Monday 24 May 2021, BBC Scotland, 10pm – 11pm
- Director – Ryan Graham
- Producer – Kevin McComiskie
- Writer – Anita Vettesse
This week in Shieldinch… as Stevie’s life hangs in the balance, an unlikely ally attempts to save him. A devastated Scarlett is stunned by Sonny’s honesty, and Angus supports best friend Bob – in this special episode highlighting mental health awareness.
Stevie is rushed to hospital following his overdose and is fighting for his life. Confused and in pain, Stevie wakes up in an eerie and deserted Montego Street – but it’s all is not as it seems in Shieldinch.
As a shadowy figure catches Stevie’s eye, he hears the soft beep of a life support machine. Passing his mother’s shop, Stevie is horrified to see messages of condolence… about him. Suddenly, he comes face to face with his mysterious onlooker – Gabriel Brodie. Back from the dead, Gabriel tells a stunned Stevie he’s his guardian angel, sent by Molly to save her grandson.
Freaked out, Stevie struggles to accept he’s in limbo. Gabriel bluntly challenges Stevie’s attempt to end his life and he slowly begins to open up. Realising the dark hole Stevie has found himself in, Gabriel shows him all the positives in his life, urging him to survive.
At the hospital, a frantic Scarlett turns to Sonny, who tries to keep her calm, optimistic her son will be saved. Assuming Tyler pushed Stevie too far, Scarlett’s emotions quickly flip from anger to guilt, convinced she missed the signs and should have done more.
Angus offers much-needed support to Bob, who is devastated that his brother took such drastic measures. Bernie is also guilt-ridden, fearing she’s been too hard on her nephew lately. However, Angus admits he knows all too well how difficult men find it to talk about their emotions.
In this unique episode, River City shines a light on mental health awareness and male suicide prevention. This storyline is part of the BBC’s Headroom campaign on TV, Radio and Online which recognises the impact the pandemic is having on everyone’s mental health.
Cast
- Barbara Rafferty as Bernie O’Hara
- Frances Thorburn as Kim O’Hara
- Garry Sweeney as Gabriel Brodie
- Iain Robertson as Stevie O’Hara
- Jimmy Chisholm as Sonny Caplan
- Lindsey Campbell as Poppy Patterson
- Maureen Carr as Theresa O’Hara
- Sally Howitt as Scarlett O’Hara
- Scott Fletcher as Angus Lindsay
- Sienna Glackin as Madonna Mullen
- Stephen Purdon as Bob O’Hara
- Ty McPhee as Callum Adams
- Una McLean as Molly O’Hara