Waterloo Road: A guide to the rebooted school drama
There's been six rebooted series so far, with more on the way!
After an incredible 200 episodes, 10 series and nine years, hit BBC school drama Waterloo Road was axed back in March 2015, but fans were over the moon in early 2023 when it was revived by the BBC.
As of October 2025, the show has had six rebooted series, with series 17 arriving in early 2026. As if that wasn't enough good news, the BBC have also now confirmed the show has been commissioned for a 18th and 19th series.
Whether you were a fan of the original series or simply just hooked on the reboots, here's your ultimate guide to the school series that is packed with emotion, hard-hitting issues, and of course, plenty of drama.
How many series does Waterloo Road have?
There's so far been 16 series of Waterloo Road, including six since the show's reboot in 2023.
Series 17 is due to air in early 2026.
How many episodes are in each series?
The quantity of episodes has varied throughout each series, but since the show's reboot, most series have included 8x60 minute episodes.
Series one: 8
Series two: 12
Series three: 20
Series four: 20
Series five: 20
Series six: 20
Series seven: 30
Series eight: 30
Series nine: 20
Series 10: 20
Series 11: 7
Series 12: 7
Series 13: 8
Series 14: 8
Series 15: 8
Series 16: 8
Will there be any more series?
Yes, fans also have a 17th series to look forward to, which was filmed earlier in 2025, as well as two further series, which will be filmed later this year.
Speaking about the news of series 18 and 19, Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama said: “I’m delighted that Waterloo Road will be opening its corridors once again, with two more series of the hit drama about to start filming. The show continues to entertain the audience who love to follow both the staff and pupils and, with a new series heading to BBC iPlayer and BBC One next month, they don’t have long to wait!”
When was Waterloo Road on TV?
The original series of Waterloo Road first hit our screens way back in 2006, airing for nine years until 2015. Eight years later, the show was rebooted by the BBC.
Series one: 9th March to 27th April 2006
Series two: 18th January to 26th April 2007
Series three: 11th October 2007 to 13th March 2008
Series four: 7th January to 20th May 2009
Series five: 28th October 2009 to 15th July 2010
Series six: 1st September 2010 to 6th April 2011
Series seven: 4th May 2011 to 25th April 2012
Series eight: 23rd August 2012 to 4th July 2013
Series nine: 5th September 2013 to 12th March 2014
Series 10: 15th October 2014 to 9th March 2015
Series 11: 3rd January to 14th February 2023
Series 12: 16th May to 27th June 2023
Series 13: 2nd January to 26th February 2024
Series 14: 10th September to 29th October 2024
Series 15: 11th February to 1st April 2025
Series 16: 23rd September to 14th October 2025
Series 17: Arriving in 2026
How can I watch old episodes?
All 16 series of Waterloo Road are available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
What channel is Waterloo Road on?
Waterloo Road airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Where is Waterloo Road filmed?
Series one to seven was filmed in Rochdale at a closed school called Hill Top Community Primary School in Kirkholt.
For series eight to 10, filming was moved to a closed secondary school called Greenock Academy, in Greenock, Scotland.
Since its revival, all series of Waterloo Road have been filmed in Greater Manchester, at an old school building in Salford.
What is the theme tune of Waterloo Road?
In October 2022, the BBC shared a short video featuring the iconic theme tune which has been brought up-to-date, as well as revealing a brand new logo for the show.
Which original cast members are on Waterloo Road?
Much to the delight of original Waterloo Road fans, a number of iconic characters have made a return to the show during the rebooted series.
For the first rebooted series (series 11), there were five returning faces. Adam Thomas, Katie Griffiths, Angela Griffin and Chelsee Healey all reprised their roles of Donte Charles, Chlo Grainger, Miss Kim Campbell and Janeece Bryant respectively.
Angela Griffin played the role of Headteacher Kim Campbell between series 11-13.
Speaking about her return to Waterloo Road, Angela said at the time: "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 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!"
For series 13, Angela was joined by actor Jamie Glover, who appeared on the first two series of Waterloo Road in 2006-2007, playing the role of Deputy Head Teacher Andrew Treneman, alongside Angela Griffin (Kim Campbell), and Jason Merrells (Jack Rimmer).
Jamie reprised his role as Andrew Treneman for series 12 in 2023, and again for series 13 in 2024.
During series 13, actress Lauren Drummond also returned in a guest role as Chlo's sister Mika Grainger, and ahead of series 15 in 2025, it was announced that Jason Merrells would reprise his role as Mr Rimmer.
Jason said of his return: “I left the OG series of Waterloo Road in 2006 with very fond memories of building a character in such a great ensemble and with such an important story. When I saw the renewed interest from another generation - who weren’t born when we made the original - I was heartened and surprised.
"Jack Rimmer was probably my favourite long running character I’ve played on television, and going back for this new incarnation to tell this story of who Jack has become over the intervening years has been an absolute pleasure. It’s a different building, but the same ethos, drama, humour & integrity are still in place, it felt like coming home.”
On Wednesday 15th October, BBC bosses announced the news that Denise Welch would be reprising her role as Miss Steph Haydock for the upcoming 17th series.
Denise's character will return to the school as a supply teacher, reuniting with Mr Rimmer.
Speaking about her return to the show, Denise said: "I'm thrilled to see the return of Steph to Waterloo Road. 15 years older, but certainly not wiser. She’ll soon show that time has certainly not dulled her shine! Still unmarried but eternally hopeful, Steph is back as a supply teacher. What she is supplying remains to be seen, but I am having a great time stepping back into the shoes of a character I love. It’s also been great to reunite with some of my old castmates, like Jason Merrells. Steph and Jack go back a long way, but will they move forward?! You'll have to wait and see."
How did Chlo die on Waterloo Road?
In one of the biggest shocks of the revived series, Chlo Grainger sadly died in dramatic scenes which left fans in tears.
At the beginning of the episode, Chlo was involved in a minor car accident which left her with a sprained wrist, and despite it looking like that was the only injury sustained, Chlo collapsed in Donte's arms later in the episode.
The final scene of episode one saw a doctor breaking the heartbreaking news to Donte and the couple's two children that Chlo had sadly passed away.
Who is in the cast of Waterloo Road?
As well as the retuning cast members, there's been a number of new faces for the revived series, with stars such as Kym Marsh, Lindsey Coulson, Jason Manford and Hattie Dynevor all appearing.
In April 2025, news emerged that comedian and Absolute Radio host Jon Richardson would be joining the cast as Darius Donovan, with his first appearance in series 16.
Jon says of his new role: "I would say that joining Waterloo Road is a dream come true, but in truth most of my dreams about school revolve around not having done my homework or put on my uniform. I wanted to be a teacher growing up so hopefully this role will put all those ambitions to bed, and I can stop telling my friends and family that I will be testing them on what I’ve been saying or telling audiences on tour that it’s their own time they’re wasting."
Check out the staff and their characters on Waterloo Road below:
Lindsey Coulson as Dame Stella Drake
Jason Merrells as Jack Rimmer
Jon Richardson as Darius Donovan
Jo Coffey as Wendy Whitwell
James Baxter as Joe Casey
Rachel Leskovac as Coral Walker
Shauna Shim as Valerie Chambers
Neil Fitzmaurice as Neil Guthrie
Tom Wells as Marc Todd
Saira Choudhry as Nisha Chandra
Adam Thomas as Donte Charles
Hollie-Jay Bowes as Debs Rafferty
Actors who have appeared as students over the rebooted series include Lauren Patel, Chiamaka Ulebor, Summer Bird, Thapelo Ray, Liam Scholes, Zak Sutcliffe, Tillie Amartey, Maisey Robinson, Aabay-Noor Ali, Sonya Nisa, Miya Ocego, Danny Murphy, Lucy Chambers and Niamh Blackshaw.
Adam Thomas' real-life niece, Scarlett Thomas, also joined the cast playing his daughter Izzy Charles on the show. Adam's real-life son Teddy also features in a guest role, playing his son Tommy Charles.
What are the old Waterloo Road cast doing now?
Waterloo Road kick-started the careers of some huge names, including the likes of Jodie Comer, Chelsee Healey, Katie McGlynn, Adam Thomas and Lucien Laviscount, as well as featuring popular actors such as Jill Halfpenny, Denise Welch and Neil Morrissey.
Why was Waterloo Road cancelled?
After 10 series, Waterloo Road was axed in 2015 due to low viewing figures.
Are Waterloo Road on social media?
You can follow Waterloo Road on Instagram: waterlooroad
You can follow Waterloo Road on Twitter: @WaterlooRoad
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Waterloo Road: Everything we know so far about series 16