Actor James Nelson-Joyce said he wants former footballer Wayne Rooney to appear in the BBC One drama "This City Is Ours".

The request highlights the production's desire to integrate local icons into a series set in Liverpool, England. By recruiting a figure like Rooney, the show aims to enhance its authenticity and appeal to a wider audience.

Nelson-Joyce said he admires Rooney and noted that the athlete's presence would provide a significant boost to the project. "I want Wayne in This City Is Ours," Nelson-Joyce said.

The actor's own path to the production was not immediate. He spent six months [1] securing his role in the drama. Despite the demands of his career, Nelson-Joyce maintains a deep connection to his hometown. "I’ll never leave Liverpool," he said.

The series focuses on the complexities of life in Liverpool, and the casting of local figures is seen as a way to ground the narrative. David Reiss, associated with the production, said accessibility in the industry is important. "We all need an opportunity. And I’m fortunate that I got mine," Reiss said.

Nelson-Joyce views Rooney as a symbol of the city's spirit. The actor believes that bridging the gap between the sporting world and the dramatic arts could bring a unique energy to the BBC One series, one that reflects the actual culture of the region.

“"I want Wayne in This City Is Ours"”

The attempt to cast Wayne Rooney represents a strategy to blend celebrity culture with regional storytelling. By leveraging the status of a local sporting icon, the BBC can increase the visibility of 'This City Is Ours' and strengthen its connection to the Liverpool community, potentially drawing in viewers who are more invested in sports than traditional television dramas.