The former Shieldinch favourites, who played flatmates Joanne Rossi and Scott Wallace, will be at Waterstone's in Braehead to help launch the new book – 10 Years of River City.

And, for Allison, it's an opportunity to catch her breath after a whirlwind 2012.

She said: "I really haven't had time to draw breath this year – it has been so busy.

"I was in London's West End for six months with a fabulous play, Doctor in the House, with Joe Pasquale and Robert Powell.

"Then it was up the road to Scotland to film a new BBC comedy with Brian Cox, which I've just finished.

"And just last week I read with Colin Farrell for a part in his new film – for which I now have all fingers and toes crossed."

But Allison insisted that despite her career continuing on an upward spiral, she will always cherish her time playing minxy Jo in River City.

And she can't wait to meet up again with Tony at the launch on Saturday.

She said: "River City was just such a wonderful experience and I always strived to give everything I had to my storylines."

Tony is also looking forward to meeting the show's army of fans at the book launch, and said: "I left River City after more than eight years but knew the time was right for Scott to bow out.

"I started up a television production company called Solus and we produced Happy Birthday River City, a tribute to a decade of the soap.

"Now I'm back at River City as a trainee director and I'm loving life just as much behind the camera as I did in front of it!"

lThe book signing takes place at Waterstone's, Braehead, on Saturday, from 1pm-2pm.