The BBC is facing a backlash after axing the Scottish soap River City.
It was announced this week that Scotland's only soap would be coming to an end next year, with its final episodes set to air in September 2026.
Performing arts union Equity has led the charge in criticising this decision, and has created a petition to be delivered to BBC Scotland Director Hayley Valentine. At the beginning of writing, the petition had just over 5,700 signatures, and that number has been rising quickly.
It currently stands at 6,225 signatures.
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The petition states that River City gets half a million viewers per episode and provides employment and training for Scottish people in the TV industry.
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Equity General Secretary Paul W Fleming said: "This short-sighted move from BBC Scotland would be a disaster for Scottish television...
"Axing River City would have a devastating effect on acting and production roles for Scottish talent. There is simply no equivalent to a regular soap for getting your foot in the door of this notoriously cutthroat industry, especially for the many actors from working-class backgrounds."
He continued: "Holby City, Doctors, River City, these cuts to members' jobs are being made without a long-term strategy from the BBC. Every penny from those productions should stay in producing scripted drama with significant casts, not funnelled into cheap reality or factual TV."
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On social media, the petition has been shared by River City stars such as Edward Corrie and Grant Stott, as well as EastEnders' Michelle Collins.
As mentioned above, Holby City and Doctors have both been axed over the last few years, although the BBC has revived Waterloo Road.
Meanwhile, a fan petition is aiming to save Neighbours after its second axing.
River City airs on BBC Scotland in Scotland and can be streamed on iPlayer in the rest of the UK.
