BBC Gives Two-Season Order to Waterloo Road

BBC has recommissioned Waterloo Road for a further two seasons, in addition to the next season that has already been filmed.

Waterloo Road initially ran from 2006 to 2015 before being revived in 2023 after its success during the pandemic on BBC iPlayer. Two seasons, produced by Rope Ladder Fiction and Wall to Wall North, have aired this year on BBC One and iPlayer.

The two newly commissioned seasons will begin filming in Greater Manchester this autumn.

The revival’s cast includes Angela Griffin, Adam Thomas and Kym Marsh among the school staff and an ensemble of newcomers and rising stars as students. The series continues to cast key roles via open auditions at schools and youth clubs and will once again offer workshops and production training schemes for industry newcomers. So far, 20 trainees have gained entry-level, paid work through six-month placements on Waterloo Road since the start of 2022, and a further eight will join the series when filming on the two newly commissioned seasons begins.

“We’re beyond thrilled with the triumphant return of Waterloo Road, and so thankful to the BBC for committing to the show so fully,” said Cameron Roach, executive producer of the series and founder of Rope Ladder Fiction. “We love that the show has the potential not only to be a crown jewel for BBC iPlayer but also serve as a true beacon for training and inspiring next-generation talent. In addition to our open auditions and full-time production trainee placements for industry newcomers, our workshops across Greater Manchester this summer for 14- to 16-year-olds, in partnership with BBC Young Reporter, have truly demonstrated the infectious power of this show.”

Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, added, “It’s been a joy to see Waterloo Road return to the BBC this year, delighting new and returning fans with its fantastic ensemble of relatable characters and a winning mix of heart, humor and high drama. It’s been especially exciting to see the new boxsets prove so popular on iPlayer and to see the next brilliant generation of acting and production talent break into the industry via their work on the series. Life’s never dull for the staff and pupils at Waterloo Road, and there’s a lot more drama to come!”