Fears over future of BBC's iconic River City set once show is axed for good
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RIVER City bosses don't know what to do with the axed soap's iconic set, show insiders revealed.
The fictional Glasgow district of Shieldinch will disappear from our screens next year after 24 years of drama and scandal.
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BBC Scotland previously announced that it is scrapping River City
Credit: John Kirkby
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It will disappear from screens next year
Credit: John Kirkby - The Sun Glasgow
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But bosses 'don't know' what to do with the set
Credit: BBC
But the huge custom-built set, including the Tall Ship pub and Oyster Cafe, will still be there when the cameras stop rolling.
And sources say BBC executives are being bombarded with questions about what will happen to it.
It comes amid suggestions fans could snap up pieces of TV history from the filming lot in Dumbarton.
An insider said: 'The question on everyone's lips has been, 'What will happen to the Shieldinch set?'.
'And the truth is, bosses have absolutely no idea.
"It's an impressive filming space and was the backdrop for so many legendary scenes.
'Many viewers feel an attachment to it. Bosses are not ruling out the possibility of auctioning off some of the props.'
Corporation chiefs decided to cancel the soap due to a 'change in viewing patterns' — as demand for long-running shows falls away.
They told MSPs last month the £9million-a-year soap was no longer 'value for money' as its audience figures were down so much that it cost too much 'per viewer' to produce.
BBC Scotland's drama budget over the next three years is expected to rise to £95million.
Tragedy looms when the O'Hara's family holiday takes a dramatic turn after a life-threatening car crash
Three new shows with shorter runs will be created for the channel — Counsels, Grams and The Young Team.
Shetland has been renewed for a tenth series while there will be third runs for Vigil and Granite Harbour.
River City's cast, including Stephen Purdon who plays Bob O'Hara, only learned it was being dumped minutes before the public was told in March.
It is understood exact details of the final episodes and whether former cast members will return have not yet been discussed.
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