River City spoilers follow.
The BBC has shared some first-look images at the final ever episode of soap River City, the Glasgow-set series coming to an end this month after 24 years on air. The series’ cancellation was first announced last year, with the BBC confirming that three more series set in Scotland would be making their debut following River City’s swan song.
Now, some newly released stills tease what’s to come in the one-hour episode airing on Monday, 31 August at 9pm. The special closes a two-decade chapter for the people of Shieldinch, the fictional Glasgow’s West End district in which River City takes place.
Alan Peebles//BBC
Alan Peebles//BBC
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In the new images, Lenny Murdoch, played by Frank Gallagher, is bleeding copiously from a wound on his abdomen as he stands across a dramatic fire scene. Meanwhile, Bob O’Hara, portrayed by Stephen Purdon, looks pensive as he walks Montego Street.
The images were accompanied by a synopsis for the final episode, which will see Lenny and Harry’s (Jim Sturgeon) bitter rivalry lead to an intense showdown.
Elsewhere, love and marriage is key for some Shieldinch residents, while new beginnings beckon at The Tall Ship.
Following the finale, the BBC will air the one-off documentary River City: The Last Take at 10pm, in which the cast will reunite to celebrate the soap.
Soap stars appearing in the doc include Stephen Purdon, Sally Howitt, Frank Gallagher, Jacqueline Leonard, Jordan Young, Carmen Pieraccini, Grant Stott and Gayle Telfer Stevens. They’ll be reminiscing on their final days on the soap and bringing fans behind the scenes of the last week of filming.
Alan Peebles//BBC
Commenting on the cancellation in March 2025, Director of BBC Scotland Hayley Valentine said the show had “big plans” for the finale.
“River City has been a wonderful adventure and of course we’ll all be sad to see it go,” Valentine said in a statement. “The team have done a brilliant job and I know they have some big plans for the finale next year.”
She continued: “But as viewing patterns change and competition intensifies, this is the right time to invest in the next generation of high-impact drama series from across Scotland showcasing storytelling across the UK.”
The final episode of River City will air on Monday, 31 August at 9pm on BBC Scotland.
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