Leanne Best plays Lesley Williams
Liverpool-born Leanne Best, 45, stars as Diana's mum Lesley Williams in the cast of This City is Ours. At the start of the series, we discover that she is in prison, although we don't immediately find out why.
The actress is probably best known for playing Tina Reynolds in the popular comedy series Cold Feet, a role she played from 2016 to 2017.
Other huge roles include Frida Rask in Young Wallander, Anna in Channel 4 thriller Close to Me, Helen Brown in Tin Star, and Teresa Fenchurch in Home Fires.
Other well known TV roles include Jane Cobden in Ripper Street, Celia Donnelly in Fortitude, Kate in the mini-series Four Lives, and Anne in the critically acclaimed mini-series Save Me.
You might also recognise her as PC Jackie Brickford from the third series of Line of Duty.
More recently, Leanne has played Jodie in G'wed opposite The Good Ship Murder's Zak Douglas, Phoebe Bournett in ITVX Vicky McClure thriller Insomnia, Georgie in one episode of Ted Lasso, and DI Lindsay in A Town Called Malice.
Just this year, she portrayed grieving mum Julie Ashworth in The Bay series 5.
Who else is in the cast of This City is Ours?
Elsewhere, Shardlake's Mike Noble stars as Michael's ally Banksey. He's best known for playing Val in Grantchester, Private Silas Wren in Mr Selfridge, and Spencer Wilson in Home Fires. In 2024, he starred opposite Sean Bean in the Disney series Shardlake.
Joining the ensemble cast is Darci Shaw as Melissa Sullivan, Jamie's partner and the mother of his baby. She's a relative newcomer, having first appeared on TV in 2019. That year, she played the central character of Holly Meredith in The Bay series 1. Darci went on to play Jessie in The Irregulars, Amy in Brassic, and Alice Diamond in A Thousand Blows. She also starred as a young Judy Garland in the film Judy.
Last but certainly not least, Hannah Onslow stars as Michael's girlfriend Diana Williams. Hannah is best known for playing Emily Dunn in Belgravia: The Next Chapter, and Lizzie Siddal in The Doll Factory.
In 2022, she portrayed young mum Erika in the brilliant comedy drama This Is Going to Hurt opposite Black Doves' Ben Whishaw. The character filed a complaint against his character Adam. Hannah, although relatively new to our screens, has also played Elise in Ridley Road, and Connie Blair in Call the Midwife.
Malpractice star Shaun Fagan portrays DS Barney Styles. He also played Vernon in The Responder, but is probably best known for portraying Bolton in anxiety-inducing drama Boiling Point.
This City is Ours full cast list:
Ronnie Phelan leads the cast as Sean Bean.
James Nelson-Joyce portrays Michael Kavanagh.
Hannah Onslow is Diana Williams.
Jack McMullen plays Jamie Phelan.
Mike Noble stars as Banksey.
Julie Graham portrays Elaine Phelan.
Laura Aikman is Rachel Duffy.
Leanne Best plays Lesley Williams.
Kevin Harvey stars as Bobby Duffy.
Saoirse-Monica Jackson portrays Cheryl Crawford.
Bobby Schofield is Bonehead.
Darci Shaw stars as Melissa Sullivan.
Stephen Walters plays Davy Crawford.
Shaun Fagan portrays DS Barney Styles.
G'wed's Nadia Kamalli is Nurse Kitty.
The A Word's Daniel Cerqueira plays Ricardo Guzman.
Yolanda Vazquez - aka Clare Shearer in Peak Practice - stars as Stefania.
Industry's Nicholas Bishop plays Frederico.
Peacemaker's Thomas-Jan Johnston is Mr Lassiter.
The Gathering's Shane Walker plays Billy.
The Gathering's Eva Morgan portrays Molly.
Shaun Fagan portrays DS Barney Styles.
Adam Abbou - aka Danny Lewis in Waterloo Road - stars as Banksey's son Freddie.
Professional singer George Gallagher plays the crooner at the christening.
