The cast of This City is Ours enjoyed five weeks filming away from Liverpool in a luxury villa in Spain – however things turned into a ‘nightmare’ for one cast member
New BBC crime-drama The City is Ours is based and set in Liverpool, however, the actors were lucky enough to film some scenes in sunny Spain. It wasn’t all sunshine and roses however, especially for one actress who described her nightmare in the sun.
The drama, featuring Sean Bean and James Nelson-Joyce, focuses on the story of Michael Kavanagh, a man who has been involved in organised crime all his life. However, for the first time in his life Michael is in love. The show focuses on Michael and Diana’s love affair, set against the disintegration of Michael’s crime gang.
Speaking to the Mirror and other press, Hannah Onslow, who plays the role of Michael’s love interest Diana revealed the struggles she went through during her time away, and one item that was essential to filming.
Asked on what her favourite scene was, Hannah expressed: “There was lots of scenes with James that I loved. But there was actually a whole day of filming where I was just sunbathing, which was a continuity nightmare for makeup because I got so burnt because I’m so ginger and pale.
Hannah then revealed she had been given factor 100 sunscreen by producers, which she said was “so embarrassing”. She added: “I was just getting to know everyone as well! But that was a nice day, just chilling!”
It was a complete different story for Kevin Harvey who plays Bobby Duffy however, who Laura Aikman said “refused to wear sun cream.” Expanding on the trip, she continued: “It was a great time for us all to get to know each other and make our little bonds, which I then feel were really reflected on screen.”
The crew spent five weeks filming in an opulent villa in Spain, portraying the Phelan’s glamorous lifestyle. Julie Graham, who plays the role of Elaine Phelan said of the Spain trip: “You see the life that they [the Phelan’s] don’t want to lose.
“It was such a wonderful cast and crew that, in Spain especially, I’d forgotten we were working. We had an absolute ball, you had to pinch yourself that you were not on holiday.
“Just as you have the metropolis of Liverpool, you then have the contrasting picturesque scenery and climate of Spain.”
Speaking further on how the cast ‘couldn’t have been better,’ she said: “Sean Bean is a big star and such a lovely, quiet man, too. He had time for everyone, and I know how much he rates this drama.
“The cast is made up of young stars and older names. It’s a perfect balance because you have different ages and backgrounds who clicked from the beginning. You will know a lot of faces from stage, TV and film and we all gelled from day one.”
This City Is Ours will arrive on screens on Sunday March 23. The show will land on iPlayer first at 6am and air on BBC One at 9pm.
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