River City shake-up as FIVE new faces join cast of BBC drama

The former Crime and Taggart star - who is married to writer Irvine Welsh - will play high-flying legal advocate Victoria Campbell-Baxter, a woman who has a reputation for always getting what she wants.

As the sister of Andrew (played by Greg Powrie), she arrives in Shieldinch offering moral support to her younger brother following the Lydia Murdoch rape allegations which surround him. However, Victoria is a ruthless figure, loyal only to herself, and might bring more woes Andrew’s way.

“I am very excited about taking on the role of Victoria Campbell-Baxter - for one thing, I get to use my own anglicised Scottish accent,” said Emma.

“Now, I can enjoy bringing out all the subtleties of a posh Scot who is clearly suffering from a complex family trauma that no doubt has plagued the Campbell-Baxters from generation to generation.

“I want to have some fun with her and show that people are never just one thing…we are all capable of wearing many faces. I’m very much looking forward to settling into life in Shieldinch.”

Joining Emma are fellow cast newbies Edward M Corrie (Guilt), Frances Mayli McCann (Shetland), George Drennan (Dracula Revamped) and Ahd Tamimi (Vikings: Valhalla).

Edward plays Jonathon Whitlock, a new boyfriend for Mikey (Darren Brownlie) who seems a little too good to be true.

Elsewhere, Sam (Grant Stott) finds his life turned upside down by the arrival of older brother Seb Spiller (George Drennan) - plumber by day, musician by night - and step-daughter Chloe Qi-Lewis (Frances Mayli McCann).

George Drennan, who will play Sam's older brother Seb (Image: Newsquest)

Sibling rivalry is alive and well between the Spiller brothers and Seb’s arrival will prove explosive. In stark contrast, there’s a warm welcome for Chloe who arrives to reconnect with her father-figure after hearing Sam’s voice on the radio.

Frances Mayli McCann, with West End co-star Jordan Luke Gage in Bonnie and Clyde (Image: The Other Richard)

Chloe is a bit of an adventurer and left behind her life in Hong Kong for a new start.

Finally, there’s a new barber in town – Armand Ashraf, played by Ahd Tamimi. After setting up his pop-up shop, Armand wants to get reacquainted with old pal Ash (Brian James Leys) and form new friendships.

Martin McCardie, BBC Studios Series Producer, said: “Love, family and trendy haircuts - the new members of the River City cast will bring a freshness and excitement to Montego Street. There will be marriage proposals, families reunited and, of course, a murder.

“We look forward to bringing a new exciting River City, with all the favourite characters that the audience love, to the viewers. We can’t wait.”

Filming on the awardwinning series resumes this week at the BBC Dumbarton Studios. River City returns, in a new multi-series format (three 11-episode series a year), from October 23 on BBC Scotland, BBC ONE Scotland and BBC iPlayer.)