“That should never have been allowed. The only thing that was a big no-no. It would never ever happen.”
21:22, 30 Mar 2025Updated 09:48, 31 Mar 2025
Michael Kavanagh (James Nelson-Joyce) wants out of the criminal world in This City Is Ours(Image: BBC)
BBC’s latest crime drama This City Is Ours has established itself as a favourite among viewers. However, fans of the show have said episode one includes something Scousers “would never do”.
The series follows the story of James Nelson-Joyce’s Michael, a man who has been involved in organised crime for all of his adult life. But for the first time, Michael is in love and sees “beyond the day-to-day and sees a future,” particularly one that includes Hannah Onslow’s Diana.
As the series goes on, the story of Michael and Diana’s love affair is set against the disintegration of Michael’s crime gang. For years, together with his friend Ronnie, played by Sean Bean, Michael has successfully brought cocaine into the city and beyond, directly from Columbia.
When a shipment goes missing, he knows their kingdom is under attack. The turmoil comes as Ronnie’s son Jamie expresses his desire to take over the business. Both Michael and Jamie have ambitious plans to modernise the gang, leading to a power struggle.
James Nelson Joyce plays Michael Kavanagh in This City Is Ours(Image: BBC)
This City is Ours is set in Merseyside and is filmed across the region. Film crews were spotted across Merseyside in the summer of 2024, and during episode one, locals could spot locations from all over the city, leaving fans “gripped”.
However, some were also left quizzing one scene that aired as part of the episode. One TikToker, Our Benny, took to social media to ask if anyone felt the same as him.
He said: “I’ve started watching This is Our City. Oh no. This City is Ours. I feel like it should be called This is Our City. This City is Ours just doesn’t feel Scouse to me. But anyway, there’s one thing that nobody is talking about that I need to mention – that is the line dancing at the christening.
Jack McMullen as Jamie Phelan filming a scene for This City Is Ours(Image: Liverpool Echo)
“I have never been to a christening, let alone any party, and seen a family of Scousers line dancing. Is this happening in other parts of Liverpool that I’m not aware of, or is that just not accurate? I’m sorry but who is line dancing at christenings please?”
Hundreds were quick to agree with the observation. Kate said: “Never seen it before, but honestly am here for it, want to learn it, in the house of bamboo.”
Whereas Lou added: “Moving forward if we hear that bamboo song at a christening, we all should know the dance, otherwise we have failed as Scousers.” Katy wrote: “No Scouse family would do line dancing. Throwing shapes out yeah.”
Pauline wrote: “Never known any Scouser that line dancers it defo be a first.” Gilly added: “Crying. I’ve never see it at any parties.” Lyndsey said: “That should never have been allowed, the only thing that was a big no no. would never ever happen.”
Scenes of the series are filmed on Hope Street and Exchange Flags in the city. The series’ opening episode also featured a tense exchange at a restaurant on Ormskirk Road in Aintree.
Film crews filmed on St Paul’s Square last August and September, with several flower stalls set up in front of office buildings in St Paul’s Square. The drama sees the likes of Saoirse-Monica Jackson, best known for her role in Derry Girls, deliver a strong Scouse accent.