Support from MSPs is overwhelming for the cast and crew

Show's star Stephen Purdon speaks out on backing

- KATRINE BUSSEY

River City star Stephen Purdon has said it was “overwhelming” to hear MSPs call on BBC bosses to save the long-running show.

The actor plays Bob Adams - or Shellsuit Bob - in the Scottish soap, which the BBC has announced will end next year.

He and fellow cast and crew from the show, which has been on air since 2002, visited the Scottish Parliament on Thursday to hear MSPs urge the broadcaster to think again.

Afterwards, Purdon spoke of his “pride” that the show had been debated at Holyrood as he thanked politicians for their support.

Speaking to the PA news agency, Purdon said: “Hearing the kind words from all the MSPs was overwhelming, and it is testament to how important the show is.”

He spoke about the show's role in developing talent on screen and behind the scenes, saying a training academy had helped develop the career of producers, directors, screen writers and others.

“I don't see anywhere else in the Scottish TV industry where we are going to get that,” he said.

While he said he does not know if the debate at Holyrood will be enough to force the BBC into a rethink, he added: “What needs to be imperative is there needs to be a replacement for the training academy.”