Ahhhhh the perils of sweet alcoholic nectar, eh Leyla? One minute you're stroking the muscular thigh of Hot Tom, the next...well, Murray wouldn't have been our first choice despite his nice car.

Poor Mrs Brodie. Life hasn't been an easy ride for her this last couple of months, and sometimes it's all too easy to take the whisky drink. And the vodka drink. And the lager drink. And the...three bottles of wine. It's no surprise Murray had a chance of getting lucky after that little lot. But kids, here comes the science bit. As Leyla learnt to her detriment, alcohol will not solve your problems. It'll make you fall over in pubs, full-on-mouth-snog inappropriate men and force Dr Dan to perform emergency vomiting procedures in your living room. Leyla's near brush with death seems to have hit home though and it was good to see that she's finally acknowledged she's got a problem. For a fleeting moment RC Towers held its breath as it looked like a Geyla reunion might be on the cards! But...alas, it is not to be. I think we can safely say a flame will always burn brightly between these two, like the Olympic Torch of Love. Well, for the next two weeks at least.

A la Mrs Brodie, most people go to the pub to escape their problems but Raymond's are right on his doorstep. Shady Sean is just getting mean now. Threatening Eileen is one thing (she can be a bit of a handful sometimes). But wee Stuart? Cute l'il Baby Stuart? Now that, Shady, is a step too far. Not even Donald and Cooper, the crime fighting dynamic duo, had much to offer on this one. But getting out of town is no option for Raymondo. Our favourite landlord leaving his beloved pub? NEVER! Instead he's taken the heart-breaking step of moving Eileen and Stuart out of the family home and out of reach of nasty gangster-types. Poor Raymondo. How long can this go on?

Montego Street ran rivers as the tears flowed for the departure of the gorgeous, wonderful and much loved-up Hayley. Just in time probably, or we might have been watching Hayles and Leyla going at it hammer and tongs over Hot Tom (we told you he was a hottie, see?!). Aside from Deek's thoughtful (if not slightly weird!) pressie, the gang were out in force to send Shieldinch's favourite young lovers into the sunset, and down south to Brighton near London, remember! We'll be sad to see our Hayles go, but turn down the chance to live on the beach? You're joking?! We're right behind you Hayley! (Mainly because we like watching Tom from behind!) It was also a lovely emotional send-off for our well-loved actress Pamela Byrne. RC Towers was lucky enough to host a live web chat for her straight after the show this week. Read through the questions and Pamela's answers. Congratulations if she answered your question!

Next week: Raymond's been robbing Peter and Paul, Shady Sean's making a stand and Deek just doesn't get Will...

Quote of the week:
Big Bob: Look, don't take this the wrong way, right, we've all done it. But do you think you've maybe had enough already?
Leyla: Right. And you're some kind of expert on moderation are you? You really know when enough's enough, eh? When to stop stuffing it down?

Well, well, well, we have a new crime fighting duo in Shieldinch - The Fabulous Brodie Boys! Their arcade got smashed up, Leo 'The Brawn from Sauchiehall' Brodie went all Van Damme on the culprits while Gabriel played the level headed voice of reason. After the clear up, the Arcade Brigade went on a mission to find out who was behind the ransacking and with a little help from Raymond and Stevie they realised that it was Not-So-Legit Lenny pulling the strings. Gabriel confronted Lenny and headed off feeling quite chuffed with himself, he even called Lenny "wee man" - are you crazy Gabriel?!?! Shieldinch Rule Number 1: Never underestimate the Mighty Murdoch...

My favourite bromance of Raymee and Stevie looks like it's come to an abrupt end! After battling Eileen admirably throughout the episode, Stevie has ended up having to leave anyway as he's now on the run from his old gang mates. But he had so much potential, he slotted in perfectly with the Shieldinch residents - he's got the banter, the charm and a good heart! Surely this cannot be the end?

And is it also the end of Jimmy and Scarlett? Scarlett is now saying that she wants a divorce and Jimmy is gutted. On a happier note, they have Big Bob's wedding to look forward to! The invitations have been sent so it looks like we need to start buying hats ladies! And you know what a Big Bob/Tatiana wedding means? Oh yes, I feel a potato pun fuelled blog coming up!

In backstage gossip this week, a big congratulations to Stephen Purdon (Wee Bob) who got married at the weekend. We wish him and new wife Nicola all the best for the future. Also, I can't wait for Bob to return from Peru - it's not too long now!

Quote of the Week
Gabriel (to Lenny): "You might think you're untouchable, but I'm warning you...wee man, never, ever underestimate us."- it's not actually funny, but it's the most foolhardy thing I've ever heard anyone say!

Tattie's back and she's got herself in a big greasy fry-up! Big Bob was rushing around organising his big marriage proposal while that rotten potato was hiding the fact that she's got some dauphinoise cooking in the oven. If you can't figure out my potato pun code, that means Tattie is pregnant with another mans child - oh the scandal! * *

New taxi firm Amber Cabs opened up this week and boss man Lenny was looking a little bit stressed! What's happened to unflappable Lenny and what's he seeing Dr Brodie about then eh? Lenny can't be ill, he's invincible! He didn't let his vulnerable side show for long though, Gabriel Brodie better watch out, you do not cross Lenny Murdoch and get away with it. So much for Legit Lenny!

Gallus Gabriel might have even more than Lenny to worry about as he's opening up a new arcade with hunky but slightly unhinged brother Leo. To be fair, Loopy Leo does seem to have his addiction and rage issues under control but I still see trouble ahead! Jezebel Jo seems to have developed a crush on Leo but it was only last week that she was considering a knee trembler in the boatyard with his big brother Gabriel! This could get very messy...

What did you think of this week's episode? Let us know by commenting below.

**From this point on, I will refer to the new baby as Spudnik. So, that's Tattie, Tottie and Spudnik - got it?

Quote of the week
Molly: "I don't know why you bothered coming over here just to sit looking glakit all night."
Christina: "I'm not looking like anything, I'm thinking."
Molly: "Oh help ma boab..."

Well, its official Lenny is back in Shieldinch for good - yaldi! And he's opening up a cab firm, hmmm is it a stable business or a front for criminal activities? One things for sure, Legit Lenny certainly has the measure of Feeble Fraser, that boy really is a plonker. He made me mad when he stole Jimmy's business idea but I'm confident that Lenny won't let Fraser get away with anything.

On the topic of Double Denim Jimmy, he just can't catch a break. He was so close to moving back in with Scarlett but then it went wrong again. I hate seeing Jimmy down and out!

Dreich Deek may be out the jail but he's still looking a bit miserable. He's got money problems to deal with and he's found out that it was Jimmy's fault that he was banged up. I'm sure Deek will bounce back though.

There's something brewing over at the Tall Ship with the odd couple Eileen and Raymond. Their living arrangement has been working up til now but it's about to take a turn for the worse. They just can't seem to agree on what's best for baby Stuart, how long will Raymond put up with Eileen's nagging and pushiness? Looks like he's going over the edge in sneak peek for next weeks show! Who's the bloke that he was punching? Well Gary Tank Commander fans may have spotted the familiar face - he's Paul James Corrigan who plays Adam in Tank Commander. I'll not tell you too much yet but I will say that new boy Stevie is set to ruffle a few feathers!

Let us know what you thought of this week's episode by commenting below!

The River City tour guests had a nice surprise this weekend when Tom Urie (Big Bob) made a special one off appearance! There are some brilliant pictures on the River City facebook fan pages here and here you want to take a look. I asked Tom about his visit and this is what he said:

"Had a riot this Saturday. Spent the whole day hiding in the Oyster Cafe kitchen and then jumping out and surprising the tours! It was amazing to see and hear how much people love the show, especially last week's episode, which was like a movie. Some people go on the tour every single year!

I asked everyone what they'd like to see in the show. They mostly wanted Bob and Iona together, and would also like to see the return of past characters like Hazel and Vader, two of my favourite past characters.

Everyone was unanimous that the show is at its best just now. The right blend of drama, comedy and character driven stories.

It was so nice to get feedback from fans of the show, and their faces were a picture at the sight of a larger than life Big Bob!"

What a brilliant surprise for everyone!! While we're discussing it, why don't you tell us what characters you'd most like to see back in Shieldinch and why? Get commenting below!

Random Trivia of the Week
Tom Urie's best friend when he was a child was Gerard Butler.

Quote of the Week
Annie (to Charlie): "Babies can be soothed by skin to skin contact...get your top off." - now Annie, none of us would really object to Charlie taking his top off but I don't think I'll be using that chat up line anytime soon!

Shieldinch was just full of useless men this week!

Michael found out that daughter Nicole was really the one sending the nasty letters - it really doesn't take a genius to see that the poor girl has issues but Michael was completely clueless! Now that they've had a proper talk (without Michael shouting), maybe they can move on - but probably not!! New member of the Brodie clan Zinnie is now on the scene and she's definitely going to be stirring up trouble! She had some attitude on her, oft, she was harsh! And she's so vain she probably thinks this blog is about her...

Oh Fraser, Fraser, (sigh) I think he's watched too many Tarantino films, he thinks he can handle the big time when actually he's just Mr Yellow. But unfortunately he's stuck in the middle with McCabe and there's no easy way out! It really was pretty scary seeing the new driver being beaten to a pulp! What more is in store for the hapless Fraser?

Aw Jack, he was trying to get his Patrick Swayze on with his half-hearted Samba moves but in the end was left holding a watermelon in the corner when Annie made it clear she wasn't interested. However, it's helped Jack realise that he really wants to be with Gina but the big question is - does Gina want snake hips lothario Jack or solid, dependable Murray?!

Annie seems to of had her own revelation too - he might be more Tam Cruise than Tom Cruise but Annie has fallen for lovable barman Charlie! Does Charlie feel the same? What do you guys think, do you want to see Annie and Charlie get together?

Let us know what you thought!

Random Trivia of the Week
Libby (Gina) McArthur's son played Liam Neeson's child in the film Rob Roy.

Quote of the Week
Charlie: "It's like Star Wars - I am the master now!"
Annie: "Och, put your lightsabre away!"
Then later....
Charlie (to Annie): "It's no big deal but it occurred to me that if I'm Darth Vader, you're Obi Wan, well then, Jack's Yoda!!"

Tattie has a baby tottie - Christina! And her arrival in Shieldinch has certainly stirred things up a bit! After giving Tattie a roastin for being irresponsible, she went on to expose Tattie's half-baked lies to Big Bob - she's got a daughter, she's lost her job and she's still married! But when the chips were down, Tattie managed to save her skin and Big Bob forgave her, not only that, he wants to marry her to stop her being deported! So rather than drive a wedge between them, Christina has made the couple stronger than ever!

Elsewhere, what is going to happen with that drawer in the garage? Jimmy has stashed McCabe's counterfeit money in there but that last shot makes it look like it could be a ticking bomb and the clips from next week show Deek being arrested! Oh no!

Poor Deek, he doesn't have much luck with the ladies either does he? Stella did a good job of letting him down gently and it looks like Deek got the message - does this mean that Stella and Bob will be loved up when he gets back from Peru? What are your thoughts? Do you think Stella should be with Deek or Bob?

This week has been quite exciting at our Dumbarton Studios because we've had STV's 'The Hour' filming a backstage feature, so look out for that! It's due to be broadcast next week but I'll keep you posted on the exact details.

Don't forget to tell us what you think on Twitter - use #rivercity in your tweets so we can follow what you think. Also, there are some great unofficial pages set up, check out the newest unofficial page- 'RiverCityFans'- on Twitter and Facebook and you can let me know if you've spotted any other great fan pages out there.

Random Trivia of the Week
Tom Urie who plays Big Bob is distantly related to Jackie Onassis!

Quote of the Week
Molly: "Away and bile yer heid!"

Holyrood just doesn't have a patch on Shieldinch elections! We were right in the thick of it with evil campaign managers, ruthless politicians' wives and Nick Morrison standing down live on TV. It was so exciting! There was of course a smattering of cuteness in the form of over-zealous Charlie - it was hilarious when he realised that he'd forgotten to vote! Aaaaaw!

Now that the truth is out about Nicole's crush - what's Nicole going to get up to next? She's not one to stay quiet for long...

I can officially clear up the other great mystery of the night (you've been buzzing on Twitter about it) - yes, that was a wig that Hannah Morrison was wearing! Frances Thorburn who plays Hannah was starring in a stage show and she had to dye her hair peroxide blonde for the part, hence the wig.

On to the sneak peek for next week - who is the mystery girl that is with Tatiana? Hmm, all is obviously not what it seems with Tattie-Bogle!

Let us know what you thought of this week's episode!

Random Trivia of the Week (another new feature!)
Libby McArthur aka Gina used to teach drama classes to Neil McNulty aka Fraser.

Quote of the Week
Callum Duff: "Who is Nick Morrison? At least people are actually asking the question, this time tomorrow it's going be like: 'Who's that guy again? The wee ginger one.'"

P.S. Big congratulations to our Producer Lizzie Gray who's getting married on Saturday! We wish her and husband-to-be Nick all the best!

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.

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.

River City fans might recognise some familiar faces in the David Tennant drama Single Father on Sunday nights. The ex-Time Lord Mr Tennant plays Dave, a photographer who faces the shocking sudden death of his beloved wife. The drama explores the heartache and obstacles which he faces in the difficult task of bringing up four children alone.

Jenni Keenan Green, who played femme fatale Heather Bellshaw, makes an appearance as Dave's ex-wife Michelle. Jenni talks about acting with her real-life toddler son in Single Father in this press article.

14-year-old Natasha Watson has a lead role as Dave's stepdaughter in the show. Sharp-eyed fans may recognise her from River City. She played Heather's vulnerable daughter Freya in the show five years ago. It was an emotionally demanding role as she was reunited with her birth mother and father, Heather and Duncan, so Natasha did quite a lot of weeping. The family left to make a new life in Australia.

Natasha's also appearing in the feature film Donkeys which has just been released. You can watch an interview with Natasha and her Single Father co-star Millie Innes from STV's The Hour.

Single Father is on BBC One Scotland, on Sundays at 2100.

Feathers are set to be ruffled when a new family arrives in Shieldinch. The Brodies will hit our screens in early October and we've got a few details about the new characters - for your eyes only.

Andy Clark will play Shieldinch's new GP Michael Brodie. He's married to Leyla, who's played by Maryam Hamidi, and between them they have three children: Nicole, Conor and Adeeb.

Gabriel Brodie is Michael's younger brother, who loves to live by his wits. He's played by Garry Sweeney. Garry's a familiar film face from Brit-flick successes such as Late Night Shopping and Small Faces.

Looking forward to seeing what you make of the new River City residents. They move in in early October! There will be articles about the new family appearing in the papers on Sunday 3 October so keep your eyes peeled.