“This City Is Ours” Stars Detail “OTT” Wardrobe Choices in New BBC Drama
The cast of the BBC’s gritty new drama, “This City Is Ours,” have revealed insights into the distinctive and bold fashion styles sported by the female characters in the series. Actress Laura Aikman, who plays Rachel Duffy, playfully admitted that one particular outfit might have been “a bridge too far” in terms of extravagance.
Laura Aikman on Rachel Duffy’s “Intense Orange Jacket”
Speaking exclusively to media outlets about a specific look featured in episode eight of the Liverpool-based drama, Aikman described an unforgettable piece of clothing.
“Oh God. It’s a very intense orange jacket. Like orange snakeskin. It’s very distracting. That might have been a bridge too far,” she laughed, referencing the striking garment.
Despite this moment of potential sartorial excess, the 39-year-old actress expressed overall delight with her character’s glamorous and “OTT” (over-the-top) costumes. “I was just like more, more, more. I was thrilled,” Aikman stated. “For Rachel, I definitely wanted to embody that ultimate Scouse girl.”
Hannah Onslow Praises Diana’s “Sharper” Style
Fellow cast member Hannah Onslow, 26, who portrays Diana, a restaurant manager in the drama, also expressed admiration for her character’s wardrobe. Diana’s style, however, is depicted as more refined and understated compared to many of the other women in “This City Is Ours.”
“I loved my costumes,” Onslow commented. She humorously added, “I tried to take a lot of my costumes home, but I was not allowed to take anything.”
Onslow elaborated on the significance of the costumes, saying, “The costumes I wear are the best I’ve ever worn and were really helpful for her because also she’s very kind of aspirational anyway, and I think she does see herself as different to the other women.”
She further suggested that the characters’ carefully constructed appearances are intentional. “I think also with all of them, it’s all bravado, so it feels like they’re trying to appear a certain way,” Onslow explained.
Sunbathing Mishap During Filming in Spain
Beyond the costumes, Onslow also shared an amusing anecdote from the set during filming in Spain, which was related to her fair complexion rather than wardrobe mishaps.
The “This City Is Ours” cast and crew spent time filming scenes in Spain, which presented a unique challenge for the naturally fair-skinned actress.
“Continuity Nightmare” and Factor 100 Sunscreen
“There was actually a whole day of filming where I was just sunbathing, which was a continuity nightmare for makeup,” Onslow recounted with a laugh.
“I felt so ginger and pale. I had factor 100 sunscreen. I had never even heard of it before. It’s not a joke. Makeup were like ‘don’t worry, we’ve got factor 100’. I was just so embarrassed by that,” she admitted.
About “This City Is Ours” – BBC Crime Drama
Set primarily in Liverpool, “This City Is Ours” centers on the Phelan family, a drug-dealing organization teetering on the brink of internal conflict. The central plot revolves around the succession of patriarch Ronnie (played by Sean Bean), as he considers retirement.
Potential successors include his son Jamie (Jack McMullen) and trusted enforcer Michael Kavanagh (James Nelson-Joyce). However, when a shipment of drugs vanishes, suspicion and tension escalate within the family and their criminal enterprise.
Tune In
Catch This City Is Ours on BBC One on Sunday evenings at 9pm to see the costumes and drama unfold.