Bob O'Hara

Robert, or Big Bob as he’s known, is the baby boy of the family – even though he’s in now in his forties. Despite his best efforts, Bob hasn’t been able to cut the apron strings between him and his mother, Molly, who has an opinion on all aspects of his life.

He’s especially close to sister Scarlett on account of the fact she pretty much raised him as a child while absent-mother Molly partied with her friends. But Bob remains something of a mummy’s boy and can’t help forgive Molly for her past failings and present shortcomings.

When he first arrived in Shieldinch (dressed as a tomato), Bob was insecure, unhappy and lonely – a shadow of the man he’s become. The catalyst for change came through a blossoming relationship with workmate Iona. Friendship grew into love but their relationship never fulfilled its potential.

But it did help him grow in confidence and find love with beautiful nurse, Tatiana ‘Tattie’ Michalka, whom he met at a music festival in Oban. Many of his friends and family – especially Iona – were sceptical about Bob’s relationship with the Ukrainian single mother, believing Tattie was using Bob to avoid deportation.

Even Tattie’s short-lived affair with her ex-husband, and subsequent pregnancy (which ended in miscarriage), didn’t make Bob turn his back on the woman he loves. Bob was certain he’d found true love and married Tattie, becoming a doting step-father to her teenage daughter Christina.

However, with Christina away at university, a divide grew between Bob and Tattie and their marriage became increasingly strained. So when dashing Dr Dan returned to Shieldinch, it spelled the end of Bob and Tatiana’s marriage as the nurse embarked on an affair with the doctor, eventually walking out on Bob.

A good man with an honest heart, Bob’s innocent charm makes him a Shieldinch favourite.

Tom plays Bob O'Hara in River City.