BBC confirms Waterloo Road return and renewal

The BBC has announced that the school drama Waterloo Road will return for its eighteenth series in January 2027 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. In addition to the upcoming series, the broadcaster has recommissioned the show for a further series, which is scheduled to begin filming in Greater Manchester this autumn.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the production will see the return of original cast member Chelsee Healey as Janeece Bryant. Healey will appear alongside newcomer Lauren Hylton, who portrays her on-screen daughter, Cheryl Bryant, a new student at the school.

The upcoming series will also introduce several new characters, including students Leo Ashton, Callum Broome, Yousef Naseer, Lewis Pemberton, and Keelan Wright. The teaching staff will expand with newly qualified teachers Tashinga Bepete, Cora Kirk, and Mollie Winnard. The drama is expected to continue its focus on real-life issues affecting teenagers, families, and school staff.