Donte Charles, Chlo Grainger and Kim Campbell will RETURN for new Waterloo Road

The popular characters are back!

Author: Alex RossPublished 24th Jan 2022

Fans of BBC school drama Waterloo Road went into complete meltdown last year when news broke that the show was returning, following it's axing back in 2015.

Now, as the hugely-antipcated return draws closer, bosses have revealed THREE major characters from the former series are making a return, in the form of actors Adam Thomas, Angela Griffin and Katie Griffiths.

Adam will reprise his role as the loveable Donte Charles, whilst Katie returns as his wife Chlo Grainger.

Angela will also return to the troubled school, reprising her role as Miss Kim Campbell, but this time as Head Teacher!

Speaking about her return to Waterloo Road, White Lines actress Angela said: "I feel really honoured to be joining the new series of Waterloo Road. It is exciting to be stepping back into Kim’s shoes and I can’t wait to explore her life, character and how she has evolved since we last met her.

"The writers have some amazing storylines planned and I’m looking forward to welcoming viewers back to Waterloo Road."

Former Emmerdale star Adam also enthusiastically spoke about his return, saying: "I’m so excited to go back to where it all started! Waterloo Road was a huge part of my life and career so to go back 15 years later is a dream come true.

"I feel so blessed to have been given this opportunity to get back to acting and doing what I love! I can’t wait to see some old faces and some new. I know this series is going to be the best one yet…"

Katie Griffiths then added: "I am incredibly excited to be returning to Waterloo Road – loved by all who make and watch it!"

Check out where the original cast of Waterloo Road are now:

THEN: Jodie Comer

Jodie Comer played a small role in Waterloo Road in 2010, portraying the role of school girl Sarah Evans during episode three in series six.

NOW: Jodie Comer

It's safe to say Jodie's career has blown up since then! Not only did she star in BBC drama Doctor Foster, the actress plays the lead role in award-winning series Killing Eve as assassin Villanelle.


She's also recently starred in a movie called Free Guy alongside Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds, as well as 2021 movie The Last Duel.


In September 2021, Jodie played the role of a care home worker in Channel 4 drama Help, alongside fellow Liverpudlian actor Stephen Graham.

THEN: Regé-Jean Page

Regé-Jean Page appeared in the final series of Waterloo Road in 2015, playing the role of school boy Guy Braxton in eight episodes.

NOW: Regé-Jean Page

Although Regé-Jean played a number of small roles after leaving Waterloo Road, his big break-through arrived when he landed a job in hit Netflix show Bridgerton, playing the role of Simon Basset.

THEN: Eva Pope

Actress Eva Pope played beloved headteacher Rachel Mason between 2007-2010 in Waterloo Road, starring in three series of the show.

NOW: Eva Pope

As well as TV shows such as Casualty, Silent Witness and New Tricks, Eva has played the role of Matron Bottomly in children's drama series Hetty Feather since 2015.

THEN: Phoebe Dynevor

Sally Dynevor's daughter Phoebe starred as Siobhan Mailey in series five of Waterloo Road between 2009-2010.

NOW: Phoebe Dynevor

But just like her co-star Regé-Jean Page, the actress really hit the big time when she appeared in series one of Netflix show Bridgerton in 2020, playing the role of Daphne Bridgerton.


Phoebe has since signed up for a number of other shows, including drama Call My Agent, which is due out in 2022.

THEN: Philip Martin Brown

Philip Martin Brown was one of the longest-standing characters in Waterloo Road, playing the role of the loveable English teacher Grantly Budgen between 2006-2013.

NOW: Philip Martin Brown

After leaving the show in 2013, Phillip enjoyed small roles in shows like Casualty, Vera and Suspects, and he even played a therapist in Coronation Street in both 2005 and 2015.


More recently, Phillip has revisited his role of Marvin Bulis in BBC soap Doctors.

THEN: Chelsee Healey

Chelsee Healey's Waterloo Road character Janeece Bryant is certainly a memorable one! Not only did she play the role of a school girl, Janeece returned as the school's noisy receptionist.

NOW: Chelsee Healey

After a short stint in Casualty as Honey Wright, Chelsee joined the cast of Hollyoaks in 2016, playing the role of Goldie McQueen in the infamous McQueen family.

THEN: Jason Done

Who didn't love Mr Clarkson?! Actor Jason Done played the role of the loveable English teacher between 2006-2013, appearing in eight series.

NOW: Jason Done

Jason has certainly enjoyed an extensive career in the world of TV since, most recently appearing in BBC drama Time alongside Stephen Graham and Sean Bean.

THEN: Adam Thomas

Ryan Thomas' younger brother Adam played the role of heartthrob Donte Charles for three years between 2006-2009.

NOW: Adam Thomas

After leaving Waterloo Road following series four, Adam's next big role was as Adam Barton on ITV soap Emmerdale, where he appeared for a massive nine years.


Following his shock exit from the soap, Adam went on to take part in the 2016 series of I'm A Celebrity, finishing in third place behind Joel Dommett and Scarlett Moffatt.


The Manchester lad has since enjoyed a number of presenting roles, as well as starring alongside his brothers Ryan and Scott in Absolutely India: Mancs in Mumbai.

It's now been confirmed Adam will reprise his role as Donte Charles in the brand new series of Waterloo Road.

THEN: Katie McGlynn

A fresh-faced Katie McGlynn joined the cast of Waterloo Road in 2011, playing the role of troubled school girl Jodie 'Scout' Allen.

NOW: Katie McGlynn

Following her exit from the show in 2013, Katie landed on her feet when she bagged the role of Sinead Tinker in ITV soap Coronation Street, going on to appear in the soap for a massive eight years.


After making the tough decision to leave the soap, Katie played Georgina in BBC drama The Syndicate at the start of 2021, before joining the cast of Hollyoaks as Becky Quentin.


Katie is also currently appearing in the 2021 series of Strictly Come Dancing.

THEN: Lucien Laviscount

Lucien Laviscount certainly turned heads when he joined the cast of Waterloo Road as Jonah Kirby in 2010... Especially when his character married Spanish teacher Francesca Montoya.

NOW: Lucien Laviscount

Lucien has certainly gone on to enjoy a massive career in the world of TV! After taking part in Celebrity Big Brother on Channel 5 in 2011, Lucien landed roles in shows such as Shameless, Death In Paradise, Skins and Scream Queens.


In 2021 it was announced that Lucien would join the cast for series two of hit Netflix show Emily In Paris, playing the role of Alfie.

THEN: George Sampson

Thanks to his success on Britain's Got Talent, George Sampson was already a household name when he joined Waterloo Road as Kyle Stack in 2011.


Although it was his first TV acting role, George appeared on the 6th and 7th series of the show.

NOW: George Sampson

After leaving Waterloo Road, George showcased his acting skills further on shows such as Casualty and Mount Pleasant, before landing the role of Ryan in Emmerdale in 2016.


George has more recently turned his sights on musical theatre, making his debut in Our House and going on to play the lead role of Jack Trott in Jack and the Beanstalk.


The actor is now currently portraying the character of Dean in West End stage show Everybody's Talking About Jamie.

THEN: Denise Welch

Geordie actress Denise Welch played the role of French teacher Steph Haydock between 2006-2010, starring in six series all together.

NOW: Denise Welch

Denise has been no stranger to the acting world since, appearing on the likes of Casualty, Holby City, Benidorm, EastEnders and Doctors.


As well as enjoying a number of stints in different theatre shows, Denise re-joined the Loose Women panel in 2018 and she's now landed a full-time role on Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks, playing dance teacher Trish Minniver.

THEN: Jenna Coleman

Following her stint in Emmerdale, Jenna Coleman joined the cast of Waterloo Road in 2009 when the school merged with private school John Fosters.


Jenna played the role of protective big sister Lindsay James, before leaving the show when her character was charged and sent to prison for the murder of her dad.

NOW: Jenna Coleman

Jenna is another member of the original cast that went on to enjoy a huge career! Not only did she appear in mega movie Captain America: The First Avenger, she appeared in TV shows as Doctor Who and BBC drama The Cry.


But it was perhaps in 2016 when Jenna landed her biggest role, playing the lead role in popular period drama Victoria.


More recently, Jenna has starred in The Serpent, and she's currently filming for new shows The Sandman and The War Rooms.

THEN: Sophie McShera

Sophie McShera also joined the cast of Waterloo Road when they merged with private school John Fosters in series five.


The actress played the role of Ros McCain who went on to become obsessed with French teacher Jo Lipsett.

NOW: Sophie McShera

Sophie landed her dream job on period drama Downton Abbey, playing the role of Daisy Mason between 2010-2015. The actress also starred in the award-winning Downtown Abbey movie in 2019.


More recently, Sophie enjoyed a small role in Netflix series The Queen's Gambit.

THEN: Angela Griffin

Established actress Angela Griffin appeared as Pastoral Care teacher Kim Campbell between series one-five of Waterloo Road, before leaving the show in 2010.

NOW: Angela Griffin

Following her four year stint in the school drama, Angela continued with her extensive TV career, appearing in shows such as Postman Pat, Mount Pleasant, Lewis and most recently, Netflix's White Lines.


In September 2021, Angela also joined Jodie Comer in Channel 4 drama Help, where she played a care worker during the Covid-19 pandemic.

It has now been confirmed Angela will reprise her role as Kim Campbell in the new series of Waterloo Road.

THEN: Tina O'Brien

Thanks to her role as Sarah Platt on Coronation Street since 1999, Tina O'Brien was already an established actress when she joined Waterloo Road as Bex Fisher in 2010.


Tina's character Bex was the eldest daughter of headteacher Karen Fisher.

NOW: Tina O'Brien

Despite only appearing in the show for a year, Tina has continued her role on Coronation Street to this day, now appearing in over 1600 episodes!


The actress has also enjoyed smaller parts in shows such as Doctors, Casualty and Call The Midwife.

THEN: Jack McMullen

Jack McMullen made an instant impact when he joined the cast of Waterloo Road as Finn Sharkey during series five in 2010.

NOW: Jack McMullen

Although he left the series just two years later following series seven, Jack went on to land a number of other TV roles, including ITV drama Little Boy Blue, which was based on the tragic murder of school boy Rhys Jones.


More recently, Jack appeared alongside Waterloo Road actor Jason Done in BBC drama Time.

THEN: Max Bowden

Although actor Max Bowden's Waterloo Road stint was short and sweet (he joined during the final series as Justin Fitzgerald), the actor certainly went on to huge things.

NOW: Max Bowden

Following a number of small roles after Waterloo Road was axed, Max landed a job in EastEnders playing the infamous role of Ben Mitchell.

THEN: Neil Morrissey

Neil Morrissey doesn't need any introduction, but he was certainly a popular character on Waterloo Road, playing the role of deputy head teacher Eddie Lawson from 2007 to 2009.

NOW: Neil Morrissey

Neil had appeared in a number of huge shows before his stint in Waterloo Road and most notably voiced the one and only Bob The Builder.


After leaving the show, Neil went on to appear in Line of Duty as Detective Constable Nigel Morton, and Greg McConnell in The Good Karma Hospital.


In 2021, Neil joined former Waterloo Road star Katie McGlynn in BBC show The Syndicate, playing the lead role of Frank.

THEN: Jill Halfpenny

Just like Neil, actress Jill Halfpenny had a very established career when she joined the cast of Waterloo Road as teacher Izzie Redpath during the first series.


Although Jill left the show after just two series, her character had some major storylines, including a tragic death.

NOW: Jill Halfpenny

Most recently, Jill starred as Jodie in Channel 5 drama The Drowning, with the actress also appearing in popular shows such as Liar, Three Girls, Humans and Babylon.

Following 200 episodes across 10 series, Waterloo Road was axed back in 2015 due to poor viewing figures following the move to Scotland.

However, fans were given a massive bout of nostalgia last year, when the BBC announced they would be reprising the show, with filming moving back to Greater Manchester.

Piers Wenger, Director of BBC Drama, said: "Waterloo Road is the perfect lens through which to explore post-Covid Britain, from the perspective of those who have arguably been affected most: young people in education.

"We are thrilled to be returning to this brilliant format - its thrills and spills, unmissable characters and high drama - at a time when audiences across Britain need it most."

Bosses are yet to reveal when Waterloo Road will be back on our screens, but it looks like filming is now underway!

In the meantime, all 10 series of Waterloo Road are available on the BBC iPlayer.

Now read:

Waterloo Road is making a comeback to TV

The best nostalgic TV shows you can binge watch

All of the TV shows we can’t wait to return

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