BBC confirms Waterloo Road future and reveals launch for next series
The BBC has addressed the long term future of Waterloo Road ahead of the 18th series airing in the New Year.
Waterloo Road will return to the BBC in January 2027.
With series 18 coming early next year, the broadcaster has also recommissioned the long running school-based drama for a further series just months after the beloved show celebrated its 20th anniversary.
As well as the new series in January, the BBC has confirmed the show will start filming more episodes in Greater Manchester this autumn.
They said: "The new series of Waterloo Road will continue to explore real-life issues affecting teens, families and school staff, with the drama continuing to tackle bold storylines, balanced with comedy, friendship and romance, all brought to life with Waterloo Road’s trademark warmth and wit."
Chelsee Healey will return as Janeece Bryant for the upcoming series, with newcomer Lauren Hylton joining as her on-screen daughter Cheryl.
Also joining the student cast for the new episodes are Leo Ashton (Liam Shaw), Callum Broome (Nathan Clark), Yousef Naseer (Ibrahim Azzi), Lewis Pemberton (Cane Morris), and Keelan Wright (Marshall Clark).
And there are some newly qualified teachers (NQTs) joining the fray, 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, said: "When we brought Waterloo Road back, we were hopeful of a long-term future, so to be commissioned for a tenth series of the reboot really is an incredible achievement and testament to the exceptional creative team, cast and crew.
"To have evolved a sustainable base for training and development of crew with our partners at Screen Manchester has been central to our mission and ensures clear pathways for new entrants into the sector.
"Above all, we thank the fans of the show who, series after series, are asking for more. It drives us all to be creatively ambitious for the iconic world of Waterloo Road.”
And Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, added: "We’re so pleased to announce a new series of Waterloo Road, giving audiences the opportunity to follow the drama of the characters they’ve come to know and love.
"We look forward to seeing what the next chapter holds for the pupils and staff of Waterloo Road, and can’t wait for the series to return this January.”
Series 18 will air in January 2027 on BBC One and iPlayer, with filming for series 20 now underway.
