All rise! Blue’s Simon Webbe joins the cast of River City
Star of stage and screen, Blue’s Simon Webbe is among the new faces set to make their mark in BBC Scotland’s popular drama River City, arriving in Shieldinch from October onwards.
Published: 15 September 2016
It’s an amazing feeling getting a role on River City. Getting into acting and being taken seriously is something that I’ve always wanted to do.
Singer-turned-actor Simon (Blue, Strictly Come Dancing) is among the new faces who will make their River City debuts over the coming weeks alongside Rebecca Atkinson (Shameless), Alana Hood (Bridget Jones’s Baby, Field Of Blood, Lip Service), Juliet Cadzow (Balamory, Skins) and TV newcomers Louise McMenemy and Libby Dye.
Simon filmed his first scenes on River City this week in scenes which will air in November. Simon takes on the role of new character Andy, a former army man and friend of The Roth family, also newcomers to Shieldinch.
Simon is thrilled to be joining the River City cast: “It’s an amazing feeling getting a role on River City. Getting into acting and being taken seriously is something that I’ve always wanted to do. Going from being a TV extra into being in a boy band, it’s an absolute dream come true. River City is full of feisty characters and I can’t wait to get my teeth into Andy’s storylines. I’ll get to know Andy over the coming weeks and hopefully he’ll have a bit of steel about him, he might even be a ladies man! Who knows?
“This is the first time I’ve acted in Scotland but I’ve toured here loads of times with Blue, being solo, Strictly and I supported Wet Wet Wet. My experience has always been, the further north you go, the louder the fans get - and that’s the vibe I always get in Scotland. People recognise you in the street and are always welcoming. I can’t wait to get started on River City!”
Shameless actress, Rebecca Atkinson takes on the role of Belinda, Amber Murdoch’s (Jenny Hulse) former cellmate who has a toxic notion of friendship. Possessive, jealous and manipulative, Belinda has psychopathic tendencies and, when it comes to Amber, she’s not willing to let anyone get close.
Alana Hood plays Lorna Roth, younger sister to Shieldinch’s local GP Annie Jandhu (Dawn Steele). Long-suffering army wife Lorna comes to Shieldinch looking to finally settle down with her family – husband Greig and daughters Frankie and Katie. Alana’s on-screen daughters are played by emerging young talent Louise McMenemy (Diary of a Madman, Skulls) and Libby Dye. Casting for Lorna’s husband, Greig will be announced in the coming weeks.
Scottish acting stalwart Juliet Cadzow will play the role of Suzie Fraser, doting mum to River City favourite, Robbie (Gary Lamont). Suzie arrives in Shieldinch unannounced and very quickly gets her feet under Robbie and Gary’s table. And it’s not long before the real reason for Suzie’s unexpected arrival is revealed.
River City’s Executive Producer, Kieran Hannigan is thrilled to welcome the new faces to Scotland’s flagship drama: “We’re delighted to welcome our new cast members to the River City family. I’m sure Simon will be a huge hit with our fans and will turn heads as Andy when he hits the screen in November.
“Rebecca Atkinson is a fantastic addition to the cast and her character, Belinda, will send sinister shockwaves through the Murdoch clan.
“And we are really thrilled to bring on board some brilliant Scottish actors in Alana Hood, Juliet Cadzow and Louise McMenemy. The array of acting talent is second to none and compliments the show’s wonderful existing cast. We look forward to them thrilling River City audiences every Tuesday night!”
River City is part of BBC Scotland’s commitment to produce distinctive Scottish output and complements productions including One of Us (BBC One), Shetland (BBC One), Still Game (BBC One) and Two Doors Down (BBC Two).
JW4
