Waterloo Road is making its much-anticipated return to screens on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, with all new episodes available for streaming on BBC iPlayer starting at 6am. The first episode will air on BBC One at 9pm the same night. This series marks the fifth installment since the show's revival, which began anew back in 2023.
Fans of the long-running school drama are eagerly awaiting the new series, especially to see how the staff and students at Waterloo Road will grapple with the fallout from the previous headteacher, Steve Savage, portrayed by Jason Manford. Savage's recent scandal, where he was revealed to have covered up the murder of student Boz Osbourne, has left the school's reputation tarnished, with locals now branding it the "murder school." Under the guidance of new headteacher Dame Stella Drake, played by Lindsey Coulson, the remaining staff will work diligently to restore the school’s standing.
Joining Coulson as the new headteacher is Jason Merrells, who will reprise his iconic role as Jack Rimmer, though it will only be for guest appearances. The casting also welcomes Cory McClane from Hollyoaks fame, who will take on the role of Ashton Stone, described as a "scally with a soul" who has good intentions but frequently finds himself mixed up with trouble. Adding another layer to the narrative, Zeriozha Annika returns to reprise her former role as Celine Stone, now married and raising her son, Ashton, who is set to stir up some drama with his return.
New characters are anticipated to shake things up as well. Lucy Chambers joins the cast as Cat Gutherie, who is characterized as carefree and curious, vastly different from her strong-willed sister, Libby. Meanwhile, Niamh Blackshaw, also known for her role on Coronation Street, portrays student Agnes Eccleston, who balances her rebellious streak with her strong commitment to her Christian faith. Lauren Patel takes on the role of Jas Sharma, the daughter of another teacher, Nisha Chandra, bringing fresh dynamics to the school’s faculty.
Critical themes are set to be addressed this season, just as they have been historically within the series. Viewers can expect intense storylines exploring coercive control, women's health, unemployment, and the various challenges teachers currently face. This focus continues Waterloo Road's tradition of tackling pressing social issues with both humor and gravity.
The returning adult cast featuring fan favorites like Adam Thomas as Donte Charles, Hollie-Jay Bowes as Debs Rafferty, and Kym Marsh as Nicky Walters, will play significant roles as they navigate the school's recovery. Meanwhile, fans have yet more reasons to celebrate the return as familiar student characters also reprise their roles, including Aabay Noor Ali as Mollie “Mog” Richardson and Liam Scholes as Noel McManus.
This fresh season aims to balance entertaining storylines with serious societal reflections, known for its commitment to exposing real-life challenges faced by youth and educators alike. Directors for the new series include Khurrum M Sultan, Amy Coop, and Tom Hescott, alongside Jesse Quinones, ensuring the show continues to provide top-notch storytelling and production values.
Waterloo Road is produced by Rope Ladder Fiction and Wall to Wall North, collaborating for BBC iPlayer and BBC One. With Lindsay Williams as Series Producer, fans are also glad to see Adam Leatherland and Nasreen Ahmed contributing as producers to maintain the quality and beloved flavor of the series.
Mark your calendars and prepare as Waterloo Road returns on February 11. With so much drama, nostalgia, and plenty of new faces, viewers will not want to miss what promises to be another captivating season of this iconic British series.