Singer Susan Boyle has landed her dream gig – a role in River City starring alongside her soap “hero” Shellsuit Bob.
The Scots superstar, who shot to fame in 2009 after appearing on Britain’s Got Talent, is a fan of the show and was blown away when producers asked her to make a cameo appearance.
Susan, 60, who has watched nearly every episode of the show, spent a fun-filled day filming on the streets of Shieldinch and was thrilled when she bumped into Stephen Purdon – who was more starstruck than she was.
The singer, from West Lothian, whose one-off episode will air next month, said: “All the cast and crew were so kind and welcoming, it was a great atmosphere. I’m a huge fan of the show and always watch it, so to be a part of it and on set was fantastic.”
Susan, who plays herself in the drama’s charity calendar storyline, was disappointed when she did not get to film any scenes with her “favourite” Shellsuit Bob so was delighted when she spotted him outside the studio.
Stephen, who is one of the biggest SuBo fans on the planet, said: “The day I finally came face to face with Susan Boyle has to be one of the best and most surreal days of my life.
“There had been so much talk about her coming down and there was a real buzz on set. When I found out I wasn’t in the scenes she was in I was a bit gutted.
“I just happened to be standing outside the studio when she came off the back lot with her entourage.
“She spotted me and headed straight over. The first words she said to me were, ‘You’re my favourite.’ I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I was fair chuffed at that and I swear, man, I will be putting that on my CV and my Spotlight. What a claim to fame. I’m Susan Boyle’s favourite.
“We started having a blether and a bit of banter. I wanted to milk it for all it was worth. She asked if she could get a photo with me – I couldn’t believe this icon was asking me for a picture.”
Stephen, 36, who has played Bob O’Hara since 2002 and is River City’s longest-serving character, added: “I tried to play it cool when I was getting my photie taken with her but as soon as she walked away, I was sending it to my wife and all my mates. It was great fun. It’s now my screensaver.
“She was pure dead brilliant. She’s such a character and very friendly. It’s great for the show as well because you could tell she was a genuine fan. It’s brilliant when someone of that stature is a fan of the show.
“I remember watching that moment on BGT when she started to belt out that song. Her voice was absolutely phenomenal. You knew straight away that a star was born – man, she was something else. Then all these years later I’m standing in Montego Street and she’s telling me I’m her favourite.”
When asked if SuBo could be a possible love interest for Shellsuit Bob, who has a penchant for older women, dad-of-two Stephen, who is married to Nicola, 34, said: “I’m not saying anything. Shellsuit’s first onscreen kiss was with Lorraine McIntosh from Deacon Blue, so Bob is no stranger to a winch with a famous singer. There have been a few famous cameos on River City but SuBo tops the lot.”
In the episode Suzie Fraser – played by Juliet Cadzow – is stunned when SuBo becomes a model for a charity photoshoot to raise money for Molly’s Corner Cafe.
Julie was delighted to work alongside Susan. She said: “Having such an internationally renowned star on set could have felt quite daunting, but Susan was so natural and unaffected and, indeed, it was almost as if she was overcome being with us on the set. It was such a pleasure to be on set with her.”
Martin McCardie, series producer for River City, added: “The charity calendar storyline is all about finding a well-known face with a big heart and a winning smile to take part – Susan Boyle is that person.
“She’s welcome to revisit Montego Street any time she likes.”
