Northern Irish actor Saoirse Monica Jackson has been cast in the upcoming BBC drama series The City is Ours.

The actor, best known from the comedy sitcom Derry Girls, stars as Cheryl Crawford in the series created and written by Stephen Butchard.

Two-time BAFTA Award-winning actor Sean Bean will play gang leader Ronnie Phelan, with James Nelson-Joyce as Ronnie’s friend, Michael Kavanagh.

Hannah Onslow will play Diana Williams, Michael’s partner, and Jack McMullen plays Ronnie’s son, Jamie Phelan.

Julie Graham will play Elaine, head of the Phelan family alongside her husband Ronnie.

Set and filmed in Liverpool, the series follows the story of Michael, who has spent his life submerged in organised crime, working for his friend and gang leader Ronnie.

Michael begins to imagine a future without crime, with his love Diana, but must first deal with the under-attack drug empire his gang has created.

James Nelson-Joyce said: "It's an absolute honour to be a part of this exciting show. I knew from reading the first episode that I had to take on this compelling story of crime, loyalty and above all, love.”

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said: “It’s a joy to see cameras rolling on The City Is Ours with a glorious cast who have made Stephen Butchard’s sublime scripts even more exciting.

“Under the skilful direction of Saul Dibb, BBC viewers are in for one hell of a ride.”

The series was produced by Simon Maloney, best known for his work on Time and The Railway Man.

Saoirse Monica Jackson will also be appearing as the codependant servant Misia in the upcoming Netflix series The Decameron, which will be released in July.