Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Libby, 8, gets starring role in TV’s River City
A SCHOOLGIRL was “over the moon” after securing a role on a Scottish TV soap opera.
Libby Dye is one of a host of new additions to the River City cast, playing Katie Roth — a “cheeky” youngster who has moved to Shieldinch with her family.
Speaking exclusively to the Tele, the eight-year-old said that she was “so happy” to secure the role on the BBC programme, which has been running since 2002.
She said: “I’m so happy at River City. I feel so excited filming there I could burst.
“It is the best job in the whole world.”
Libby’s mum Jenna, 33, said that the opportunity had come about after Libby was registered with an acting agency. She secured the role after her first-ever audition.
She added: “We went through to Glasgow for the audition and were on our way back when the call came.
“We were all screaming when we found out — it was so exciting.
“I am so proud of her and so happy that she has been given this opportunity. It is brilliant for her future career.
“Katie’s character is quite like Libby’s. She is a bit cheeky and doesn’t mince her words.
“Libby has been through a lot and she is a brilliant wee girl. She was over the moon after finding out.”
Libby, of Forfar, suffers from two conditions — Turner syndrome and DiGeorge syndrome — but Jenna said that she refuses to let that hold her back.
Jenna added that Libby’s on-screen family had been “amazing”, as have the show’s support staff.
She added: “Claire from costumes was brilliant and all her cast mates are Libby Dye with cast members Sally Howitt, Sienna Glackin and Alanaana HoodHood. Pictures show (toptop, cclockwise) Libby on the set of River City; with Glen Wallace; and giving Alana Hood and Simon Webbe a big hug. really supportive — she feels like she is part of a new family.” Jenna said that she initially feared Libby would fall behind in her education because of filming commitments but she has been provided with a tutor. Libby stars alongside former Hollyoaks and EastEnders actor Glen Wallace, who plays her dad Greig, a retired special forces officer, along with his wife Lorna — played by Alana Hood — and also Libby’s on-screen sister Frankie, who is played by Lorna McMenemy. Simon Webb, known for being a member of boy band Blue, has also joined the cast as a family friend.