New faces for River Soap

BBC’s Scottish soap River City is set to see several new faces join its cast this summer.

“I’m having an amazing time filming River City. Innes is a very cool, confident character and he’s a lot of fun to play.” Samuel Robertson on joining the cast.

The arrival of three new students this summer that are sure to cause a stir. Joining the cast of the BBC soap are former Coronation Street actor Samuel Robertson and TV newcomers Ryan Smith and Lorna Craig. Also joining the cast this summer will be Scottish actor Brian McCardie and Blues Singer, and actor, Tam White. All the newcomers are bound to spice up the action in the soap.

Sam Robertson will already be familiar to soap fans for his role of Adam Barlow in Corrie, a role he played from 2005 to 2007. In the ITV soap he played the long-lost son of factory owner Mike Baldwin but in River City his character will be a million miles away from his Weatherfield counter-part. Robertson will play ‘laid back art history undergraduate’ Innes Maitland. It won’t be long before Innes has an impact on at least one River City resident as Amber Murdoch [Lorna Anderson] sets her sights on the student and is determined to nab him before anyone else does.

Television newcomer Ryan Smith will play Innes flatmate Charlie Brown who is a law student and fancies Amber – but as already stated Amber only has eyes for Innes. Could a love triangle be on the cards? Charlies’ life could be further complicated by the arrival of his sister, Jennifer [newcomer Lorna Craig] who is attracted to be bright lights and party atmosphere of the city – a completely different environment to the family home Lorna is so desperate to escape.

Joining the three students are new cast members on River City will be experience Scottish actor Brian McCardie whose previously credits include Lilies, The Damned United and Rob Roy.

The actor will play local councillor Alex Judd in the soap and will make his first on-screen appearance next week. His character will be a new romantic interest for Eileen Donachie [Deidre Davis]. Also joining the cast will be Blues Singer and actor Tam White who’ll guest star in the saga. Tam White previously appeared in several episodes of EastEnders in 2003 during the storyline in which scheming Janine Butcher [Charlie Brooks] pushed her new hubby Barry Evans off the edge of a cliff. In River City the actor will play Jid Mullen, father to Jimmy [Billy McElhaney].

Returning the Glasgow based production for further episodes will be actor Seamus Gubbins who will reprise his role of Professor Michael Learmonth who was seen earlier this year giving poetry lessons to Scarlett [Sallu Howitt].

“It’s wonderfully exciting to welcome a mix of established actors and fresh new talent to River City. The arrival of the students will bring a lot of fun to the drama. Samuel will already be recognisable to many of our viewers, and it’s a pleasure to also introduce talented newcomers Ryan Smith and Lorna Craig. Both Brian McCardie and Seamus Gubbins are great actors whose storylines will keep our audience gripped over the summer months. And fans are in for a treat when Tam White strides into Shieldinch as Jimmy’s dad. What is really nice about this episode is that, through Kid Mullen, viewers will find out more about Jimmy and his background.” – River City’s Executive Producer Gaynor Holmes

River City first started on BBC Scotland in 2002 and despite being the youngest soap opera in the United Kingdom it has managed to attract a wide range of familiar faces during its time. Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis, better known as Paul Robinson, was a cast member on the soap as was Gray O’Brien who is currently playing Tony Gordon in Coronation Street. The Scottish actor also had regular roles in Casualty and Peak Practice. 

Other soap stars to appear in the serial include Louise Jameson, Eileen McCallum, Jacqueline Leonard and David Paisley. While it isn’t networked across the country it is available to download via the BBC iplayer.

“I’m delighted to have landed a part in River City. I’m due to graduate from Glasgow’s RSAMD in July, so this is a great opportunity for me.” Ryan Smith