BBC One's gripping crime drama This City Is Ours, set amidst the criminal underworld of Liverpool and starring James Nelson-Joyce as the lovestruck gangster Michael Kavanagh, is officially returning for a thrilling second season.

The network has confirmed the return following a massively successful first series that premiered on March 23, with all eight episodes immediately available on iPlayer. Fans have been devouring the intense storyline, eager to see how the power struggles unfold.

Those who have awaited each episode's weekly broadcast are anticipating the riveting first series finale, slated to be broadcast on BBC One tonight at 9pm. The show's achievement is notable, crowned as the most-watched new drama launch on the BBC this year. It’s not just viewership numbers, but critical acclaim too - with a chorus of approval across social media, fans have been vocal about their desire for a second season, and today, their wishes have been granted by the BBC.

BBC Drama's director, Lindsay Salt, expressed her delight at the recognition received, teasing audiences that there's still a rollercoaster journey ahead regarding the takeover of Ronnie Phelan's crime empire, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Salt remarked: "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 [Butchard], Saul [Dibb] 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."

The programme was created by Kirkby writer, Stephen Butchard, who is looking forward to pen the next chapter of the battle between Michael Kavanagh and Jamie Phelan (Jack McMullen).

He said: "We have all been blown away by the incredibly positive response to This City is Ours, I can't thank the audience enough for their time and emotional investment. My heartfelt thanks also to Lindsay Salt and her wonderful team at BBC Drama for their unflinching support and continued belief in the show, our story and our characters - and not least for this opportunity to do it all over again! See you soon!"

This City Is Ours was shot in and around the Liverpool city region and series producers, Left Bank Pictures, can't wait to once again bring the production to Merseyside. Sian McWilliams, Creative Director at Left Bank Pictures and executive producer on This City is Ours, said: "We are so delighted to be diving back into Stephen Butchard's brilliant underworld of Liverpool crime with our wonderful collaborators at the BBC."

James Nelson-Joyce expressed his enthusiasm, saying: "It's been a joy to watch audiences fall in love with these fantastically complex characters. After the tumultuous events of the season one finale, the gang rivalries and betrayals have escalated to new levels, new ones have just begun, and there is a lot of unfinished business!".

Walton-born star Nelson-Joyce described the series as a tribute to his hometown, stating: "It's a love letter to Liverpool, in a way." Ahead of the season premiere, Nelson-Joyce shared: "The city looks absolutely stunning and I'm just really proud of it". He continued: "I hope the city watches it and it's something they're proud of. That's all I hope for."