The BBC has confirmed the school drama’s return, with Chelsee Healey reprising her role as Janeece Bryant and a new generation of pupils and teachers joining the cast.
Waterloo Road will return to BBC iPlayer and BBC One in January 2027, with the BBC confirming that the popular school drama has also been commissioned for another series.
Filming on the additional series is due to begin in Greater Manchester this autumn, marking a significant milestone for the reboot as it continues to build on the show’s enduring popularity. The announcement follows the drama’s 20th anniversary celebrations in March, commemorating two decades since Waterloo Road first arrived on television screens.
Among the familiar faces returning for the 2027 series is Chelsee Healey, who will reprise her role as Janeece Bryant. She will be joined by newcomer Lauren Hylton, playing Cheryl Bryant, Janeece’s on-screen daughter, who will arrive at Waterloo Road as a new student.
The upcoming series will also welcome several new additions to the student body. Leo Ashton will play Liam Shaw, Callum Broome will portray Nathan Clark, Yousef Naseer joins as Ibrahim Azzi, Lewis Pemberton will appear as Cane Morris, and Keelan Wright will play Marshall Clark.
Meanwhile, the school will be bringing in a fresh group of newly qualified teachers. Tashinga Bepete has been cast as Edward Connell, Cora Kirk will play Leah Merchant, and Mollie Winnard joins the staff as Gemma Tully. The BBC has also released a first-look image featuring the new teachers as they prepare to take on life at the famously unpredictable school.
The new episodes will continue the programme’s established mix of hard-hitting drama and lighter storytelling, exploring issues affecting teenagers, families and school staff. Alongside topical and challenging storylines, viewers can expect the friendship, romance and comedy that have become hallmarks of the series.
Cameron Roach, founder of Rope Ladder Fiction and executive producer of Waterloo Road, said the latest commission was a major achievement for the production team and reflected the commitment of those working behind the scenes.
“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.”
Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, also welcomed the announcement, highlighting the opportunity for audiences to reconnect with the show’s established characters while discovering what lies ahead for the school community.
“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.”
Produced and filmed in Greater Manchester, Waterloo Road also plays a role in supporting the region’s creative industries. The series forms part of the BBC’s Made of Manchester campaign, launched on Monday 21 September, which highlights the broadcaster’s ongoing commitment to developing creative talent across the North of England.
Through its production work and outreach initiatives, the drama has helped create opportunities for emerging talent both on and off screen. It has also welcomed hundreds of local students and young people to learn about potential careers in television and film.
With series 18 scheduled for January 2027 and another series already confirmed, Waterloo Road looks set to continue its run as one of the BBC’s established returning dramas, combining the challenges of school life with the relationships and personal stories that have kept audiences coming back for 20 years.
Watch previous episodes of Waterloo Road on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b006t1p7/waterloo-road
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