River City wins prestigious Mind Media award for self-harm storyline
BBC Scotland’s long-running drama, River City has won a prestigious Mind Media Award for its sensitive portrayal of a self-harm storyline involving teenager Drew McLean, after being nominated in the Soaps & Continuing Series category alongside EastEnders and Welsh drama, Pobol y Cwm.
Published: 15 November 2016
We make River City to entertain the audience but when we took on this story, it kept us awake at night. We had to get it right. Every detail was important.
River City’s self-harm storyline aired last year and centred around 15-year-old Drew McLean (played by Benjamin Nugent) as he struggled to deal with his mother Caitlin’s (Gayle Telfer Stevens) refusal to reveal the identity of his father.
As Drew’s self-harm intensified and Dr Annie Jandhu (Dawn Steele) intervened, Caitlin finally realised how much knowing who his father is would mean to teenager Drew. With his family’s support, Drew’s journey towards healing began.
Celebrating the best examples of reporting and portrayal of mental health, the Mind Media Award winners were announced last night (14 November 2016) at a celebratory event at The Troxy which brought together celebrities, industry professionals and people who have shared their personal experiences through the media.
The award-winning River City storyline which played out over six months was nominated alongside EastEnders (BBC One) for Stacey’s postpartum psychosis storyline and Pobol y Cwm’s (S4C) Ffion alcoholism drama.
River City’s Executive Producer, Kieran Hannigan, says: “We make River City to entertain the audience but when we took on this story, it kept us awake at night. We had to get it right. Every detail was important. Besides the research, you need great acting. Ben's balance of intensity and vulnerability made the whole storyline work. We’re thrilled the Mind Media Awards have recognised River City’s hard work.”
Actor Benjamin Nugent who played the role of Drew McLean added: “Winning this Mind Media Award is overwhelming. Receiving recognition of any sort is brilliant but the sensitivity of the subject and the time and research needed for this storyline makes it all the more special and rewarding."
JW
