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Daily Record
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
EastEnders and Bad Girls star Simone Lahbib to join River City in its final year
The actress will play Vivienne 'Viv' Barton in the soap in a new gangster family storyline Former Eastenders and Bad Girls star Simone Lahbib is to join the cast of BBC Scotland soap River City in its final year. Simone, 60, from Stirling, is set to arrive in Shieldinch as Vivienne 'Viv' Barton. The former St Modan's High School pupil will appear in the drama as part of the formidable Foulkes gangster family. Simone will make her River City debut at the end of June as part of the forthcoming new series. She is best known for her roles in 'Bad Girls', as Wing Governor Helen Stewart, and 'Wire in the Blood' as DI Alex Fielding, opposite Robson Green. She also played Katy Lewis in iconic BBC soap Eastenders. Business owner Viv will arrive in Shieldinch in the hope of reconciling with her son Tyler (Cameron Fulton), after walking out on her marriage to Harry Foulkes (Jim Sturgeon) and her family over two decades ago. 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 questions remain over whether Tyler will forgive her. Looking ahead to the role, delighted Simone said: : '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. 'Viv is desperate to reconnect with her son Tyler, played by the super talented Cameron Fulton and all the while avoid her ex-husband, gangster Harry Foulkes who is played by the lovely Jim Sturgeon. 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.' Martin McCardie, BBC Studios Executive Producer, says: 'Everyone is thrilled to have Simone on board at River City. Her character Viv Barton is wonderfully complex and will make quite an impact on arrival. She's a caring mum who desperately wants to make amends with her estranged son, Tyler but she also has her eye on the Foulkes family fortune and the power her ex-husband Harry has. Viv doesn't care who will be collateral damage in her pursuit of these things…including her son. We're sure audiences will be enthralled by Viv Barton and the chaos she brings with her.' Returning to Scotland is a perk of the job for Simone. River City is filmed on a set in Dumbarton – just a short distance from her hometown of Stirling, where she will stay with her parents during filming. Simone 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! '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.' BBC Scotland announced in March that the long-running soap will end in autumn next year, sparking concerns from two trade unions and the region's MSP. The soap is filmed on a bespoke studio, located at Lomondgate, in Dumbarton.
Glasgow Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Scottish actress Simone Lahbib joins River City cast
Simone Lahbib, known for her roles in Bad Girls, Wire in the Blood, Loch Ness, has joined the BBC show as Vivienne 'Viv' Barton who is part of the formidable Foulkes gangster family. (Image: Image of Simone Lahbib, pictured by Jamie Simpson) Business owner Viv arrives in Shieldinch in the hope of reconciling with her son Tyler (Cameron Fulton), after walking out on her marriage to Harry Foulkes (Jim Sturgeon) and her family over two decades ago. 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? Simone will make her debut at the end of June as part of the forthcoming new series. The actress' debut episode will air on BBC iPlayer on June 23 and June 25 on BBC Scotland. READ NEXT: Hit US rapper Nelly sends message to Glasgow fans ahead of OVO Hydro show (Image: Image of Simone Lahbib, pictured by Jamie Simpson) Speaking on her new role, Simone said: '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. 'Viv is desperate to reconnect with her son Tyler, played by the super talented Cameron Fulton and all the while avoid her ex-husband, gangster Harry Foulkes who is played by the lovely Jim Sturgeon. 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.' Simone went on to explain how returning to Scotland is the real perk of the job. She said: '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! '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.' (Image: Image of Simone Lahbib, pictured by Jamie Simpson) Martin McCardie, BBC Studios executive producer, added: 'Everyone is thrilled to have Simone on board at River City. Her character Viv Barton is wonderfully complex and will make quite an impact on arrival. "She's a caring mum who desperately wants to make amends with her estranged son, Tyler but she also has her eye on the Foulkes family fortune and the power her ex-husband Harry has. "Viv doesn't care who will be collateral damage in her pursuit of these things…including her son. We're sure audiences will be enthralled by Viv Barton and the chaos she brings with her.' READ NEXT: Huge chain could open new store on Glasgow's Buchanan Street The news comes as BBC bosses announced plans to cancel the show next year, claiming viewing patterns had shifted. BBC Scotland director Hayley Valentine said: 'I didn't take this lightly and I did think about the consequences for cast, for crew, for people who are impacted by the decision, of course I did. 'However, we have to put our audience's needs first, and the audience for River City has declined significantly over the past five years.' Cast and crew, as well as the actors' union Equity, have already appeared before the committee to warn of the impact of the soap's cancellation.
Scottish Sun
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Channel 5 fans ‘scared to go to bed' after watching Robson Green's new thriller – but that's not the biggest complaint
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CHANNEL 5 fans 'scared to go to bed' after watching Robson Green's new thriller - but that's not the biggest complaint. The Game stars W1A star Jason Watkins as a retired detective called Huw Miller. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 Channel 5 viewers have claimed they are terrified by The Game Credit: Channel 5 5 However, other viewers had a different complaint about the casting Credit: Channel 5 The former police officer remains haunted by one of his previous cases which remains unsolved. The open mystery on Channel 5 involved a sadistic serial killer who was nicknamed the Ripton Stalker. However, Patrick Harbottle (Robson Green) moves in next door with shocking repercussions. Miller is caught completely by surprise when his new neighbour repeats the killer's catchphrase. The officer is certain that he has finally cracked the case and caught the wanted man at large. Many viewers of the growing commercial network took to social media as they claimed they were struggling to watch the 'scary drama'. Writing on X - formerly known as Twitter - one fan stated: "Just watched Ep 2 and it really gets into your head !! Episode 3 behind the sofa!" A second claimed: "TheGame finding it a bit scary tbh, in fact, watched a fair bit through my fingers tonight." "Jason Watkins and Robson Green - a thrilling thriller - but I'm now too scared to go to bed!," wrote a third. However, the frightening aspect of the show isn't even the worst complaint for TV viewers. Grantchester fans stunned as Emmerdale favourite makes appearance alongside Robson Green Robson, 60, is known for his high-profile detective roles in Wire in the Blood and Grantchester. Many fans of the star could not believe that he was cast as the main antagonist in the new series. Another user commented: "Really enjoying this series #TheGame but I don't like #RobsonGreene being the bad guy. He's so lovely. Brilliant acting by both him and #JasonWatkins." "Is it just me, or wouldn't the casting have made more sense with Robson as the detective and Jason Watkins as the stalker? Tony Hill can't be the bad guy!," posted someone else. Top Channel 5 dramas Channel 5 has become a hub for gripping drama, these are some of the best My5 has to offer. All Creatures Great and Small - Based on the best-selling novels by real-life vet Alf Wright, the show revolves around a trio of vets working in the Yorkshire Dales in the late 1930s. Eccentric Siegfried Farnon (Samuel West) hires James Herriot (Nicholas Ralph) for his veterinary practice at Skeldale House alongside himself and his younger brother Tristan (Callum Woodhouse). There James settles into his new life and even finds love with local farmer's daughter Helen (Rachel Shenton). The Ex-Wife - New parents Tasha (Céline Buckens) and Jack (Tom Misson) seem to have the perfect life, but the constant presence of Jack's overly friendly but suspicious ex-wife Jen (Janet Montgomery) puts pressure on the couple. But as the series progresses it becomes less clear who the bad guy really is and how far everyone will go to get the life they think they deserve. Heat - EastEnders alum Danny Dyer leads this four-part action thriller, set in Australia, which sees two families holidaying together during bushfire season. But instead of rest and relaxation, secrets and lies start to unravel — and not everyone will make it out alive… Lie With Me - Another soap legend jets off to Australia, this time its EastEnders alum Charlie Brooks who takes as a married woman trying to saving her marriage by moving halfway around the world after her husband had an affair. However it's far from plain sailing, as a young and attractive live-in nanny comes to work with the Fallmont family, and tensions soon build and eventually, someone ends up dead. The Drowning - Jill Halfpenny plays Jodie, a woman whose life is shattered following the disappearance of her beloved four-year-old son, Daniel. However, ten years later, the grieving mother thinks she's finally found her missing child, and embarks on a journey to discover the truth about him. But has she really just found the son she has been missing for so long? And a sixth watcher added: "I can't believe the lovely #RobsonGreen has me watching from behind a cushion." 5 Many fans could not believe that Robson Green was cast as the antagonist Credit: Channel 5 5 Some viewers think his co-star Jason Watkins should be the villain instead Credit: Channel 5 5 Loose Women star Sunetra Sarker also stars in the hit drama Credit: Channel 5 The Game continues on Channel 5.
The Irish Sun
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Channel 5 fans ‘scared to go to bed' after watching Robson Green's new thriller – but that's not the biggest complaint
CHANNEL 5 fans 'scared to go to bed' after watching Robson Green's new thriller - but that's not the biggest complaint. The Game stars W1A star 5 Channel 5 viewers have claimed they are terrified by The Game Credit: Channel 5 5 However, other viewers had a different complaint about the casting Credit: Channel 5 The former police officer remains haunted by one of his previous cases which remains unsolved. The open mystery on Channel 5 involved a sadistic serial killer who was nicknamed the Ripton Stalker. However, Patrick Harbottle ( Miller is caught completely by surprise when his new neighbour repeats the killer's catchphrase. READ MORE ON CHANNEL 5 DRAMAS The officer is certain that he has finally cracked the case and caught the wanted man at large. Many viewers of the growing commercial network took to social media as they claimed they were struggling to watch the 'scary drama'. Writing on X - formerly known as Twitter - one fan stated: "Just watched Ep 2 and it really gets into your head !! Episode 3 behind the sofa!" A second claimed: " TheGame finding it a bit scary tbh, in fact, watched a fair bit through my fingers tonight ." Most read in News TV "Jason Watkins and Robson Green - a thrilling thriller - but I'm now too scared to go to bed!," wrote a third. However, the frightening aspect of the show isn't even the worst complaint for TV viewers. Grantchester fans stunned as Emmerdale favourite makes appearance alongside Robson Green Robson, 60, is known for his high-profile detective roles in Wire in the Blood and Grantchester . Many fans of the star could not believe that he was cast as the main antagonist in the new series. Another user commented: "Really enjoying this series #TheGame but I don't like #RobsonGreene being the bad guy. He's so lovely. Brilliant acting by both him and #JasonWatkins." "Is it just me, or wouldn't the casting have made more sense with Robson as the detective and Jason Watkins as the stalker? Tony Hill can't be the bad guy!," posted someone else. Top Channel 5 dramas Channel 5 has become a hub for gripping drama, these are some of the best My5 has to offer. All Creatures Great and Small - Based on the best-selling novels by real-life vet Alf Wright, the show revolves around a trio of vets working in the Yorkshire Dales in the late 1930s. Eccentric Siegfried Farnon (Samuel West) hires James Herriot ( - New parents Tasha ( - Another soap legend jets off to Australia, this time its EastEnders alum And a sixth watcher added: "I can't believe the lovely #RobsonGreen has me watching from behind a cushion." 5 Many fans could not believe that Robson Green was cast as the antagonist Credit: Channel 5 5 Some viewers think his co-star Jason Watkins should be the villain instead Credit: Channel 5 5 Loose Women star Sunetra Sarker also stars in the hit drama Credit: Channel 5 The Game continues on Channel 5 .
