First look and air date confirmed for the final ever episode of River City

After 24 years on our screens, Scottish drama series River City is coming to end later this month, closing a chapter on the Glasgow-set series starring the likes of Stephen Purdon, Sally Howitt, Frank Gallagher and Jacqueline Leonard.

The BBC has now released the first look images from the big finale, as well as the all-important air date.

When is the final episode on TV?

The final episode of River City will air at 9pm on Monday 31st August, with an hour-long episode.

What will happen in the final?

The BBC say of the final episode: 'Lenny and Harry’s (Jim Sturgeon) bitter rivalry leads to an intense showdown; love and marriage is key for some Shieldinch residents; while new beginnings beckon at The Tall Ship'.

In first look images released by the BBC, a bloodied Lenny Murdoch (played by Frank Gallagher) stands amidst dramatic fire scene. Meanwhile, Bob O’Hara (Stephen Purdon) looks pensive as he walks Montego Street in Shieldinch.

How can I watch it?

River City airs on BBC Scotland and BBC iPlayer.

Why did River City get cancelled?

It was announced back in January this year that River City had been axed by the BBC, due to significant changes in audience behaviour away from long-running series and towards shorter runs.

Hayley Valentine, Director, BBC Scotland said: “River City has been a wonderful adventure and of course we’ll all be sad to see it go. The team have done a brilliant job and I know they have some big plans for the finale next year.

"But as viewing patterns change and competition intensifies, this is the right time to invest in the next generation of high-impact drama series from across Scotland showcasing storytelling across the UK. Our goal is to grow Scotland further on the global drama map – with a slate of world-class productions that set the standard not just here but internationally too.”

Louise Thornton Head of Commissioning at BBC Scotland, added: "We are incredibly proud of River City and it is with great sadness that we have come to this difficult decision. I want to thank the River City team in front of and behind the cameras for their dedication to the show over the years, past and present. For more than two decades, River City has brought drama to life on screen as well as offering industry training at grassroots level, and we know that fans of the programme will be really sad to see it go. The show leaves a tremendous legacy behind and the new productions we’ve announced will offer further opportunities.

“However, the media landscape is changing at pace and, as audience viewing habits change, it’s vital we respond to this. Our three new dramas, alongside the returning drama favourites, reflect the increasing shift in audience demand for series rooted in Scotland which play to audiences across the UK…and beyond. We’re delighted to be working with such great production teams and remain steadfast in our commitment to invest in Scotland’s creative industry.”

READ MORE: BBC announce River City: The Last Take documentary

What is the documentary?

To celebrate the show's success over the last two decades, bosses announced a one-off documentary called River City: The Last Take.

The celebratory documentary will see the current cast come together in their on-screen family groupings to rewatch highlights and reminisce about shooting the show's most famous scenes.

Stephen Purdon, Sally Howitt, Frank Gallagher, Jacqueline Leonard, Jordan Young, Carmen Pieraccini, Grant Stott and Gayle Telfer Stevens all reunite for an emotional, funny and revealing insight into the moments that defined the drama.

River City: The Last Take will air on BBC Scotland straight after the final episode on Monday 31st August.