City boy Stephen wants 15 more years
RIVER CITY star Stephen Purdon has just clocked up 15 years on the soap – and says he would happily double that.
Stephen’s Bob has been one of the show’s most popular characters from its earliest days. And he insists storylines such as this week’s discovery of girlfriend Kim’s pregnancy will keep him coming back.
“The best story is always the next big one,” Stephen, 34, told iN10.
“I keep on getting great things to play and I’m so lucky. I can’t believe it’s been 15 years, but honestly I’d do another 15 if I could.” Kim’s pregnancy revelation is set to cause trouble, including with Bob’s pal Angus (Scott Fletcher). With a brain tumour diagnosis, Angus wants to leave a legacy of being a donor so Bob, who can’t have children, can be a father after all.
But his one-night stand with Kim has far-reaching consequences.
“I knew this story was a big deal as soon as I was told about it,” says Stephen.
“It’s a sensitive issue for couples struggling to have a family but it’s been handled really well.
“The dynamic between Bob and Angus, who are a bit of a double act, changes.
“It’s been nice because it’s usually more comedy with myself and Scott.”
While fatherhood has eluded Bob, Stephen is a proud dad-of-two – Layla turns five next month and Leo is one.
Stephen obviously dotes on them both and he’s a real hands-on father, working childcare out with wife Nicola who’s in human resources. “They’re great to come home to at the end of a long filming day. And when I get my breaks from River City I can be full-time daddy day care.
“Layla watches the show now and gives me a wee cheeky smile and calls me Bob.” She’s far from the only one. Having spent a decade-and-a-half on our screens, Stephen is one of Scotland’s most familiar faces.
As a result, he gets attention “everywhere, every single day” but is adamant he doesn’t mind.
“I’ve never had any aggro,” says Stephen. “It’s always good fun. I’m from the east end of Glasgow so I’m used to banter and can handle a bit of that.”
Totally down to earth, un-starry and with no pretensions whatsoever, Stephen is similar to Line Of Duty star Martin Compston.
The pair caught up for a beer a few weeks back, with Stephen telling me he can still recall their first meeting.
That was when they were both up for the lead in acclaimed film Sweet Sixteen.
“It was a long process and it ended in heartbreak. After so many recalls it was down to Martin and me.
“I remember the two of us sitting in the corridor and each going in to do the audition for Ken Loach. When I got the phone call the next day to tell me I hadn’t got the part I was gutted.
“But I remember thinking at the time that if this was what I wanted to do then I was going to have to learn to handle rejection.
“Then I got a call from Ken saying he still wanted me to in the movie and told me about the part he wanted me to play.
“It was still a decent role and I had some good stuff with Martin, who’s a brilliant guy and has done so well.
“Just having a Ken Loach movie on my CV was a big thing and I pretty much went straight into River City after that.
“Having consistent work for the past 15 years in a business like this has been amazing.”
That also includes annual panto stints at Glasgow’s Pavilion Theatre, where he’s back again this year.
“It works out perfectly with the filming break in River City,” adds Stephen.
“I love the fact it’s such a different thing, really fun and active.
“But after two shows-a-day for a long run, I’m definitely ready to put my feet up when it finishes.”
River City, BBC1 Scotland, Tuesday, 8pm.