River City fans 'heartbroken' as soap is axed due to 'dwindling viewing figures'

River City fans have slammed BBC bosses and taken aim at rival soaps such as Emmerdale and Coronation Street as they fume 'is this a joke? It's too early for April fools'.

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River City fans have rushed to social media to say they are 'gutted' about the announcement that the Scottish-based soap opera will be no more.

After launching its first episode back in 2002, it has been confirmed on Tuesday that the show will be scrapped after more than two decades (23 years) on the small screen.

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BBC confirmed the soap, which amassed huge audiences across Scotland, will be fazed out from 2026 as audience viewing habits change and also to make way for the "next generation of drama production in Scotland," before teasing three new titles.

The Glasgow-based show is well-loved by Scottish audiences and won Best Drama at the RTS Scotland 2023 awards. Although there's new projects on the horizon, fans of River City have been left outraged following the news of its demise.

"Is there any particular reason? To give such terrible news without a reason is quite shocking," fumed one fan. "Gutted! This is the only soap I enjoy watching. Me and my twin love it and talk it all the time. Sad times," penned another.

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Someone else echoed, "So disappointing to hear that we are losing River City," as another raged: "Omg!!! I'm fuming..... rivercity is brilliant. Such a shame."

"Devastated grown up with this program it's always been there wishing all the best to the amazing cast who are fantastic," wrote another. "Is this a joke?," one person simply chimed.

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One fan even slammed rival soaps, such as Emmerdale and Coronation Street, as 'rubbish' and claimed it was too soon for the BBC to be holding April fools day.

Announcing the news, taking to social media on Tuesday the BBC River City page stated: "After 20 years telling the stories of the characters who live and work in Shieldinch, we’re sorry to bring you the sad news that River City will come to an end in September 2026.

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"We are thankful to our amazing viewers, fans, cast, crew, writers, and producers who are all a valued part of the River City community."

The Instagram post continued: "Looking ahead, the BBC will increase investment in other major drama productions set across Scotland. You can read full details on the link in our bio. "We’ll still be bringing you all the drama from River City and will be here with all the best moments and news until we plan our Shieldinch send-off. Thank you for being part of the show, and we hope you’ll continue to share your favourite moments and characters with us until then."

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Louise Thornton Head of Commissioning at BBC Scotland: “We are incredibly proud of River City and it is with great sadness that we have come to this difficult decision.

"I want to thank the River City team in front of and behind the cameras for their dedication to the show over the years, past and present. For more than two decades, River City has brought drama to life on screen as well as offering industry training at grassroots level, and we know that fans of the programme will be really sad to see it go. The show leaves a tremendous legacy behind and the new productions we’ve announced will offer further opportunities."

She continued, “However, the media landscape is changing at pace and, as audience viewing habits change, it’s vital we respond to this. Our three new dramas, alongside the returning drama favourites, reflect the increasing shift in audience demand for series rooted in Scotland which play to audiences across the UK…and beyond. We’re delighted to be working with such great production teams and remain steadfast in our commitment to invest in Scotland’s creative industry.”

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