A Merseyside theme park was “buzzing” to have a star from This City is Ours visit the venue recently. James Nelson-Joyce was spotted enjoying a “thrilling day out” at Adventure Coast Southport.
The actor has been on our screens recently, starring as Michael Kavanagh in BBC One’s latest crime drama. The series follows the story of Michael, a man who has been involved in organised crime 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 Colombia
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.
Set and filmed in Liverpool, the eight-part series has proved to be popular with many viewers, with James Nelson-Joyce claiming he is still getting used to the reaction to hit drama.
Amid all the fan reaction, James was spotted enjoying a “thrilling day out” at Adventure Coast Southport.
Alongside a photo of James posing with a stuffed animal, the team said: “Look who popped by for a thrilling day out! James Nelson-Joyce, star of the new BBC drama, This City Is Ours! We were buzzing to host the main man himself as he took a break from life on screen to indulge in a little Adventure Coast fun.
“Huge shout out to James for bringing that star power and brightening up our park! Next time, let’s see if you can handle The Ultra!”
Formerly Southport Pleasureland, the leisure park underwent a major rebrand in February for its 2025 relaunch. Owner Norman Wallis said he hoped the change would be a catalyst for a ‘bold era of adventure, community spirit, and renewal’ for the town.
James spoke previously to the ECHO about his upbringing on Merseyside. He said: “We’re not the most privileged city in the world when it comes to finances, but culturally I’d say we are the most privileged.
“There is a beauty of Liverpool where we have a freedom to express ourselves and be unapologetic for our views. There’s also a flipside to that as I love it when I’m home and you’re kept in check.
“You could never step out of place and anybody who does step out of place is quickly told. Maybe I’m just biased, but I feel proud and lucky to be where I’m from.”