Simone Lahbib joins the cast of BBC Scotland drama River City
Business owner Viv arrives in Shieldinch in the hope of reconciling with her son Tyler (Cameron Fulton), after walking out on her marriage to Harry Foulkes (Jim Sturgeon) and her family over two decades ago. Her surprise arrival shocks family friend Eddie Corrigan (Rob Jarvis), who reveals to Viv he thought she was dead – a lie Harry spun for decades. Stunned, Viv will reveal the shocking truth behind her decision to abandon her family - but will Tyler forgive her and how will Harry feel to see his wife back from the dead?
Simone is looking forward to the drama Viv will bring: 'Viv is a wonderfully complex character. She'll do and say anything she needs to survive but surviving isn't enough for Viv…she has plans.
'Viv is desperate to reconnect with her son Tyler, played by the super talented Cameron Fulton and all the while avoid her ex-husband, gangster Harry Foulkes who is played by the lovely Jim Sturgeon. Unfortunately, the way she will go about things turns what is already a delicate, emotionally charged situation into a series of traumatic events.
'She's like the proverbial cat among the pigeons, a bull in a china shop, a tornado, causing devastation to everything and everyone in her path.'
For years, Viv stayed hidden but after reading about Tyler's accident at New Year and having read about her son Darren's death in the papers, a guilt-ridden Viv has vowed to make right all the wrongs of her past and be there for her only surviving son. However, Viv will need to face her estranged husband Harry, a ruthless, cold-blooded killer who won't be messed with.
Martin McCardie, BBC Studios Executive Producer, says: 'Everyone is thrilled to have Simone on board at River City. Her character Viv Barton is wonderfully complex and will make quite an impact on arrival. She's a caring mum who desperately wants to make amends with her estranged son, Tyler but she also has her eye on the Foulkes family fortune and the power her ex-husband Harry has. Viv doesn't care who will be collateral damage in her pursuit of these things…including her son. We're sure audiences will be enthralled by Viv Barton and the chaos she brings with her.'
Returning to Scotland is a perk of the job for Simone: 'Working in Scotland for me always feels like coming home. It's literally the most perfect location for me - I get to stay with my parents between filming, so I spend time with all my family and even have my mum to go through my lines with me - she gets very into her roles!
'River City has a truly wonderful cast and crew. There's a real family feel on set which comes from working with good people. Everyone has made me feel so welcome from day one.'
Simone joins the cast alongside new arrivals including Michael Moreland (Six Four, Years & Years) as Dr Joseph Albert, James Young (Guilt) as Simon Mack and Graeme Dalling (Outlander, Only Child) as Kelly-Marie's (played by Carmen Pieraccini) husband Chris Black.
River City returns for a new series on BBC iPlayer from Monday 16 June, BBC Scotland on Mondays and Wednesdays and BBC One Scotland on Tuesdays and Thursdays. River City is a BBC Studios Drama Production for BBC Scotland. The Executive Producers are Martin McCardie for BBC Studios Drama and Gavin Smith for BBC Scotland.
Watch River City on BBC iPlayer
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