Waterloo Road legend Chelsee Healey is bringing back 'fierce' Janeece Bryant
Chelsee Healey is heading back to Waterloo Road as a regular cast member.
Chelsee Healey is returning to Waterloo Road as a regular cast member.
The 37-year-old actress - who first played Janeece Bryant in the BBC's school drama from 2006 to 2012, and made a brief return in 2023 - is reprising her beloved role as the show celebrates 20 years since its launch.
She said: "I honestly feel like I’m coming home, stepping back into Waterloo Road as Janeece.
"She’s still as fierce and funny as ever, but now she’s Mummy Janeece - I can’t wait for everyone to see what she’s been up to.”
Janeece originally appeared as a pupil, before becoming school secretary in series six, and leaving for Ibiza in series eight with daughter Cheryl.
She also made a comeback for the funeral of Katie Griffiths' character Chlo Thomas when the show returned in 2023.
Now, she'll be back with newcomer Lauren Hylton playing her on-screen daughter Cheryl Bryant, who is a student at the school.
Also joining the student cast are Leo Ashton (Liam Shaw), Callum Broome (Nathan Clark), Yousef Naseer (Ibrahim Azzi), Lewis Pemberton (Cane Morris), and Keelan Wright (Marshall Clark).
The upcoming series will also introduce a wave of newly qualified teachers (NQTs), including Tashinga Bepete as Edward Connell, Cora Kirk as Leah Merchant, and Mollie Winnard as Gemma Tully.
Cameron Roach, founder of Rope Ladder Fiction and executive producer for Waterloo Road, added: "This is a real coming of age moment for Waterloo Road, a show that we believe can continue to refresh itself for a new generation.
"As we celebrate this twentieth anniversary we're thrilled to announce that Chelsee Healey will be returning to the show as Janeece.
"Janeece truly reflects the spirit and humour of the show, and the common thread that unites the many generations of the show."
The BBC described Janeece as a character who "brought a unique mix of chaos, comedy and heart to Waterloo Road, often landing herself in trouble but always leading with good intentions".
They added in a press release: "Her return now promises that same blend of humour and warmth that made her a fan favourite the first time around, offering a fresh chapter for one of the show’s most recognisable and enduring characters."
