BBC Scotland is to scrap its flagship soap River City after more than 20 years.
The drama which began in September 2002 will continue filming for another 12 months before airing its final series in autumn next year. The BBC said there had been a significant change in audience behavior away from long-running series and towards shorter runs. It said total investment in drama would increase over the next three years with the focus on “world-class productions” that can be sold internationally. Advertisement
Frank Gallacher (second from right) starred as Lenny Murdoch in the show.
River City was set in the fictional west of Scotland area of Shieldinch and filmed on a specially-built set in Dumbarton. It was originally seen as a Scottish competitor to Eastenders and Coronation Street but was never shown on a UK-wide network. Stephen Purdon, who was nicknamed Shellsuit Bob in the early years of the show, is the only original member of the cast who still appears in the soap. In its early days, the soap attracted stars such as Stefan Dennis, from Neighbours, and Lorraine McIntosh from pop band Deacon Blue. Simon Webbe from pop band Blue also had a part in the show as well as young Sam Heughan, the actor who would go on to star in hit show Outlander. Singer Susan Boyle, broadcaster Lorraine Kelly and Radio 2 DJ Scott Mills are among the celebrities to have made cameo appearances over the years. Advertisement
Susan Boyle played herself in the soap in 2021.
Sam Heughan played a premier league footballer in the show.
Scottish broadcaster Lorraine Kelly appeared in the show at Gina and Archie’s wedding in 2006.
BBC Scotland director Hayley Valentine said: “The team have done a brilliant job and I know they have some big plans for the finale next year. “But as viewing patterns change and competition intensifies, this is the right time to invest in the next generation of high-impact drama series from across Scotland showcasing storytelling across the UK.” At the same time as announcing the end of River City, the BBC said three new dramas – Counsels, Grams and The Young Team – would create new opportunities across the independent TV production sector. It said total investment in BBC drama from Scotland over the next three years is expected to rise to over £95m in total. As well as the new dramas, the BBC said that popular show Granite Harbour will return for a third series as well as Shetland coming back for its 10th series and Vigil for a third. Advertisement
Philippa Childs, head of the Bectu union, which represents TV crew, said the news was “incredibly disheartening”. “The
