The Scottish soap opera River City concluded its 24-year broadcast history with an explosive hour-long episode on Monday night. The BBC drama, set in the fictional Glasgow area of Shieldinch, aired its final installment after its £5 million set in Dumbarton was demolished and sold to a property developer.
The show's cast and crew had appealed for its continuation, but the broadcaster proceeded with its decision as part of cost-cutting measures.
The episode's climax featured a confrontation between arch-villain Lenny Murdoch, portrayed by Frank Gallagher, and his rival Harry Foulkes, played by Jim Sturgeon. Harry Foulkes had kidnapped Lenny's daughter Amber after escaping from prison.
Following a car chase and subsequent crash, an injured Lenny ignited a trail of petrol, leading to Harry being trapped in his vehicle.
In lighter moments, the episode also featured the wedding party of Scarlett and Sam, played by Sally Howitt and Grant Stott, at the local pub, The Tall Ship.
Stephen Purdon, who played the show's longest-running character ‘Shellsuit’ Bob, reflected on the show's beginnings, noting that "sometimes stories ‘run out of pages.’" The series concluded with Angus proposing to Amber, who accepted his proposal.