The BBC has recommissioned two more series of school-based drama, Waterloo Road (8×60’).
Made by Rope Ladder Fiction and Wall to Wall North the filming of the next two series will begin in Greater Manchester later this year.
The BBC rebooted the series in 2023, after the resurgence of the original 10-series-run on iPlayer during lockdown. Waterloo Road remains as one of iPlayer’s top performing titles with under 35’s.
The two new series (S18 and 19) will allow the production to continue with its investment in developing creative talent in the North of England especially through its curated development programmes – the recently announced production development scheme which has already given over 40 trainees paid entry-level work in the TV industry since 2022, and the Discovery (WBD) Access x Waterloo Road Directors Programme which was formed to support and grow the pool of women directors in the North of England.
The series has served as an entryway for new British talent on the screen including Jenna Coleman, Lucien Laviscount, Regé-Jean Page, Katie McGlynn, Chelsee Healey, Phoebe Dynevor, whose sister, Hattie Dynevor joined the series in 2024, and Adam Thomas, who returned when the series was rebooted in 2023 and remains in the series to date. As well as Thomas, since its return the Waterloo Road has also welcomed back original cast members Angela Griffin, Katie Griffiths, Chelsee Healey, Lauren Drummond and Jason Merrells who will also feature as a full time cast member in the series, which is set to premiere on BBC iPlayer and BBC One next month. The eight-part series was filmed back-to-back with the next series which will air next year.
As previously announced, Jon Richardson is set to make his debut as the school’s new media studies teacher next month. He follows in the footsteps of fellow comedian, Jason Manford who starred in Waterloo Road as head teacher, Steve Savage.
Cameron Roach, Founder of Rope Ladder Fiction and Exec Producer for Waterloo Road says: ‘When the BBC commissioned the reboot of Waterloo Road we had hoped it might run for a few seasons, but to be commissioned for further series, bringing the total episodes since relaunch to seventy hours, is a huge achievement and a reflection of the incredible creative teams in front of and behind the camera. As well as continuing to celebrate emerging talent, the show is fast gaining a reputation for working with the best comedy talent, as Jon Richardson joins the cast this season. As a team we’re incredibly proud that a very British show can be such an enduring success for the BBC and continue to bring in new generations of viewers.’
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama says: “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!”
Waterloo Road is set and made in Greater Manchester and produced by Rope Ladder Fiction and Wall to Wall North. Lindsay Williams is the Series Producer. Waterloo Road is executive produced by Cameron Roach for Rope Ladder Fiction, Leanne Klein for Wall to Wall, and commissioned by Gaynor Holmes and Jo McClellan for the BBC.
Series 16 of Waterloo Road airs on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in September. Series 16 & 17 were filmed earlier this year, with series 17 set to air next year
Filming is about to commence on series 18 & 19.
Jon Creamer
Share this story
