Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

Three young students are set to create quite a stir in Shieldinch this summer, as River City's new characters Innes, Charlie and Lorna burst onto Montego Street in June.

Coronation Street's Samuel Robertson joins the cast to play laid-back art history undergraduate Innes Maitland. He arrives with a bang, instantly knocking Amber Murdoch (Lorna Anderson) off her feet, as she develops a huge crush on him and sets her heart on making the super-cool student her boyfriend.

Charlie Bowie, Innes' flatmate, is played by TV newcomer Ryan Smith. Charlie is a law student, who takes a shine to Amber, despite the fact that she only has eyes for his best friend.

And fellow newcomer Lorna Craig stars as Charlie's younger sister Jennifer, an English student who is determined to move out of her family home in Gourock and into the more vibrant, party-friendly environment of Innes and Charlie's flat.

Samuel said: "I'm having an amazing time filming River City. Innes is a very cool, confident character and he's a lot of fun to play."

Ryan Smith added: "I'm delighted to have landed a part in River City. I'm due to graduate from Glasgow's RSAMD in July, so this is a great opportunity for me."

The three young cast members are joined by experienced Scottish actor Brian McCardie (Lilies, The Damned United, Rob Roy, Low Winter Sun), who will first arrive on screen next week, on Tuesday 5 May, as local councillor Alex Judd, a romantic interest for Eileen Donachie (Deirdre Davis).

Edinburgh blues singer and actor Tam White (Man Dancin', EastEnders) will stride onto screen as he guest stars in a forthcoming episode as Kid Mullen, Jimmy's father. Kid arrives without a care in the world, and, in a storyline combining a great blend of drama and humour, causes trouble for his son when it appears he has run off with a large amount of his money.

Professor Michael Learmonth, played by Seamus Gubbins (Emmerdale, Doctors), was first seen on screen earlier this week, where he riled Jimmy after offering his wife Scarlett (Sally Howitt) free poetry lessons.

River City's Executive Producer, Gaynor Holmes, said: "It's wonderfully exciting to welcome a mix of established actors and fresh new talent to River City.

"The arrival of the students will bring a lot of fun to the drama. Samuel will already be recognisable to many of our viewers, and it's a pleasure to also introduce talented newcomers Ryan Smith and Lorna Craig.

"Both Brian McCardie and Seamus Gubbins are great actors whose storylines will keep our audience gripped over the summer months.

"And fans are in for a treat when Tam White strides into Shieldinch as Jimmy's dad. What is really nice about this episode is that, through Kid Mullen, viewers will find out more about Jimmy and his background."

River City is broadcast on Tuesday evenings at 8.00pm on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ One Scotland. It can also be viewed on Sky channel 971 and is available on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ iPlayer.

WM