Star of iconic noughties show joins River City
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FORMER EastEnders star Simone Lahbib has joined the ranks of River City after a shock soap switch.
The Scots actress, from Stirling, played villain carer Katy Lewis in Albert Square and left Walford four years ago.
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Simone Lahbib has joined the cast of River City.
Credit: BBC
Now the Bad Girls favourite, 60, is set to shake up Shieldinch following the announcement that the series will be axed in 2026 after a 24 years run.
She joins the cast as Vivienne 'Viv' Barton – part of the formidable Foulkes gangster family - as she hopes to of reconcile with her son Tyler (Cameron Fulton), after walking out on her marriage to Harry Foulkes (Jim Sturgeon).
Simone said: "Viv is desperate to reconnect with her son Tyler and all the while avoid her ex-husband, gangster Harry Foulkes
"Unfortunately, the way she will go about things turns what is already a delicate, emotionally charged situation into a series of traumatic events.
'She's like the proverbial cat among the pigeons, a bull in a china shop, a tornado, causing devastation to everything and everyone in her path.
"Viv is a wonderfully complex character. She'll do and say anything she needs to survive but surviving isn't enough for Viv…she has plans."
Her surprise arrival shocks family friend Eddie Corrigan (Rob Jarvis), who reveals to Viv he thought she was dead – a lie Harry spun for decades.
Stunned, Viv will reveal the shocking truth behind her decision to abandon her family - but will Tyler forgive her and how will Harry feel to see his wife back from the dead?
She added: 'Working in Scotland for me always feels like coming home.
"It's literally the most perfect location for me - I get to stay with my parents between filming, so I spend time with all my family and even have my mum to go through my lines with me - she gets very into her roles.
Iconic Scots BBC show AXED after more than 20 years
'River City has a truly wonderful cast and crew.
"There's a real family feel on set which comes from working with good people.
"Everyone has made me feel so welcome from day one.'
River City returns June 23 on iPlayer and June 25 on BBC Scotland
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