A Renton River City star has thanked the community in West Dunbartonshire for their support and playing a key role in the show’s success – as it celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Gayle Telfer-Stevens joined the Dumbarton-filmed programme in 2015 and has now starred in the show’s 20th anniversary episode seven years later.
The show aired last Monday on BBC Scotland and was replayed the following day on BBC One Scotland.
It followed best mates Bob and Angus, who wake up in a multiverse where many of the lost friends from their past still exist after drinking from a mystical bottle of booze.
Bob, played by Stephen Purdon, has been a part of the show its entire run, starting in 2002, the same year that Gayle finished drama school.
Gayle said she has grown up with the show through her adult years. She said: “It was all a bit too good to be true when I got the job because there is virtually no commute for me.
“Obviously, with me living in the area, I know that the support within it has been immense. They just love it, and they claim it as their own and part of their landscape.
“The years have flown by since I started there, and it feels like just yesterday that I started. It is such a monumental moment for me and the show.
“I was nervous filming the 20th anniversary because I was somewhat out of my comfort zone.
“But, the fact that I got to interact with someone so iconic as Gina was incredible, especially fighting with her on the street.
“The reception has been massive and well received. It is a moment to take because we do take River City for granted.
“Although filming it was strange, the energy and vibe over the week were very special. It was like Stephen Purdon’s birthday, the fact he has lasted the full 20 years. It was dead special. I was just praying not to bugger it up.”
Gayle told us how influential the community in West Dunbartonshire has been for her and the show. She said: “The community has been massively important for my career and the show’s lineage because they are so supportive.
“Coming from Renton, the community supports everything you do through and through.
“When I did The Dolls, and I looked out onto the audience, I saw a sea of people from this area. I was blown away by the support. Of course, you know that you have local support but seeing it in front of you when looking out into the theatre is utterly overwhelming.
“For instance, when I go to my gym classes and folk will ask ‘is Gayle here today?’ and someone will say ‘no, she’s in the court today’ because of my storyline. We do have the best people down here.
“When I go to the B&M here, it is lovely to hear how people watch it. One woman told me she watches it with her grandson, and it was their wee secret. It’s a lovely family affair.”
