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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.'