This City Is Ours series 2 episode 5 preview: The Phelans strike a dangerous new deal

The drama continues in This City Is Ours tonight (9pm, BBC One) as series two reaches its fifth episode, with the battle for power intensifying and relationships coming under increasing strain.

With the Phelans desperate to recover their losses, they strike a deal with Ozzie Thompson, but bringing a dangerous new player into the picture could have serious consequences.

Meanwhile, Jamie and Melissa’s engagement party provides an opportunity for Michael and Diana to try to broker peace with the family. However, with tensions running high, keeping everyone onside may prove easier said than done.

And as Michael attempts to regain control of the situation, Freddie continues to spiral further away from his influence, creating yet another problem for the already troubled family.

What to expect from This City Is Ours series 2

The second series picks up where the first left off, with Michael and Diana more in love than ever as they arrive in their Spanish Happy Town, hoping to enjoy a fresh start together.

However, their happiness is short-lived as they are pulled back into the criminal world to answer questions surrounding Ricardo’s death. There is also a new Colombian figure to contend with in the form of Felipe.

Back in Liverpool, trouble is brewing within the Phelan organisation as an internal coup throws the business into disarray. Their problems are compounded by the arrival of Ozzie Thompson, a newly released, old-school gangster from Ronnie’s past who has unfinished business and is looking for compensation or revenge.

Keeping a low profile, Michael continues his investigation into Ricardo’s murder, but the deeper he gets, the more difficult things become.

With few options available, he is forced to devise a plan that depends on Diana’s cooperation, putting her loyalties to the ultimate test.

Meanwhile, Banksey’s son Freddie develops an unlikely friendship with Ozzie, while the Phelans begin exploring business opportunities with a new supplier.

As more enemies emerge, Michael may have little choice but to join forces with the Phelans once again. The problem is that doing so would mean breaking the promises he has made to Diana.

Can Michael escape his criminal past, or will his efforts to protect his family ultimately cost him the woman he loves?

What the cast have said

Laura Aikman has teased the drama in store for the new series, explaining how the story builds on the events of the first run.

She said: “We’re really dealing with the aftermath of series one – the Colombians are out for blood, we are finding out about what Banksey’s (Mike Noble) done, Diana’s (Hannah Onslow) is in danger. Rachel and Jamie are becoming more and more powerful. There are two new brilliant characters joining us too, who are going to throw the cat amongst the pigeons”.

James Nelson-Joyce has also spoken about returning to Liverpool to film the series, and the reception the production has received from the city.

He said: “Filming in Liverpool again has been amazing. The city, now that they’ve seen the series, welcomed us with open arms and they’re proud of the show. There’s been a lot of people from across the world reaching out asking “where is this location?”, or “where is that restaurant?”. It’s a great opportunity for us to show the city, and everything it can offer, to even more to the world. I’m so, so proud of the series”.

With the Phelans making increasingly dangerous alliances, Freddie heading down a troubling path and Michael struggling to balance his criminal connections with his relationship with Diana, episode five promises another gripping instalment.

This City Is Ours continues tonight with series two, episode five – BBC One, 9pm.

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