CITY CHANGES
Fair City star Maclean Burke opens up about show’s upcoming changes as he reflects on 27 years of acting
Maclean Burke reveals it will open a door to many new projects for him
RTE Fair City star Maclean Burke has opened up about the show's upcoming changes.
The actor, best known for his role as Damien Halpin in the hit RTE soap, has told how the production changes have had a knock on effect on many actors.
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The RTE show recently cut down from four episodes to three episodes a week.
They have now planned to stop filming scenes for eight weeks this summer, due to cost cutting measures.
The TV star told RSVP Live: "It definitely has a knock on effect on a lot of actors. I have been very lucky to get the work I was guaranteed because I have been involved in these larger storylines. If you take eight weeks out of the working year, it is going to affect people."
Although this time off effects many of the show's actors, Burke has told how it will open a door to many new projects for him.
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He said: "On the other hand, you don’t get many opportunities to go out and get other work during the year because you can’t commit. Me and the other long-termers have this problem.
"The work is offered and there is work out there. They will say they need us free for this six week period, but the problem is I can’t guarantee that length of time because I will be needed to film on Fair City.
"It is hard for the other productions to work around that. For me, it has worked out quite well because I have something on this summer. I am free so I can do it."
The Dublin native joined Fair City back in 1998, and he is going into his 27th season.
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Reflecting on his time working on Fair City, he said: "It is wild! I have been really lucky in that the writers and producers have trusted me to carry these storylines over the years. I remember when Marty murdered Tess I had to carry that storyline afterwards.
"Damien found Tess murdered on the floor, I think I was only 21 at the time so it was a massive nod for me in that they trusted me. Thankfully, it worked and from there on they knew they could count on me. There is an acknowledgement on both sides."
Fair City
RTE made a major shake-up today and pulled Fair City from the schedule.
There will be huge disappointment for soap fans as the show has been taken off air tonight to allow for broadcast of the Euros 2024 Semi-Final.
The UEFA European Football Championship will be shown on RTE 2 from 7pm until 10.35pm.
Fair City normally airs at 8pm on RTE One, however tonight a repeat episode of The Style Counsellors will be on screens instead.
Viewers can watch Suzanne Jackson give a makeover to 35-year-old Garda Julia Walsh of Templemore, Tipperary, who wants to find outfits that she can wear over and over again.
Fair City will still be going ahead this Thursday at 8.30pm and Sunday at 8pm.
But for now viewers will have to wait an extra two days to see how the drama unfolds on the development as Hayley Collins and James Rafferty scramble to find a new place for Erica and Doug.