A River City icon has urged victims of sexual assault to "speak up" as she takes part in a harrowing storyline on the popular BBC Scotland soap.
Jacqueline Leonard made her shock return as Lydia Murdoch in the popular Scottish soap, with many viewers celebrating the headstrong and feisty actress coming back to put bad boy Lenny (Frank Gallagher) in his place.
Since then, Jacqueline has solidified herself as a returning regular in the show, creating a new life for herself and entering into a strictly work relationship with lawyer Andrew Campbell-Baxter (Greg Powrie).
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But things take a turn for the worst when Lydia and Andrew's harmless flirting turns to something sinister on a stormy night. During a storm in Shieldinch, Lydia and Andrew grow close in the sanctuary of her flat, sharing a consensual kiss.
However, guilt quickly creeps into Lydia’s head and she questions whether it’s a good idea to become more than friends. Andrew dismisses her concerns and continues to kiss Lydia, against her wishes.
As things spiral out of control, Lydia is left traumatised by Andrew’s actions. Later, as reality dawns on him, Andrew scrambles to find an alibi.
Jacqueline spoke to Glasgow Live to discuss her part in this troubling storyline, and emphasises the reason why they went ahead with the plot.
Jacqueline said: "The interesting thing with the story is that Andrew is a lovely guy, everybody likes him, he's close with Lydia and they share a close relationship.
"She's kind of thinking, you know, this relationship is possible - she's had a terrible few years where she's been in hiding, she's been shot and she's finally returned to her family.
"She's beginning to find herself again, a new job and getting her identity back, standing on her own two feet. The strong Lydia is coming back again."
Jacqueline also discusses the moments leading up to the pivotal moment of this storyline, explaining: "Lydia is considering the possibility of having a relationship with someone, but it gets to that point where she goes, actually, no.
"The interesting thing is that because Andrew's such a nice guy, nobody would expect him to do something like this.
"I think that's what they're [the writers] are trying to do, they're trying to make it clear that it's not just somebody who jumps out of a bush and rapes you.
"It's somebody that you usually know."
Jacqueline also notes that the River City storyline team worked closely alongside Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis.
They offered feedback, guidance and advice when required to make the storyline as accurate as possible. Beyond the sexual assault storyline, Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis were also involved in the long term story arc as part of the survivors recovery, post assault.
Jacqueline also discusses a part scene which was taken out, where Andrew grabs Lydia's hand and she pulls away. The actress states that she wanted to fight back more during the scene, but with advice from Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis, they decided to portray it in a more vulnerable way.
Jacqueline continues: "There's actually a clip which I think was taken out, where Andrew grabs my hand and I pull away quite aggressively - in my mind, as an actress, I wanted to do more, fight back more, be more violent.
"We did another take where I'm not that aggressive, it's more Andrew coercing me into thinking everything's alright when it's really not. Rape Crisis actually did say that this is what happens most of the time, it is coercion and manipulation.
"It's people we know, and you think everything's okay, but when at the last minute, you say no - people have to learn that is when to stop."
Jacqueline also took the time to ask people who have been victims of sexual assault, similar to her storyline in the show, to gather the courage to speak out to people who know how to help.
The actress said: "It is crucial that people know that there is help out there for them when something like this happens, and people are trained to deal with and listen to what you have been through.
"Chances are, the people who are trying to help will have heard a story similar to yours before, and they have the skills to help someone recover from something as serious as a sexual assault.
"So, just pick up the phone, talk to someone and get the help you need to overcome something like this. There is always support available to you."
If you have been affected by anything discussed in this interview, and the subsequent storyline, you can contact Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis on 0141 552 3201.
River City continues on Monday, January 16, 2023 at 10pm on BBC Scotland - and Lydia's storyline will take place on Wednesday, January 18 at 10pm on BBC Scotland.
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