First look at Waterloo Road’s big return as ‘life-changing tragedy’ is confirmed

It’s time to head back to school… (Picture: BBC)

Waterloo Road viewers everywhere have reason to rejoice, as the beloved school drama is set to return to screens on Tuesday, September 23. While fans will be overjoyed to return to the school, the staff and students will be less so, as they deal with a life-altering tragedy.

The entire series will be available for bingeing on the BBC iPlayer at 6am, for viewers who can’t wait week by week and want to devour the new series immediately.

For those who prefer a more traditional viewing pattern, there’ll be a double serving of drama every Tuesday, with the first episode airing at 9pm and the second following at 10:40pm on BBC One.

There’s plenty of fresh faces to meet as Waterloo Road opens its doors once again.

Dtella Drake will have to balance her personal and professional life when her grandchildren enrol at the school. (Picture: Helen Williams/BBC) Fintan Buckard and Savannah Kunyo debut as Ben and Hope, Stella’s grandchildren (Picture: Vishal Sharma/BBC)

New faces

Headteacher, Dame Stella Drake (Lindsey Coulson) will welcome her grandchildren, Ben (Fintan Buckard) and Hope (Savannah Kunyo) into the school when they enrol as students. Stella is set to face a brand new set of challenges as she balances her professional and personal life, with Christine Bottomley also debuting as her daughter, Sam Drake.

Other new comers include the charming new media studies teacher, Darius Donovan, who’s played by beloved comedian, Jon Richardson.

Described by BBC as ‘knowing how to put on a good show’, he’s about to make an immediate mark on the school and stir up plenty of delicious drama as he does so.

Mitch Swift will be joining the staff ranks as the new SenCo lead (special educational needs co-ordinator), played by Christopher Jeffers.

Jon Richardson is joining the cast as new media studies teacher, Darius Donovan (Picture: Helen Williams/BBC) Jason Merrells will be returning as Jack Rimmer (Picture: Dan Ollerhead/BBC)

Returning favourites

In addition, a familiar face will be returning to the school, as Jason Merells reprises his role as Jack Rimmer, the inaugural head of Waterloo Road, now filling the position of school counsellor.

Long time fans of the show will be particularly excited to see a special episode filmed fully on location and directed by Waterloo Road legend, Angela Griffin, that will bring back a number of fan-favourites and familiar faces as the students head out to join a community clean-up on the local estate.

Tonya, Izzy and Portia will be returning for the new series… (Picture: Charlie Swinbourne/BBC) …as will Schuey (Picture: BBC)

Returning cast

Ashton and Dwayne will also be returning to fans screens (Picture: Vishal Sharma/BBC) Fan favourites Donte and Nicky are back, too (Picture: Dan Ollerhead/BBC)

The future

Waterloo Road has always been known to, and lauded for tackling real-life topics affecting teenagers, their extended families and, of course, the teachers and other staff and this series will be no different, exploring topics including the cost-of-living crisis, addiction, support systems, mental health, exam anxiety, allergies management and grief.

Recently, it was announced that the series has been recommissioned for two more series, ensuring the shows future. The new material will begin filming this month.

With a ‘life-changing tragedy’ confirmed to take place this series, we’re all waiting in anticipation for what could befall the staff and student body of Waterloo Road.

Comments