Waterloo Road's future revealed with BIG announcement

Virgin Radio

15 Aug 2024, 13:57

The BBC has made a major announcement on the future of hit school drama, Waterloo Road. 

It has been revealed today (15th August) that the popular show has been recommissioned for two further series. Excitingly for fans, this means that new episodes will continue to premiere on BBC iPlayer and BBC One until at least 2026.

Filming has just begun on the two new series in Greater Manchester, which are in addition to the two upcoming eight-part series of Waterloo Road that are already in the can and set to air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One this September and early next year.

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The drama, set in a comprehensive school of the same name, first broadcast on BBC One from 2006 to 2015 before coming back for an 11th series in 2021.

It is known for tackling real-life topics affecting teens, families, and school staff, along with its trademark mix of sharp writing, warmth, and wit. The series returned to screens in January last year after becoming popular with viewers on BBC iPlayer during lockdown.

It was announced earlier this year that comedian Jason Manford will be swapping the stage for the school playground to play new headteacher Steve Savage.

Sharing his excitement in a statement, the stand-up star said: “What an absolute treat it is to join the cast and crew of Waterloo Road, right here in my home city of Manchester. My kids and I binged the show on iPlayer during lockdown. 

“It’s such a brilliant, iconic show, so I’m dead proud to now be part of its history. Growing up, I always wanted to be a teacher and now becoming a headteacher, I know I would have been terrible!"

September’s new series will also feature the arrivals of Life’s Saira Choudhry as Nisha Chandra, Waterloo Road's newest maths teacher, alongside a host of new students.

Meanwhile, returning actors include Adam Thomas (Donte Charles) and Strictly’s Kym Marsh (Nicky Walters), alongside the teaching staff played by James Baxter (Joe Casey), Jo Coffey (Wendy Whitwell), Shauna Shim (Valerie Chambers), Neil Fitzmaurice (Neil Guthrie), Rachel Leskovac (Coral Walker), and Katherine Pearce (Amy Spratt).

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama said in a statement: "It's incredibly rewarding to see Waterloo Road go from strength to strength - both creatively on screen, where it remains hugely popular with viewers of all ages, as well as behind the scenes developing the next generation of exciting UK television talent. We're delighted to announce two more series for BBC iPlayer and BBC One."

Waterloo Road is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.