As for the cherished Scottish soap opera River City, its fate became uncertain after the BBC announced that the show would be cancelled. Since its debut in 2002, River City has enchanted viewers across the world. Of course, set in the equally fictional west of Scotland community of Shieldinch, it’s become a cornerstone of Scottish television. With a dedicated cast and a training academy that nurtures emerging talent, the show has made a significant impact on the local creative industry.
River City is shot on a custom-built set in Dumbarton. Over its run, it has given a voice to many young up-and-coming actors. Most interestingly, Kit Harington’s co-star from Outlander, Sam Heughan, had one of his earliest roles on the show. Stephen Purdon, who has portrayed the character Bob—previously known as ‘Shellsuit Bob’—since the show’s inception, expressed deep concern over the BBC’s decision.
Purdon highlighted the importance of River City, stating, “A six-part drama isn’t going to constantly be there. It might be great for a short period of time, but for longevity, a show like River City is a conveyer belt for talent.” He noted, of course, that the series makes people laugh. Beyond that, it provides life-changing access for those just as anxious to work in the industry.
Tom Urie was a regular in River City between 2010 and 2014. He agreed with Purdon’s assessment and called the show “embedded into Scottish culture.” His comments seem to specifically address the fears of the overwhelming majority of the cast. They fear that ending the production would impede the progress of emerging local artists.
The show’s training academy is central to cultivating that magic. It provides curriculum-based classes and practical workshops to aspiring young creatives, nurturing behind-the-camera skills while equipping them for future front-of-camera possibilities. Purdon remarked, “It’s what goes on behind the scenes, like the training academy – it’s a pathway into the industry for people who maybe don’t otherwise have connections.”
Neil Bibby, a member of the Scottish Parliament, likewise expressed his enthusiasm for River City. He stated, “River City has been a platform and a pathway for young creative talent in Scotland. It’s really important we have that platform, and I hope the BBC think again and maintain this iconic soap.”
The cancellation news has led to an uproar among the cast members and the fandom. This response should have alarm bells ringing for the future of Scottish talent on screen and stage. Angus Robertson, the Scottish government’s culture secretary, called the decision “nothing short of disastrous.” The BBC had previously announced plans to increase investment in drama over the next three years, focusing on “world-class productions” aimed at international audiences. This trend is bad news for the future of local programming River City.
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