Filming on a second series of This City is Ours is officially underway.
The Liverpool-based show became the BBC’s most watched new drama launch of this year so far, attracting 5.8 million viewers on average.
James Nelson-Joyce will reprise his role as Michael Kavanagh with many of the original cast including Hannah Onslow, who plays partner Diana Williams.
Also returning are Jack McMullen (Jamie Phelan), Mike Noble (Banksey), Julia Graham (Elaine Phelan) and Saoirse-Monica Jackson (Cheryl Crawford).
They will be joined by local actor and Endeavour star Shaun Evans who portrays Ozzie Thompson, a former gangster newly released from prison.
Alvaro Morte, best known for his role as ‘The Professor’ in Netflix series Money Heist, is set to play Colombian cartel member Felipe Guzman.
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said: “This City is Ours was one of our team’s first commissions when I joined the BBC, and I could not be happier with how Stephen, Saul and the Left Bank team have brought it to the screen so classily.
“The response from viewers has been a joy to see, with millions discovering its thrilling, character-driven drama for themselves to become gripped by the raging war of the Phelans.
“I’m delighted that we now get to build on this fantastic first run and show that things are only just getting started for this very special series.”