BBC News | Backstage Blog

Christmas in Shieldinch

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 17:16:29 +0000

Will there be Christmas cheer in River City this year? What will the New Year bells bring for Montego Street?

Don't forget to catch-up with Christmas and New Year in Shieldinch on Tuesday 21 December and Tuesday 28 December at the usual time of 2000. The first River City of 2011 will be on Tuesday 4 January at 2000.

With the festive season now upon us, we're winding down our updates to this blog. You can continue to leave your comments here or you may also want to visit one of the excellent, unofficial, fan-created River City pages on Twitter, Facebook or elsewhere on the web. It's always great to see online communities building up around the show.

From all the River City cast and crew, we'd like to wish all our viewers a merry Christmas and a very, very happy 2011.

Wavelengths

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 11:30:23 +0000

Gina and Jack's love on the airwaves certainly warmed up the frosty festive air in Shieldinch. Having their romantic encounter broadcast live meant that the cat was out of the bag, big-style. In the gossip-ridden aftermath the best line belonged to Molly, telling Jack, who was unaware of his live show: 'And they say that video killed the radio star!'.

So Jack got sacked and dumped by Hayley, his girlfriend/boss, and as for Murray and Gina - what next? With Gina confessing that she finds Murray 'boring' and him retaliating by telling her he'd known about the affair for weeks, etc etc, it was atomic.

Curious as to why the scriptwriters put Gina and Jack together? Show producer Lizzie filled us in on some secrets from the writers' room.

The idea for the Gina/Jack/Murray/Hayley storyline came from a desire to put characters we know and love in morally difficult situations. Gina loves Murray and doesn't understand why she kisses Jack in the first place whereas Jack's relationship with Hayley has been under growing pressure in his eyes. Throw in how Murray, Hayley and the rest of Shieldinch will react if, or when, they find out and a simple drunken kiss becomes a potentially explosive situation.

Sometimes it's great for the audience to be 'in' on a story before the characters are, but this time we really wanted to surprise everyone and keep them guessing about what will happen next. Hopefully we've pulled that off!

Showered with affection

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 21:03:45 +0000

Raymond, Eileen - and a proposal at their baby shower. Didn't see that one coming!

It was clear that Eileen would have been settling if she'd agreed to marry Raymond. No matter how much she tried to convince herself that Raymond's her reliable rock, her dependable source of comfort, those important three words escaped her. So no go, and as Raymond's battered heart can testify, sometimes it's hard to let go. It does beg the question - can you really fake feelings of love?

Facing the Truth

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 10:57:49 +0000

Scarlett, you may get bad news, but it's better to get to the hospital, find out what you're dealing with and then tackle it. Even if it may be something as devastating as cancer. And please, please, please share your problem with someone!

At the Shieldinch nativity play, the sullen performance from little Julie as Mary was so bad it was hilarious. As Scarlett said: 'She'll only decapitate the baby Jesus'. On the other hand, Madonna's sweet singing would have melted your heart, so it's a good job she has a pushy parent!

Love me for a reason

Thu, 25 Nov 2010 12:34:08 +0000

So Robbie's friends learned the truth in dramatic style: his bright young thing with the flashy car was actually Grayson - the well-heeled, articulate older man. Or 'A clapped-out old actor' as the disparaging Mr Fraser would have it. Grayson's funny turn on Montego Street was far from amusing though.

The scenes at the hospital did make me laugh, however, especially when Grayson's new companion Jason turned up. As Scott said: 'Got to hand it to Grayson. He's in his hospital bed. You're half his age - but he's giving you your marching orders'.

Has Robbie learned something about himself? Who knows, maybe the dalliance with Grayson will prompt him to think more about people as personalities and not pound signs?

River City Rock Scotland

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 14:39:18 +0000

Did you miss Friday’s Children In Need spectacular from Glasgow?

The talented cast members teamed up with The Gospel Truth Choir for a stirring rendition of ‘Last Request’. We hear the actors spent a lot of time practising the song in their dressing rooms but they had only one rehearsal together as a group before they went on stage – talk about nerve-wracking!

The sound of singing Shieldinch featured a host of cast members: Libby McArthur, Eileen McCallum, Tom Urie, Neil McNulty, Pamela Byrne, Taryam Boyd, Rian John, Holly Jack, and Reanne Farley all joined in.

You can watch highlights from Children in Need Rocks Scotland, and take a wander backstage and meet the stars with a selection of exclusive clips.

Children in Need Rocks Scotland - gospel truth

Sat, 20 Nov 2010 13:46:50 +0000

Members of the River City cast made an all-singing appearance with The Gospel Truth Choir at Children in Need Rocks Scotland last night. Take a look at exclusive pictures from the cast's glittering gospel gig at Glasgow's SECC - looks like much fun was had!

You can still donate to Children in Need by visiting their website.

Word on the street - November news

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 17:12:52 +0000

After a long day filming on location in central Glasgow on Thursday the production office has certainly got that Friday feeling! Cakes and chocolate are very much in evidence.
Pudsey's spots adorn the office reception and some of the cast members are getting ready for their appearance at Children in Need Rocks Scotland.We'll keep you posted!

I am woman!

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 14:45:21 +0000

What is going on with Gina? She loves Murray BUT what is happening between her and Jack? Murray's steady and reliable: Jack's a playboy with a wicked twinkle in his eye.

It has to be said that it seems her flirtation with Jack has pepped Gina up in a way that no rigorous hikes with Murray has managed so far! Seems to me that Gina's concerned about being regarded as reliable, steady Gina. Sometimes it's good to be naughty...

As Gina said: 'We are so NOT suited to each other'. With player Jack's reply of: 'You sure about that?' The stage is set for romantic intrigue. Go Gina!

Children in Need featuring...?

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:13:31 +0000

Watch out for some Sheildinch residents who'll be making an appearance at this year's Children in Need extravaganza.
Children in Need Rocks Scotland will be on BBC One Scotland on Friday 19 November from 19.00.
John Barrowman and Jackie Bird will present this year's show which will be coming live from Glasgow's SECC. Singer Alexandra Burke, chart-topping popsters McFly and boy band The Wanted will be among the acts joining Pudsey on stage.

So keep your eyes peeled for familiar faces from River City on the live coverage of Children in Need Rocks Scotland.

Fragile state

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 16:21:33 +0000

Aww, tissues were at the ready at when Bob and Scarlett made their peace and were reconciled. As Bob said: 'I never stopped thinking about you, even when I knew you weren't my ma.' It was reassuring to see the sweet Bob we all know and love return, and a relief to see him and Scarlett talk things over calmly.

In suggesting an O'Hara family conference Bob was full of bright ideas. The omens were good, but Scarlett's troubled by very grave concerns. And so the peace process was left in tatters. Troubles never stop and it seems Scarlett's fears about her family affairs are being replaced by a huge terror - fears for her health.

Sunk

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 21:00:19 +0000

Poor Charlie. He fell for Nicole hook, line and sinker. But he only had half the story - she's a youngster of fourteen! I think it's fair to say that she deliberately misled soft-hearted Mr Bowie.

The phrase 'unlucky in love' doesn't fully describe Charlie's romantic career, does, it? A long-held crush on Amber, then a dalliance with Hayley have been the sum total of this lad's attachments in Shieldinch. But maybe his fling with Annie could the start of a more fun and frivolous phase?

Talk about a bad day

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 21:33:17 +0000

Having one of your patients collapse after a flu jab is a scary prospect - but that's what happened at Michael and Ruth's surgery. A mix-up with notes falling from patients' files led to this error. And Leyla was reluctant to confess, understandably. She's wanting to show her hubby that she's a great manager but keeping quiet about her mistake left Ruth taking the rap. This was not fair.

My heart went out to Ruth for having a crisis but perhaps it's for the best that Andy saw her in a vulnerable state. Mental health can be difficult to understand so let's hope Andy can begin to gain an understanding of how she must feel.

Word on the Street - seasons change

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 18:51:41 +0000

After a very sunny start to the week it feels as if winter has come to Dumbarton.

Hat and gloves are essential survival wear to a long day's filming once again. On a frosty autumn morning on the Montego Street set, here's a feeling of being 'out of time' - walking past discarded Christmas trees propped by the boatshed feels slightly unnerving. Festive filming has been taking place - and we haven't had time to fully embrace autumn yet!

Also spotted wandering the corridors of the production office were a bunch of actors dressed as members of the military police. It's all quite odd - what can it mean?

Romancing Scarlett

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 14:57:51 +0000

With baby-making high on the agenda at the Mullens' house, little wonder both Jimmy and Scarlett declared themselves fatigued with the whole process. Scarlett's reaction to Jimmy's attempt at romance, with a bottle of fizz and rose petals, was classic - "What's all this? You done something?" And loved Iona's expression when she overheard Raymond and Jimmy trading stories from the front line of fertile over-40s - ew!

One thing's for sure - Scarlett's original wee Bubba is missed - so here's hoping he'll be back soon.