Is it the end for Jimmy?

Yet, they know the introduction of a steel blade to the internal organs of a hugely popular character such as Jimmy Mullen isn't enough on its own.

Even greater effect can be had when rivers of blood are produced – and we don't know if the victim lives or dies.

"That's the way of soap," says smiling actor Billy McElhaney, who has played Jimmy for five years. "You have to get the most out of the moment."

Jimmy Mullen is loved by fans of the BBC soap, not just because of the actor's heartfelt performances, but because he's taken them on a journey... the hard nut who evolved into a caramel-soft centre.

But is this journey's end?

The current storyline certainly evokes great drama. Jimmy has been involved with Satan himself in the form of drug-dealing McCabe.

As a result his daughter wee Madonna swallowed a pill thinking it was a sweetie. And wife Scarlett told Jimmy to go directly to hell.

Jimmy then teamed up with Shieldinch's other resident hood, Lenny, to send McCabe to the pokey – but sadly, McCabe was sprung.

And now he's looking to introduce Jimmy to St Peter for real. There's a scuffle, a knife is pulled and before we know it, Shieldinch suddenly looks like an abattoir.

Has Jimmy have cracked his last gag? Will Scarlett wail like a madwoman at his funeral? Will Madonna ever eat a real Smartie again? "

Shieldinch without Jimmy Mullen would be like the Tall Ship without lager. Surely it's not the end?

"I hope not," says 53 year-old Billy, grinning. "If it is I'd better cancel my holiday."

Talking to Billy McElhaney reveals why the soap's scriptwriters have shifted his character from the dark to the light.

After a period of time, writers pick up on an actor's personal traits and incorporate them into their screen character.

The actor has a great sense of humour and an instantly likeable presence. So it makes perfect sense to write him up as the mildly villainous victim.

Billy, who's single, admits he's loved the journey his character has taken

"He emerged as a Reggie Kray character to revealing a big heart when he helped Scarlett," recalls. "Then of course he fell for her, and won her over. I've had great fun."

He's also had a few surprises when reading scripts. "Well, my greatest fear is reading of Jimmy's funeral," he jokes.

"But I've loved the drama of falling out with Scarlett.

"And for about 14 months I was in a wheelchair, which certainly helps you see life from a very different perspective."

He adds, smiling; "The issue of how Jimmy got up the stairs was never addressed."

Billy also loved the time his character bought a hairpiece.

"Jimmy was thought to be going through a mid-life crisis. That made the viewers feel sorry for him.

"But no, I wasn't tempted to get a wig in real life."

The actor adds: "The show is great. It may be chewing gum for the eyes, but people like it. The writing seems to get better and the storylines are powerful."

Billy grew up in the earthy Edinburgh scheme Craigmillar with his dad determined his son wouldn't follow him down the mines. The teenage Billy was in fact headed for university to study English and Psychology until one afternoon his five-a-side football match was cancelled.

With nothing to do, he joined a drama class, in the belief (true, as it happened) it would be filled with attractive young ladies.

However the talented footballer (still a fervent Hibs supporter) was bitten by the acting bug and signed up for drama college. (He joined the same class as Tam Dean Burn, who'd go on to become River City's McCabe.)

"I'd never been involved in drama in my life," he recalls of school days.

"And at first it all seemed a bit of a pansy thing to do. My mates were all plumbers and joiners.

"But I enjoyed the drama class and the bloke that ran the course said I had an aptitude for it, so I had a go and went to drama college."

The going wasn't easy. But it was fun.

"I once played a murderer in Taggart which actually came on TV while I was in the pub with my football supporting mates.

"And my character was a bit panto, so the guys in the pub tore into me mercilessly. And they were right to do so."

Between engagements Billy worked in bars, and did community shows.

He had fun however in Bill Forsyth's Comfort and Joy and has appeared in great plays such as Dario Fo's Trumpets and Raspberries, and has made great friends in the business such as Andy Gray, Elaine C.Smith and Michael Nardone.

Then along came River City. And the prospected of being killed off by a knife-wielding madman. Or not?

"Can't say, won't say," says Billy, laughing.

l River City, Tuesdays at 8pm on BBC1 Scotland.