Friday 1st April 2016
STEVIE AITKEN and Darren Barr are men of many talents.
Especially when it comes to Dumbarton, serving the town’s football club as manager and captain this season.
But there could be few at Sons who saw their latest move coming.
For the duo have landed roles in Scottish soap opera River City, which is filmed just up the road from the Cheaper Insurance Direct Stadium.
Stevie has already filmed his first scenes as Alan Adams, a long-lost relative of ‘Shellsuit’ Bob Adams.
And he revealed that his skipper is set to join him in Shieldinch as tough-talking cop DI John Findlay, who will join later this year.
The gaffer said: “I’ve always been a keen actor and the chance to join the cast was an absolute no-brainer.
“I may not bear much resemblance to Bob, but then Del Boy and Rodney didn’t look like each other and look what Only Fools and Horses achieved.
“I can’t go into too much detail about my storylines, but let’s just say that it’s an explosive entrance for Alan when he arrives in late May/early June.
“Filming my first scenes was great fun. I’ve watched River City from the start and always fancied a few pints in The Tall Ship.
“And I had no hesitation in recommending Darren for the policeman’s role when they were seeking an actor.
“He has a strong, husky voice which he already uses to great effect as our captain. He’s the perfect man to be a TV detective.”
Although Darren doesn’t have as strong an acting background as Stevie, he too can’t wait to get started on the small screen.
The skipper said: “I grew up wanting to play football but when I went part-time with Dumbarton I had to think of something to do outside the game.
“Having already starred on the likes of Sportscene and Sky Sports’ live Scottish football coverage, I’m used to being watched by an audience of thousands.
“Getting to play a policeman will be a great experience, although even I don’t yet know what the storyline will be. I start filming during the close season.”
Stevie and Darren are visiting the BBC set at Dumbarton today, April 1, for some publicity shots. Check back to the website later to see these.
Donald Foolarton