hitting back
BBC faces revolt from stars of axed soap as they slam bosses in protest over brutal cull – and fan launch petition
The show's final ever episode is set to air in 2026
BBC BOSSES face a revolt from stars of a hit soap after they axed the show in a shock move.
Last week River City fans were left stunned when the broadcaster announced the show would come to an end in 2026.
2
2
The move has been blamed on a decline in audience ratings towards long-running series.
However, as fans launch an online petition to save River City from the TV graveyard, the soap's cast have came out fighting.
Members of the Scottish Parliament have visited the show's set, meeting with cast and crew to offer their support.
A snap showed MSPs posing with cast as they held placards which simply read: "Save River City."
more on river city
Jackie Baillie is the MSP for Dumbarton where River City is based and visited the set.
She said: "River City is an iconic show that platforms Scottish actors while supporting Scotland’s film and TV industry.
"The BBC must change its mind and we will strain every sinew to save the show and support Scottish talent."
The lease the BBC holds for the Dumbarton site comes to an end in September 2026.
Most read in Drama
The broadcaster has said the money used to produce River City will be diverted into new shows.
BBC axe soap River City after 20 years
Speaking about River City's axe, 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.
"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.”
BBC departures and returns
LEAVING/LEFT
Newsnight's Mark Urban after 35 years on air
Claudia Winkleman quitting BBC Radio 2 after 15 years
Correspondent Robin Brant after two decades
Sports presenter Garry Richardson after 50 years
BBC Radio star Jason Rosam after 16 years on air
Jordan North quitting Radio 1 and moving to Capital
RETURNING/RETURNED
Martine Croxall after launching legal action against the Beeb
Karin Giannone after a horror injury and year off air
Annita McVeigh after losing out on a chief presenter job last year
Geeta Guru-Murthy after also being off air for more than a year
Topics