Lindsey Coulson joins Waterloo Road as the new headteacher
She will join the series in 2025
Following the series 14 finale airing on Tuesday 29th October, BBC bosses have announced that legendary actress Lindsey Coulson has joined hit drama Waterloo Road as the school's brand new headteacher.
Lindsey, who is best known for her portrayal of Carol Jackson in BBC soap EastEnders, will take over from Jason Manford as the head of Waterloo Road, playing the role of Dame Stella Drake.
Making her debut on the show next year during series 15, Lindsey's character will attempt to rebuild the school following the downfall of previous headteacher Steve Savage.
Lindsey Coulson says: “I’m delighted to be joining Waterloo Road as the new headteacher, Dame Stella Drake. It’s a role I haven’t played before so I’m really enjoying peeling back the layers of who Stella is and seeing how the teachers and students react to her no-nonsense approach. Waterloo Road tackles social issues head on which is so important to see on television and this series will be no different.”
Setting the scene for Lindsey's arrival, the BBC say: 'Once at the top of the Ofsted ranks, Dame Stella found herself knocked off her pedestal thanks to her cutting words about parental incompetence going viral, but her uncompromising work ethic, strict moral compass and no nonsense approach makes her the perfect candidate to reform Waterloo Road.
'Stella joins the school as the students become increasingly unruly following the effects of last term and she soon feels out of date as she clashes with the school’s modern pastoral approach. Her unfiltered honesty is both endearing and abrasive. She tells it as it is and while her intent is to inspire positive change, her methods can sometimes ruffle feathers. Stella might have the students best interests at heart but soon her personal life spills over into the professional and fans will be left wondering what skeletons she could be hiding?'
Cameron Roach, Executive Producer of Waterloo Road and Founder of Rope Ladder Fiction, says: “We're really thrilled that Lindsey Coulson is joining Waterloo Road, she has absolutely embraced the spirit and ethos of the show, and she completely inhabits the role of Dame Stella Drake, we can't wait for the audience to meet her. The fact that the show has attracted an actor of Lindsey's calibre is testament to the continued ambition and commitment from our writing and story teams, as well as our brilliant cast and crew.”
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, added: "It's a real honour to have an actor of Lindsey Coulson's calibre take the reins at Waterloo Road. Dame Stella Drake is a force to be reckoned with, and we know fans of all ages are going to love watching her."
Series 14 of Waterloo Road concluded on Tuesday 29th October, showing Jason Manford's last scenes as head teacher Mr Savage.
The most recent series saw Mr Savage's cover for his son Billy following the murder of fellow student Boz Osbourne. Unable to deal with the guilt, Billy confessed, with his dad's secret catching up with him.
When is Waterloo Road back on TV?
Although there's no official start date for series 15 of Waterloo Road, bosses have confirmed it will return in 2025.
Earlier this year, BBC bosses also announced the show had been renewed for two future series, meaning the show will run until at least 2026.
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Whilst we await the new series in 2025, series 1-14 of Waterloo Road are available on BBC iPlayer now.
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