River City: Shenanigans in Shieldinch as Bob’s been put on naughty list

It’s not just Brussels sprouts leaving a bad taste in the mouth at Christmas dinner in Shieldinch this week.

No Christmas crackers are needed for this meal to go off with a bang, when Shellsuit Bob’s affair with Nicole is exposed by his wife Kim.

For Stephen Purdon, who’s played Bob Adams since the show’s inception in 2002, the storyline has been a nice change of pace.

“It’s been quite fun to play, because Bob is usually the good guy,” Stephen said.

“Not this time though, as he’s been up to no good and I enjoyed getting to go down a different path.

“The reaction as I walk down the street has been a bit different from what I’m used to.

“It’s usually the older women who’ll say something. One gave me a clip round the ear the other day and called me a naughty boy, but that’s part and parcel of it and a side of the job I love.

“When you’re in Glasgow, you always get an honest review. People aren’t shy in telling you if you’re not doing something right.”

In this week’s episode, it’s Christmas morning in Shieldinch and Kim (Frances Thorburn) is determined to make the day perfect for her mum, Isobel, who has dementia.

But when she senses husband Bob acting suspiciously, she follows him and is stunned to see him kissing Nicole (Holly Jack), after giving her sexy lingerie as a present.

Kim tries to hold it together but Bob adds insult to injury by giving her boring old pyjamas as a gift.

Seeing how much Isobel is enjoying the day, Kim hides her emotions, but her patience is tested to the limit when Suzie and Nicole arrive for Christmas dinner.

When Kim spots Nicole and Bob sending texts to each other at the table, it leads to fireworks.

Stephen said: “Bob says he has another present for Kim and nips out to get it, but he’s taking Nicole a present.

“When we are sitting round the dinner table, texting each other and giving sly looks, I could imagine how cringe it would be in real life, but we had good fun filming it.

“Obviously it’s something Bob was never going to get away with, but round the Christmas dinner table was not the best time for him to be caught.”

Stephen continued: “When you’re part of a big storyline, the next one is always the one that feels the best.

“I’m lucky I’ve always had massive storylines each year, if not my own then being involved in other characters’ plots.

“To still be involved in big stories after so long is an honour and I feel blessed.

“I love being part of the show – it’s been good to me. Working with close friends, having fun, and being paid for something I enjoy doing is a bonus.”

Christmas Day is likely to be a lot more relaxed for Stephen.

“I’m in panto at the Pavilion, so Christmas is my only day off. It’ll be a lot different from Bob’s!

“My wife and I used to have everyone round to our house, but now we go out for dinner and we’ll have a few quiet drinks at home afterwards while our son and daughter play with their toys.”

Elsewhere in River City this week, Ruby leads the McLean family on a treasure hunt arranged by her new boyfriend, Dylan. As Ruby reconnects with Caitlin, their happy family is rocked when she spots Joe lurking in the background.

Joe lures Ruby away, determined to win back her affections. Initially angry, Ruby soon softens and admits she doesn’t want Dylan as she still loves Joe.

And a lonely Lenny arrives at the hospital to be with Alex. Despite their differences, father and son begin to bond again.

Over at the Christie’s, Eve and Sonny join forces to cheer up Lou.

River City, BBC Scotland, Monday 10pm and BBC1, Friday, 8.30pm