The BBC has defended its revamp of Scottish soap River City after receiving complaints from fans of the show.
Viewers got their first taste of the new-look programme on Tuesday night, but some reacted angrily to a new filming style. There have also been claims that long-running characters like Shellsuit Bob (Stephen Purdon) and Roisin McIntyre (Joyce Falconer) are being sidelined by producers.
In August, it emerged that chiefs wished to embrace the show's new hour-long format by emulating weekly dramas like Holby City and Casualty.
However, promoting a petition on the BBC's website this week, one fan wrote: "Please sign here to get the old filming style of our favourite soap back because we all hate the new way of doing it. PS - it is still and always will be a soap."
Another viewer added: "I will sign this petition. I can't stand the new look for River City. Please bring the old look back."
A BBC spokesman told the Daily Record: "We very much welcome feedback from our viewers. We will certainly take these comments on board. We recognise that any change in a programme takes viewers a while to get used to, but are confident fans will enjoy what we have planned.
"We took a decision to change River City's shooting style and lighting, which isn't unusual. EastEnders and Emmerdale have been through similar revamps."
Viewers got their first taste of the new-look programme on Tuesday night, but some reacted angrily to a new filming style. There have also been claims that long-running characters like Shellsuit Bob (Stephen Purdon) and Roisin McIntyre (Joyce Falconer) are being sidelined by producers.
In August, it emerged that chiefs wished to embrace the show's new hour-long format by emulating weekly dramas like Holby City and Casualty.
However, promoting a petition on the BBC's website this week, one fan wrote: "Please sign here to get the old filming style of our favourite soap back because we all hate the new way of doing it. PS - it is still and always will be a soap."
Another viewer added: "I will sign this petition. I can't stand the new look for River City. Please bring the old look back."
A BBC spokesman told the Daily Record: "We very much welcome feedback from our viewers. We will certainly take these comments on board. We recognise that any change in a programme takes viewers a while to get used to, but are confident fans will enjoy what we have planned.
"We took a decision to change River City's shooting style and lighting, which isn't unusual. EastEnders and Emmerdale have been through similar revamps."
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