River City Films Final Scenes After 24 Years in Emotional Farewell

After 24 years, BBC's River City filmed its final scenes amid emotional farewells. Cast and crew reflect on memories as BBC shifts focus to new Scottish dramas amid changing viewer habits.

Final Day of Filming Marks End of an Era in Shieldinch

In Shieldinch, the cast and crew of the BBC drama River City gathered to film their final scenes, concluding a 24-year run of the long-standing soap opera.

Stephen Purdon, who portrayed 'Shellsuit' Bob O'Hara and is the programme's longest-serving cast member, described the experience as

"emotional, surreal, hard to put it into words"

during their last day on set on Friday.

River City began as Scotland's response to popular soaps Eastenders and Coronation Street but has now ended after nearly a quarter of a century on air.

Following the announcement last year that the show would be cancelled, a vigorous campaign was launched to save it. However, BBC Scotland cited that the programme was

"no longer value for money"

as the reason for its termination.

Purdon reflected on his tenure with the show, stating,

"I've been here since I was 19, now I am 43. I have lots of memories from here - great memories.

I've been lucky to work in this industry for 24 years. We all get on great and there's no place like it."

Sally Howitt, who portrayed the beloved Scarlett O'Hara for 23 years, shared her thoughts on the character and her time on the show.

She recalled,

"She came in screaming and shouting in tight leather jackets and leopard print chaps - shouting at her son Shellsuit Bob and it's been a journey.

My agent said to me at the time, they're giving you a month, play your cards right and you might get six months or a year out of it.

Now, 23 years later, I'm still here,"

she said.

BBC Studios Drama A person stands in the foreground with arms folded, wearing a turquoise jacket, patterned jeans, and holding a leopard‑print bag. Behind them is a cream-and-yellow ice cream van with signage reading “Marlon’s Ices” and “Sweets • Minerals.” Another person leans out of the serving window of the van, suggesting a casual street setting on a wet roadway. — First day - Sally Howitt, aka Scarlett O'Hara, arrives in Shieldinch with Shellsuit Bob in 2003

Howitt added that a part of Scarlett will always remain with her, explaining,

"She was such a great character and so much fun to play. The character evolved and they put me through the mill. I had more children, more husbands and her clothes got slightly more demure.

There's always going to be a part of me that will be Scarlett."

Executive Producer Reflects on Show's Legacy

Martin McCardie, who has held many roles on River City including writer, actor, producer, series producer, and executive producer, spoke to BBC Scotland News about the show's conclusion.

He expressed his sadness, stating,

"It's very sad. There's lots of people I've known since I first started on the show in 2005, some of them are still here and are the heart of the show.

I said on the call sheet today that being the exec producer for people as special as them has been the honour of my professional life."

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BBC Studios Drama A person stands outdoors beside a decorative cast‑iron column, wearing a light blue sweater and jeans. Behind them is a stone building with bright blue trim and a sign reading “The Tall Ship” above the doorway. — Martin McCardie has worked in lots of roles on River City and says the cast and crew are special

The scenes filmed on Friday are scheduled to be broadcast at the end of August. The final episode will be followed by a specially commissioned documentary chronicling the 24-year history of the production.

Cast Members Share Their Experiences and Reactions

Actor and comedian Sanjeev Kohli, known for his role as shopkeeper Navid in the BBC comedy Still Game, portrayed Shieldinch resident AJ Jandhu for seven years.

Speaking on The Saturday Show on BBC Radio Scotland, Kohli expressed his disappointment over the show's ending, saying,

"I watched young actors that might not get a chance anywhere else because of their background get a chance on River City and watched them flourish.

To hear our voices being reflected, to hear just Scottish slang being said is quite important and quite empowering."

BBC's Decision and Future Drama Strategy

The BBC explained that the cancellation of River City reflects a significant shift in audience preferences, moving away from long-running series toward shorter runs.

BBC Scotland is focusing its budget on major drama productions set across Scotland, beginning with three new series: Counsels, Grams, and The Young Team.

This initiative complements returning dramas such as Rebus, Shetland, Granite Harbour, and Vigil. Since the cancellation announcement, new Scottish dramas including Sutherland, Half Man, and Mint have also been introduced.

During a session at the Scottish Parliament regarding BBC Scotland's drama investment strategy, BBC Scotland Director Hayley Valentine addressed the decision to end River City.

She noted that the

"cost per viewer"

for producing the show had increased as audience numbers declined, and emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly.

Community and Cast Response

Past and present cast members of River City participated in a protest at Holyrood, demonstrating their support for the show and its continuation.

A group of people stand and sit down while outside the Scottish Parliament building. They are all holding placards reading — Past and present cast members of River City took part in a Holyrood protest

Sally Howitt marked her final day on set by revisiting her original pose from the show's early days, reflecting on the journey from her first appearance to the conclusion of the series.