BBC River City actor on 'upsetting' storyline set to shock viewers

Nothing compares to her latest, however, which is set to shock River City viewers when it airs on Thursday.

The scene – in which Jacqueline’s character Lydia Murdoch is raped by her boss – and its aftermath were so challenging, a rape crisis charity was on hand to support the actors “every step of the way”.

“I have had many amazing and challenging storylines, but never one that involves sexual assault or rape,” says Jacqueline. “It was extremely delicate and upsetting, obviously, and, having never experienced anything like this myself, it was a real challenge.

“There were lots of discussions between me and Greg [Powrie, who plays Lydia’s boss, Andrew] and the director and producer on the best way to approach such an incredibly sensitive subject.

“At every stage, the storyline team worked closely with Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis who offered lots of feedback and advice. I was always guided by them.”

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The episode opens with Lydia and Andrew having a drink as a storm batters Sheildinch. The couple kiss, but Lydia regrets it, and makes it plain she does not want to become more than friends. Andrew dismisses her concerns and events take a shocking turn. Later, as reality dawns on him, Andrew scrambles to find an alibi.

Because of the nature of the attack, and the time the scenes will be aired, the assault happens off-screen – but viewers are in no doubt about what happens to Lydia, and the trauma it causes her.

“When viewers return, there are no marks of violence on Lydia but it is clear in the episode she said no to Andrew,” says Jacqueline, flatly. “This is where the story gets interesting – how will Lydia emotionally deal with the trauma and how will she be judged by others?”

Regular viewers might also ask – and what happens when Lenny finds out?

Jacqueline joined River City in 2007, and left in 2010 in fear for her life after trying to frame her husband Lenny (Frank Gallagher) for the death of his son.

Jacqueline Leonard and Frank Gallagher as Lydia and Lenny Murdoch (Image: BBC)

She returned, only to be shot and killed by Lenny. After appearing as Lenny’s ghostly conscience, Lydia was then raised from the dead to return for a third time, having actually survived the shooting.

“I’ve had the most amazing storylines as part of the Murdoch family, and I’ve loved every minute,” she says, smiling. “I’m thrilled the Murdoch shenanigans have been a hit with the audience. I thought there would be no return after playing Lenny’s conscience. However, thanks to a brilliant story team, Lydia’s return was authentic and absolutely provable. So I was over the moon to make yet another comeback.”

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Jacqueline has starred in EastEnders, Doctors, Coronation Street and Casualty, amongst many others, but she loves coming back to River City.

“River City is full of drama, violence, frolics and stories with great hooks, just like many of the other soaps I’ve appeared in,” she says. “But it’s the team of actors and crew that make River City great to work on - especially Frank.”

Jacqueline was born in Blackpool but her mum was Scottish and the family lived in Bonnybridge. She moved to London to go to drama school, but admits her mum always wished she would go back to Scotland to work.

“Unfortunately, she passed away when I was pregnant with my daughter, long before I got the part of the Lydia in River City,” says Jacqueline, sadly.

“I’ve always had a strong connection with Scotland.”

Drama was not on Jacqueline’s radar when she was a child and it wasn’t until she went to theatre in London for the first time, age 16, that things changed.

“I loved it so much I came straight home and booked a drama lesson,” she says. “Within a few months I had a place at drama school. It all happened so quickly,it must have been fate.

“I remember my dad being very worried that I was going to live in London as a drama student. It was a whole different world we really knew little about.”

Jacqueline hopes to be part of River City “for a while yet”, she smiles – although she does not see a happy-ever-after ending for Lydia any time soon.

“Like many rape victims, Lydia keeps it a secret and hides away, questioning whether or not she was to blame,” says Jacqueline. “She has a very traumatic time ahead.”

She pauses. “There may perhaps be some happy times ahead for Lydia, but at the moment I think it’s a bit of a rocky road,” she nods, adding with a laugh: “And a happy-ever-after is usually quite dull to play anyway. Actors like to run the gamut of emotions….”