Waterloo Road will be returning for two more series

Great news for fans!

Author: Charlotte RoszkoPublished 22nd Aug 2023

Waterloo Road will be returning for two more series, the BBC has confirmed. The popular school drama depicts the life of students and teachers at a school in Greater Manchester and initially aired on the BBC between 2006 and 2015.

Earlier this year, fans were thrilled when the show returned to screens once again, with cast members including Adam Thomas and Angela Griffin. Now, there will be more episodes for viewers to enjoy, with three series still to come altogether. The next series of Waterloo Road has already been filmed and a further two series have now also been commissioned.

Filming will commence in the coming months, with Angela Griffin, Kym Marsh and Adam Thomas all set to star in the show.

Cameron Roach, executive producer of Waterloo Road and founder of Rope Ladder Fiction, said: "We're beyond thrilled with the triumphant return of Waterloo Road, and so thankful to the BBC for committing to the show so fully.

"We love that the show has the potential not only to be a crown jewel for BBC iPlayer but also serve as a true beacon for training and inspiring next generation talent.

"In addition to our open auditions and full-time production trainee placements for industry newcomers, our workshops across Greater Manchester this Summer for 14-16 year-old's in partnership with BBC Young Reporter have truly demonstrated the infectious power of this show."

The drama is passionate about nurturing new talent both on screen and behind the camera and will be continuing to cast roles via open auditions at schools and youth clubs as well as offering workshops and production training schemes for industry newcomers.

Since 2022, 20 trainees have gained entry-level, paid work in the industry across sectors including costume, art direction, post-production, camera and sound. Eight more trainees will be joining the show when filming starts in the Autumn.

Take a look at where the Waterloo Road cast are now:

Chelsee Healey (Janeece Bryant) then

Troublemaker Janeece was a firm favourite on the show and a big personality at the school. She was often causing all kinds of mischief with her bbf Maxine Barlow, and pals Chlo Grainger and Dante Charles.


She clearly couldn't keep away from Waterloo Road after finishing her education, as she returned as a secretary after falling pregnant. She later left to take some time out in Ibiza after struggling to cope with daughter Cheryl.

Chelsee Healey (Janeece Bryant) now

Since leaving Waterloo Road, Chelsee joined the cast of Hollyoaks as Goldie McQueen in 2016. She also competed in Strictly Come Dancing in 2011, and finished as a runner-up. She took a break from telly land in 2017 to give birth to her daughter, Coco.
More recently, Chelsee appeared on Celebs Go Dating in 2019, where she sadly didn't end up finding the love of her life (but who does, tbh?).

Jason Done (Tom Clarkson) then

English teacher Tom Clarkson was a big hit with the students of Waterloo Road. He went on to become, Head of Pastoral Care, then Head of English and Deputy Head in series 7.


Tom was also stepdad to Chlo and Mika Grainger after his romance with fellow teacher Izzi (he had numerous love interests with school staff). His own son Josh joined the school in 2009.

Jason Done (Tom Clarkson) now

Jason starred on the show until 2015, enduring the big move from Rochdale to Scotland. His character Tom died in series 8 after falling from the roof of the school trying to help troubled student Kyle Stack. Nowadays he spends his time doing narration for shows like Channel 5's Can't Pay We'll Take It Away and starring in Netflix show, The Innocents.

Philip Martin Brown (Grantly Budgen) then

Grumpy Grantly Budgen was part of the furniture at Waterloo Road and had a number of emotional as well as downright hilarious storylines. Who could forget that toupée.

Philip Martin Brown (Grantly Budgen) now

Since Philip's departure following Grantly's death on the show in 2013, the actor's gone on to star in a variety of other TV shows such as Endeavour and Doctors. He's also a regular on the Panto circuit.

Denise Welch (Steph Haydock) then

Denise played Waterloo Road's relatively useless but fun-loving french teacher Steph Haydock from series 1 until the end of series 5.


Despite her reputation as a bit of a gossip, Steph's big heart and caring nature saw her take in troubled student Maxine Barlow.

Denise Welch (Steph Haydock) now

Denise has stared in a number of other TV shows and soaps including Byker Grove, Coronation Street and Holby City, and is a regular on the Christmas Pantomime circuit. She's also a regular panelist on ITV's Loose Women and mum to 1975 frontman Matty Healy.

Angela Griffin (Kim Campbell) then

Kind-hearted Kim Campbell bore the brunt of the kids' troubles as original Head of Pastoral Care at Waterloo Road.

Angela Griffin (Kim Campbell) now

Since leaving Waterloo Road for good in 2010 (she took a break at the end of 2007, returning in 2009), Angela has starred in a number of TV dramas including Netflix's White Lines, ITV's Lewis and Midsomer Murders. She's also starred on the stage in One Man, Two Guvnors alongside James Corden.


She also hosted her own daytime chat show, Angela and Friends, from 2009 to 2010.

Neil Morrissey (Eddie Lawson) then

Neil Morrissey played deputy head Eddie Lawson for series 3 and 4.

Neil Morrissey (Eddie Lawson) now

Established actor and comedian Neil recently spoke out about how much he hated working on Waterloo Road.


Speaking on Two Shot Podcast he said: "I hated that show, I hated it so much. Even my missus said to me, 'You've got to get out of this show because it's making you into a nasty person'."


Yikes.
Since finishing on Waterloo Road, Neil's starred as Line of Duty baddie Nigel Morton and is the voice of many cartoon characters, including Farmer Pickles in Bob the Builder.

Jason Merrells (Jack Rimmer) then

Jack Rimmer was Waterloo Roads original, tough-loving headteacher.

Jason Merrells (Jack Rimmer) now

Jason's character resigned as headteacher halfway through series 3.


As well as starring in Waterloo Road, Jason has played parts in Casualty and The Bill. From 2010 until 2014 he played business man Declan Macey in Emmerdale. He's also a writer and director and often takes on theatre roles.

Jill Halfpenny (Izzie Redpath) then

Jill Halfpenny played enthusiastic drama teacher Izzie in series 1 and 2. Her two daughters Chlo and Mika also attended the school.


Izzie was involved in a love triangle with fellow teachers Lorna Dickey and Tom Clarkson. She was fatally stabbed by Joe Seddon while trying to protect headmaster Jack.

Jill Halfpenny (Izzie Redpath) now

Jill won the first series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2004, while she was playing Kate on EastEnders.


Since leaving Waterloo Road Jill has taken on a number big TV roles. Most recently, she starred in ITV's epic drama Liar.

Katie Griffiths (Chlo Grainger) then

Katie played Chlo from series 1 to 4. Chlo made up one half of our fave TV couple ever, marrying her childhood sweetheart Donte Charles as soon as she turned 16.


After a brief affair with her sister Mika's boyfriend Brett, Chlo and Donte reconciled and Chlo fell pregnant with her daughter Izzie (named after her late mother).

Katie Griffiths (Chlo Grainger) now

After Chlo and Donte's departure to Manchester in series 4, Katie went on to take roles in Casualty and Father Brown.

Adam Thomas (Donte Charles) then

Adam played Waterloo Road's original bad boy Donte Charles.


Donte cleaned up his act after spending time in jail for the accidental death of his friend Adam. He also proved to be a supportive husband to Chlo after they found out she was pregnant.

Adam Thomas (Donte Charles) now

Adam has gone on to become a big household name, playing Adam Barton in Emmerdale from 2009 to 2018.


He also appeared came third on I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! in 2016.


His twin brother Scott Thomas was a finalist on Love Island in 2016 and their older brother Ryan is also an actor, starring in Coronation Street and Neighbours.
He's also now a husband and father of two - it's safe to say Adam's been pretty busy since leaving Rochdale.

George Sampson (Kyle Stack) then

After winning Britains Got Talent in 2008, George went on to join the Waterloo Road cast in 2011 as troubled student Kyle Stack.

George Sampson (Kyle Stack) now

Dancer and actor George Sampson underwent a hair transplant procedure in summer 2017. Since then, he's performed on stage in productions such as Our House. He also joined the cast of Emmerdale in 2016 and has appeared on Celebrity Coach Trip.

Tachia Newall (Bolton Smile) then

We're not going to lie, we had a pretty big crush on bad boy Bolton Smilie when he joined the cast for series 3. And an even bigger one when he came back as a soldier in series 8.

Tachia Newall (Bolton Smilie) now

Tachia is still acting, appearing in episodes of Casualty, Doctors and Silent Witness.


He's also a rapper and a member of Manchester's Levelz crew.

Now read:

Here's what the original Waterloo Road cast are up to now

Waterloo Road is making a comeback to TV 🙌

Waterloo Road fans in tears as major character dies in first episode of reboot

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