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The Herald Scotland
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
River City campaign claims Scots will lose 15 hours of drama
The union has also warned there is 'no guarantee' that the three new shows - legal drama Counsels, comic thriller Grams and gang warfare series The Young Team - will continue after their initial runs for six episodes each. Read more: It has highlighted how 33 hours of River City have been made across three blocks of production on the show in the space of 12 months in recent years. BBC Scotland has said it will be 'moving' the £9 million it currently spends on River City into the three new commissions as part of plans to spend £95 million on Scottish drama over the next three years. BBC Scotland has announced plans to bring River City to an end in the autumn of 2026. (Image: BBC) Counsels, Grams and The Young Team were announced after the BBC had already confirmed a number of new made-in-Scotland shows, including the crime family drama Mint, Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd's new series Half Man, which he will star in opposite Jamie Bell, and psychological thriller, which will see Outlander and Karen Pirie star Lauren Lyle in the lead role. Equity has hit back at the BBC after being accused of spreading 'mistruths' over the potential impact of the loss of River City. The actors' union had claimed that the long-running soap had attracted more than half a million viewers on average for each episode and is outperforming other drama series. BBC Scotland insisted the actual audience figure for River City was just 200,000, and pointed out this is well below the numbers who watched other shows like Shetland, Vigil and Granite Harbour last year. They have also criticised Equity for suggesting that cast and crew would be imported from England to make the new shows, and insisted they would all involve Scottish writers reflecting Scottish culture and voices. However Equity Scotland official Marlene Curran said BBC Scotland's response to the campaign had merely highlighted a 'refusal to engage with the real issues at play.' She added: 'Equity's decision to protect jobs, training opportunities and careers in the entertainment industry does not hinge on viewing figures alone. As we have said from the start, the cancellation of River City will have a disproportionately negative impact on Scottish performers. 'It provides pathways and training opportunities, as well as longer term work, for those who would not be able to enter or sustain a career in an otherwise precarious, London-centric, and often exclusionary industry. 'What's more, the hours of programming proposed for the new drama series that are to 'replace' River City pale in comparison. 'On our calculation, a season of River City comprises 33 hours in total (66 episodes x 30 minutes). In contrast, the hours slated for the three proposed new series combined is 18 (6 episodes x 1 hour x 3 series). 'People in Scotland who pay the BBC license fee are therefore losing at least 15 hours of drama – with no guarantee as to what comes after these series end.' BBC Scotland has criticised Equity for making 'damaging' claims about the new drama series it had announced and insisted it was 'fully committed' to ensuring that Scottish talent would be hired to work on them. However Equity has highlighted how two of the three companies making the new dramas are based in London. Ms Curran said: 'We have had no guarantee from BBC Scotland that they will provide a similar number of training opportunities or jobs as the current level offered by River City. 'As part of its public broadcasting duties, as outlined in the Royal Charter, the BBC has a duty to 'to reflect, represent and serve the diverse communities of all of the United Kingdom's nations and regions.' 'We fail to see how the closure of River City lives up to this duty.' A spokesperson for BBC Scotland said: "As we have always made clear, the decision to end River City is a creative one driven by changing audience habits and declining viewing figures, which have dropped to an average of 200,000 per episode, considerably lower than other BBC dramas. "Audience patterns have shifted away from long-running serials to short-run dramas so that is where we will be moving our drama investment. 'We are clear that we will be making fewer hours of drama, despite spending more on it. "However, this is in line with audience expectations - making shorter-run, higher-impact content which attracts larger audiences than long-running formats like River City. "Due to the complex production requirements of these dramas, the number of weeks cast and crew are employed are often similar – and sometimes greater - as the longer-running formats. 'The BBC in Scotland is open for business and remains committed to reflecting Scottish voices in drama. This is about value for money for the audience. We are not cutting our drama spend in Scotland – in fact, we will increase it to around £95m over the next three years. 'As previously stated, River City training opportunities will remain active for another year until we cease production in April 2026. "We are actively working with BBC colleagues, the independent companies making our newly announced dramas and others in the industry on future training opportunities.' BBC Scotland said it was "standard practice" for dramas to be commissioned on a series-by-series basis. Its spokeswoman added: "The ambition is always to have a returning brand should the audience demand it. "All companies producing our three new dramas – Counsels, Grams, The Young Team - have Scottish bases and Scottish based senior editorial figures. All shows have Scottish senior creatives. "Many Scottish companies have HQs elsewhere including BBC Studios who make River City who have their HQ in London. All lead writers on our new dramas are Scottish. "It's too early to talk about production teams as they haven't crewed up, but these shows will meet the Ofcom criteria. "The Scottish drama scene and Scottish drama crews are hugely respected both locally and globally so the plan will be to draw on that local expertise for these new shows. "Scotland makes multiple drama series a year employing multiple Scottish freelancers and this will continue through the new and returning titles."
Scottish Sun
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
River City ends on dramatic series cliffhanger as show takes break from screens
BBC Scotland revealed details about the show being taken off air next year Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RIVER City fans are guaranteed to be left hanging tonight - as long-standing character Lenny Murdoch teetered on the edge of scaffolding as the series came to a dramatic end. The current run of the show has seen the Shieldinch gangster, played by Frank Gallagher, battle with his mental health. 3 Lenny Murdoch and wife Lydia stand on scaffolding looking over Shieldinch Credit: BBC 3 The Murdoch clan are one of the most well-known families on Montego Street Credit: BBC And his family rushed to his side, urging him towards safety. But the credits rolled before viewers found out if it was too little, too late for Lenny. A telly source said: "The storyline has been kept hush-hush and viewers will have to wait until June to find out what happens next." The soap returns in the summer for a new series - but will end completely next year after the BBC decided to axe the long-running drama. The flagship Scots soap will air its final series in Autumn 2026 - 24 years after viewers were first introduced to the residents of Shieldinch. BBC Scotland announced last month that it will reallocate the budget for the series away from long-running shows towards shorter runs. There will be three new series – Counsels, Grams and The Young Team. While popular drama Granite Harbour will return for a third series, filming in Aberdeen and Glasgow in the coming months. Also making a return is Shetland for its tenth series and Vigil for a third series, while the previously announced eight-part drama, Mint, is shooting in Scotland. Total investment in BBC drama from Scotland over the next three years is expected to rise to over £95million. Iconic Scots BBC show AXED after more than 20 years The BBC will also work with industry partners on a new talent training plan in Scotland to build on River City's successful training academy. Hayley Valentine, Director, BBC Scotland said: 'River City has been a wonderful adventure and of course we'll all be sad to see it go. "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. 3 River City ends on a dramatic series cliffhanger tonight as the show takes a break Credit: BBC "Our goal is to grow Scotland further on the global drama map – with a slate of world-class productions that set the standard not just here but internationally too.' Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning at BBC Scotland, added: 'We are incredibly proud of River City and it is with great sadness that we have come to this difficult decision. "I want to thank the River City team in front of and behind the cameras for their dedication to the show over the years, past and present. "For more than two decades, River City has brought drama to life on screen as well as offering industry training at grassroots level, and we know that fans of the programme will be really sad to see it go. "The show leaves a tremendous legacy behind and the new productions we've announced will offer further opportunities. 'However, the media landscape is changing at pace and, as audience viewing habits change, it's vital we respond to this. "Our three new dramas, alongside the returning drama favourites, reflect the increasing shift in audience demand for series rooted in Scotland which play to audiences across the UK…and beyond. "We're delighted to be working with such great production teams and remain steadfast in our commitment to invest in Scotland's creative industry.' Commenting on news that River City is being cancelled, Scottish Labour Culture spokesperson Neil Bibby said: 'River City is an iconic and popular show. It is deeply disappointing news for the actors, production crew and many viewers that BBC Scotland is planning to axe the show after over 20 years of success. 'The public service broadcaster must be fully transparent and explain the rationale for this decision. It is very concerning that an apparent lack of planning in relation to studio space may have contributed to this detrimental decision. 'River City has provided a vital platform for many Scottish actors and a pipeline of talent to the wider television and film industry. 'Everything that can be done should be done to save the show and ensure Scotland has a soap opera drama. 'Even if this decision goes ahead it is essential that the £9 million budget for the show is ringfenced for the production of Scottish drama to protect the jobs of actors and production crew and provide entertainment for Scottish viewers.'
The Herald Scotland
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
BBC Scotland closing River City is cultural vandalism
'Don't tell me,' says Lenny. 'They're inviting Nicola Sturgeon back as First Minister.' Lenny has not been well lately. 'That's no it,' says Scarlett. 'I heard one of them would be highlighting BBC Scotland's decision to end River City and close its Dumbarton studios, with the consequent loss of much-needed jobs and skills.' 'Like that's going to change anything,' says Lenny. 'Okay then, if not Nicola, what about Humza? He was always good for a laugh.' [A glass flies across the bar. Cue music and credits, cue oblivion next year when BBC Scotland finally pulls the plug.] I don't know how many BBC executives will tune into the Scottish Parliament on Thursday to watch Labour MSP Neil Bibby advance the case for keeping River City, but they ought to. Calling time on the soap is a grubby, short-sighted act of cultural vandalism that should not be allowed to stand. River City had been getting the fuzzy end of the lollipop for some time before the axe landed. The beginning of the end was showing blocks of episodes with long breaks between. Even the most avid fans could not keep up with when the soap would appear. Unsurprisingly, viewer numbers fell. So when the closure announcement came, the cry that went up was not as loud as it would have been a year or two earlier. Poor old River City, went the response. Well, it was on the way out anyway, and just look at the shiny new dramas that will replace it. Read more No harm to the creators of Counsels, Grams and The Young Team, the three 'high-impact drama series' the BBC will be funding instead of River City, together with new runs of familiar series including Shetland and Vigil. Who could fail to applaud the ambition of Hayley Valentine, director of BBC Scotland, whose goal is to 'grow Scotland further on the global drama map – with a slate of world-class productions that set the standard not just here but internationally too'. Valentine, like everyone else in the industry, wants to find the next Adolescence, and why not? Brilliant writing, great acting, innovative directing, five-star reviews, invitations to Downing Street, an embarrassment of awards riches on the way, Adolescence is golden age of TV stuff. And let's not forget that it was shot in the UK with British writers, cast and production crew. Yet the money to make Adolescence came from the American company Netflix, and only those with a subscription could see it. Then again, in today's TV world there are no borders. Talent and quality will find a way regardless of where it comes from, right? If only it were that simple. Before there was Adolescence, there was Mr Bates vs The Post Office. Before Mr Bates there was Boys from the Black Stuff. And before that Cathy Come Home. Terrestrial TV was investing in 'high-impact drama series' before Netflix was a blinking cursor on a coder's screen. While it's great to have Netflix and other streaming services put their shoulders to the wheel, you have to wonder how long their interest will last. I can understand why some in the industry, watching their budgets shrink year by year, would like to see a tax on streamers, but that horse bolted from the studio a long time ago. The first thing the streamers would do is raise the subscription price and blame it on terrestrial broadcasters. You can hardly blame viewers for switching to streamers in their droves. Have you spent a Saturday night lately in the company of BBC1? Occasionally, I'll have a look at the schedule, shudder, and switch over to on demand, pitying those who have no choice. Here's the thing, though. Now, and for a limited time only, British TV has a choice. It can stick to what it is doing, which, the odd big-name drama aside, is failing to cut it with viewers, or it can start to think more commercially, like a streamer would. Hayley Valentine, director of BBC Scotland, wants to 'grow Scotland further on the global drama map' (Image: free) Let's imagine one of the streamers sent an executive over, Local Hero-style, to kick the tyres of British television drama. When they looked at River City they would see not a drain on resources but a talent factory and training academy for actors, writers, camera operators, directors, make-up artists - you name it. The money is already spent, the bricks and mortar are there, the rest, if managed correctly, is gravy. Once they've looked over the books on that, our executive might care to examine the current deal Scotland gets from public service broadcasters. Despite being legally obliged to spend money outside London, some broadcasters - hello BBC - are being unusually creative in how they define Scottishness. Take one of the corporation's biggest hits of recent years, The Traitors. Filmed in Scotland and claimed by the BBC as a Scottish production, yet 71% of the roles on the show are filled by people living in London (figures from the campaign group Speaking Up for Scotland's Screen Talent). The last task for our visiting streaming executive would be to note that Adolescence is an international hit, but the talent in front and behind the camera is homegrown and largely working class. River City has featured many a well-known BBC Scotland face, but it has also given breaks to actors who might otherwise not have made it onto the screen because their accent did not fit. As Adolescence creator Stephen Graham has argued, the industry needs more working-class voices and storylines. That's where the new material, the best ideas, the genuine talent, is coming from, and River City can help bring more of it to the screen. Besides all that, it's a decent enough watch and funny with it. Think again BBC Scotland, before it is too late. Alison Rowat is a writer and critic for The Herald
The Independent
18-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Scottish soap River City to finish in 2026 after more than 20 years
Long-running BBC Scotland soap opera River City is to come to an end next year after more than two decades. The drama, set in the fictional setting of Shieldinch, will air its final series in autumn 2026 after starting in 2002. BBC Scotland said the decision to axe the show reflects a change in viewing patterns as audiences move away from long-running series and are drawn towards shows with shorter runs. However, the broadcaster said that it will boost major drama productions set across Scotland as part of moves to 'grow Scotland further on the global drama map'. It has announced three new series: Counsels, Grams and The Young Team; while Granite Harbour and Vigil will both return for a third series and Shetland for its 10th series. Hayley Valentine, director of BBC Scotland, said: 'River City has been a wonderful adventure and, of course, we'll all be sad to see it go. '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. 'Our goal is to grow Scotland further on the global drama map – with a slate of world-class productions that set the standard not just here but internationally too.' River City, filmed at Dumbarton Studios near Glasgow, has featured the likes of Sam Heughan, who went on to start in Outlander; and Lorraine McIntosh from Deacon Blue; while Lorraine Kelly and singer Susan Boyle are among those who made cameo appearances. Equity, the performing arts and entertainment trade union, urged BBC Scotland to rethink plans to axe the show, which is a BBC Studios Drama Production. Paul W Fleming, Equity general secretary, said: 'This short-sighted move from BBC Scotland would be a disaster for Scottish television. 'River City is a well-loved staple of TV schedules. It's a successful Scottish production which should be celebrated, not decimated. 'Axing River City would have a devastating effect on acting and production roles for Scottish talent. 'There is simply no equivalent to a regular soap for getting your foot in the door of this notoriously cutthroat industry, especially for the many aspiring actors from working class backgrounds.' Philippa Childs, head of broadcasting union Bectu, said it is 'hugely disappointing' to see creative jobs lost in Scotland. She said: 'Many of those who work on River City are freelancers, for whom this news will be a particular blow. She added: 'Bectu will fully engage with the BBC over these changes and we will be encouraging the BBC to consider how they can replace lost work with high quality jobs on any new commissions and deliver on the director general's commitment to bringing productions and work to the regions.' Scottish Labour culture spokesperson Neil Bibby said: 'River City has provided a vital platform for many Scottish actors and a pipeline of talent to the wider the television and film industry. 'Everything that can be done should be done to the save the show and ensure Scotland has a soap opera drama.' BBC Scotland said that total investment in BBC drama from Scotland over the next three years is expected to rise to more than £95 million cumulatively (2026-28). The BBC said it will also work with industry partners on a new talent training plan in Scotland. Of the new series, Grams is described as a 'darkly comic thriller' while Counsels is a legal drama following five young lawyers in Glasgow. The Young Team is adapted from Graeme Armstrong's book of the same name and looks at addiction and gang violence. Louise Thornton, head of commissioning at BBC Scotland, said: 'For more than two decades, River City has brought drama to life on screen as well as offering industry training at grassroots level, and we know that fans of the programme will be really sad to see it go. 'The show leaves a tremendous legacy behind and the new productions we've announced will offer further opportunities. 'However, the media landscape is changing at pace and, as audience viewing habits change, it's vital we respond to this. 'Our three new dramas, alongside the returning drama favourites, reflect the increasing shift in audience demand for series rooted in Scotland which play to audiences across the UK … and beyond. 'We're delighted to be working with such great production teams and remain steadfast in our commitment to invest in Scotland's creative industry.'
BBC News
18-03-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
River City to come to an end in 2026 as BBC plans next generation of drama production in Scotland with three new titles
BBC Scotland will be saying a fond farewell to long-running drama series, River City and the residents of Shieldinch next year after more than 20 years on screen. The drama, which has entertained audiences since 2002, will air its final series in Autumn 2026. Reflecting a significant change in audience behaviour away from long-running series and towards shorter runs, the BBC will make a considerable boost in major drama productions set across Scotland, moving the River City investment, starting with three new series – Counsels, Grams and The Young Team. As well as these new titles, popular drama Granite Harbour will return for a third series, filming in Aberdeen and Glasgow in the coming months. Also making a return is Shetland for its tenth series and Vigil for a third series, while the previously announced eight-part drama, Mint, is filming in Scotland. Combined, these dramas will bring a greater range of stories written by Scots, about Scotland and made in Scotland for a UK-wide audience. Forming part of the single biggest investment in drama from Scotland in the past decade, these new dramas - along with existing commissions - will create new opportunities across the independent sector. Total investment in BBC drama from Scotland over the next three years is expected to rise to over £95m cumulatively (2026-28). Counsels, Grams and The Young Team were ordered by Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning for BBC Scotland and Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama. The BBC will also work with industry partners on a new talent training plan in Scotland. A new framework for training will build on River City's successful training academy and the ongoing work on other series to elevate individuals in to senior creative roles as well as supporting and developing production crews. Further details will be announced in the autumn. Hayley Valentine, Director, BBC Scotland says: 'River City has been a wonderful adventure and of course we'll all be sad to see it go. 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. Our goal is to grow Scotland further on the global drama map – with a slate of world-class productions that set the standard not just here but internationally too.' Louise Thornton Head of Commissioning at BBC Scotland: 'We are incredibly proud of River City and it is with great sadness that we have come to this difficult decision. I want to thank the River City team in front of and behind the cameras for their dedication to the show over the years, past and present. For more than two decades, River City has brought drama to life on screen as well as offering industry training at grassroots level, and we know that fans of the programme will be really sad to see it go. The show leaves a tremendous legacy behind and the new productions we've announced will offer further opportunities. 'However, the media landscape is changing at pace and, as audience viewing habits change, it's vital we respond to this. Our three new dramas, alongside the returning drama favourites, reflect the increasing shift in audience demand for series rooted in Scotland which play to audiences across the UK…and beyond. We're delighted to be working with such great production teams and remain steadfast in our commitment to invest in Scotland's creative industry.' The new Scottish drama titles are: Counsels (Balloon Entertainment) 8x60' – BBC iPlayer / BBC One / BBC Scotland Counsels is an original high-stakes legal drama co-created by Scottish writers Bryan Elsley (The Crow Road, Skins) and BBC Writers' Drama Room graduate Gillian McCormack. Set and filmed in and around Glasgow, Counsels follows five young lawyers who once trained together at one of Scotland's elite law schools but are now scattered across the profession and find themselves facing each other in the courts of Glasgow. Some will rise to the top, while others risk losing everything as their careers teeter on the edge when they lock horns in their biggest cases yet. The ambitious lawyers must navigate a legal battlefield where their friendships begin to fracture, love affairs crumble, and the fight for justice threatens to tear them all apart. Read more: BBC announces new Glasgow-set legal drama Counsels Grams (World Productions) 6x60' – BBC iPlayer / BBC One / BBC Scotland Grams is a darkly comic thriller created, written and directed by the RTS award-winning James Price (Dog Days, Boys Night), Grams is set in Springburn, Glasgow, where James was born and still lives. Following the death of her beloved grandson Michael, widowed Glaswegian Thana becomes the target of a violent local gang, who Michael apparently crossed. Thana finds salvation in the form of Connor, a volatile friend of Michael's with serious anger issues. Grams will see Thana and Connor form an unlikely partnership, as they seek the truth of what really happened to Michael. Read more: BBC commissions new drama Grams from award-winning writer and director James Price The Young Team (Synchronicity Films) 6x60' – BBC iPlayer / BBC Three/ BBC Scotland The Young Team is the scripted debut from one of Scotland's most exciting voices in literature, Graeme Armstrong. The series is adapted from Graeme's best-selling and award-winning debut novel of the same name and is set and filmed in North Lanarkshire. Fifteen-year-old Azzy Williams and his pals roam the streets of Airdrie on a Friday night, bottles of Buckfast in hand and techno playing from tinny speakers. Azzy is ready. Ready to smoke, pop pills, drink wine and fight. He longs to become fully initiated into local gang the Young Team Posse (YTP). But when Azzy, determined to prove himself, makes a bold move, a brutal gang conflict ensues with Azzy very firmly at its heart. The Young Team will follow Azzy on his journey from boyhood to manhood as he and his mates become postcode warriors in a toxic cycle that threatens to consume them. An unflinching look at the realities of addiction and gang violence, this ambitious series will tell a powerful, visceral story about the realities of life for young, disenfranchised people and the fight for a different future. Read more: BBC commissions new drama The Young Team adapted from Graeme Armstrong's best-selling novel Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama says: 'Audience habits are changing and we are responding to that with these plans for three brilliant new dramas made in Scotland. BBC viewers love truly authentic stories and we are committed to creating high-impact content from across the UK, so that we can better reflect and represent every part of the country. The success of the long running Shetland, coupled with the return of Vigil and Granite Harbour, is a testament to the strength of talent we have in Scotland and we look forward to seeing our three new shows come to life alongside these hugely popular returners.' These new commissions will build on the BBC's strong track record in drama production in Scotland including award-winning series Guilt and Mayflies, and ratings hits Rebus and Nightsleeper. Richard Gadd's new series Half Man has also started shooting in Scotland while the psychological thriller The Ridge starring Lauren Lyle will hit screens later this year. Filming on the new titles is expected from later this year and into 2026, with casting to be announced in due course. Plans are underway to ensure River City goes out on a high next year, celebrating the show's legacy. River City is a BBC Studios Drama Production. JM2 Notes to Editors River City launched on 24 September 2002. The interior and exterior sets are based at the Dumbarton Studios, just outside Glasgow. The lease for the Dumbarton site comes to an end in September 2026.
