Your ultimate guide to Waterloo Road as fans wait for series 14

Some new faces are joining the cast!

Author: Alex RossPublished 27th Feb 2024

After an incredible 200 episodes, 10 series and nine years, hit BBC school drama Waterloo Road was axed back in March 2015, but fans were over the moon in early 2023 when it was revived by the BBC!

Following the successful 11th series at the start of the year, in April bosses confirmed the show had been renewed for another series, with series 12 arriving back in May. And it seems there's no slowing the programme down, as bosses later dropped series 13, and now series 14 has been announced!

With Jason Manford joining the cast, here's your ultimate guide to Waterloo Road as we await series 14 later in 2024.

When is the next series of Waterloo Road on TV?

It hasn't yet been confirmed when series 14 of Waterloo Road will hit our screens, but it's expected later in 2024.

Since the show's return in 2023, there's so far been three series, with series 13 airing between 2nd January-26th February 2024.

How many episodes will be in series 14?

It's not yet been revealed how many episodes will make up series 14.

Series 13 is made up of eight episodes, all lasting 60 minutes.

What is series 14 about?

BBC bosses are yet to release the full plot for series 14, but one thing we do know is that Waterloo Road will have a new headteacher, in the form of Jason Manford!

Jason has joined the cast as Mr Steve Savage, with bosses revealing he will have a big impact on both the pupils and staff at Waterloo Road, as well as ruffling a few feathers.

The new appointment has also left fans of the show wondering what will happen to current headteacher Miss Campbell, with bosses teasing they'll 'have to wait and see how the storyline plays out'.

Is there a trailer for series 14?

At the moment we don't have a trailer!

What channel is Waterloo Road on?

Waterloo Road airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Series 1-13 of Waterloo Road is available to binge now.

What is the theme tune of Waterloo Road?

In October 2022, the BBC shared a short video featuring the iconic theme tune which has been brought up-to-date, revealing a brand new logo for the new show, and confirming a release date of early 2023.

One fan commented: 'AHHH THE MUSIC BRINGS BACK SO MANY MEMORIES 🥲', with another saying: 'I love the new version of the theme… different but I like it'.

Back in September 2021, the show shared the exciting news of its return on the official Waterloo Road social media channel saying: 'Psst. We've heard a rumour going around'. (sic)

Are any original cast members on Waterloo Road?

Much to the delight of original Waterloo Road fans, there were four returning characters in series 11.

Adam Thomas, Katie Griffiths and Angela Griffin all reprised their roles of Donte Charles, Chlo Grainger and Miss Kim Campbell respectively in the new series.

Speaking about her return to Waterloo Road, Angela said: "I feel really honoured to be joining the new series of Waterloo Road. It is exciting to be stepping back into Kim’s shoes and I can’t wait to explore her life, character and how she has evolved since we last met her.

"The writers have some amazing storylines planned and I’m looking forward to welcoming viewers back to Waterloo Road."

Former Emmerdale star Adam also spoke about his return, saying: "I’m so excited to go back to where it all started! Waterloo Road was a huge part of my life and career so to go back 15 years later is a dream come true.

"I feel so blessed to have been given this opportunity to get back to acting and doing what I love! I can’t wait to see some old faces and some new. I know this series is going to be the best one yet…"

Katie Griffiths then added: "I am incredibly excited to be returning to Waterloo Road – loved by all who make and watch it!"

During episode two, Chelsee Healey also reprised her role as Janeece Bryant.

During series 13, actress Lauren Drummond also returned as Mika Grainger.

How did Chlo die on Waterloo Road?

In one of the biggest shocks of the revived series, Chlo Grainger sadly died in dramatic scenes which left fans in tears.

At the beginning of the episode, Chlo was involved in a minor car accident which left her with a sprained wrist, and despite it looking like that was the only injury sustained, Chlo collapsed in Donte's arms later in the episode.

The final scene of episode one saw a doctor breaking the heartbreaking news to Donte and the couple's two children that Chlo had sadly passed away.

Who is in the cast of Waterloo Road?

Angela Griffin played the role of Headteacher Kim Campbell between series 11-13, with Adam Thomas and Kym Marsh also on the show.

For series 13, Angela was joined by actor Jamie Glover, who first appeared on the first two series of Waterloo Road in 2006-2007, playing the role of Deputy Head Teacher Andrew Treneman, alongside Angela Griffin (Kim Campbell), and Jason Merrells (Jack Rimmer).

Jamie reprised his role as Andrew Treneman for series 12 in 2023, and again for series 13 in 2024.

In February, following the end of series 13, Waterloo Road bosses announced comedian Jason Manford would be joining the cast for series 14, as brand new headteacher Mr Savage.

Speaking about his upcoming new role, Jason said: “What an absolute treat it is to join the cast and crew of Waterloo Road, right here in my home city of Manchester. My kids and I binged the show on iPlayer during lockdown. It’s such a brilliant, iconic show, so I’m dead proud to now be part of its history. Growing up, I always wanted to be a teacher and now becoming a headteacher, I know I would have been terrible!"

See the full cast below:

Jason Manford as Mr Savage

Adam Thomas as Donte Charles

Katie Griffiths as Chlo Grainger

Angela Griffin as Miss Kim Campbell - Head Teacher

Kym Marsh as Nicky Walters - School canteen

Jo Coffey as Wendy Whitwell - PA to Headteacher Kim Campbell

Vincent Jermone as Lindon King - Deputy Head

James Baxter as Joe Casey - Deputy Head

Sonia Ibrahim as Jamilah Omar - Social Worker

Shauna Shim as Valerie Chambers - Music Teacher

Neil Fitzmaurice as Neil Guthrie - History Teacher

Rachel Leskovac as Coral Walker - Head of English

Katherine Pearce as Amy Spratt - Early Career Teacher

A brand new maths teacher will appear in series 14, in the form of No Offence actress Saira Choudhry, who will play Nisha Chandra.

Scarlett Thomas as Izzy Charles - Student

Adam Abbou as Danny Lewis - Student

Noah Valentine as Preston Walters - Student

Adam Ali as Kai Sharif - Student

Priyasasha Kumari as Samia Choudhry - Student

Liam Scholes as Noel McManus - Student

Sahil Ismailkhil as Norrulah Ashimi - Student

Francesco Piacentini-Smith as Dean Weever - Student

Inathi Rozani as Zayne Jackson - Student

Lucy Eleanor Begg as Caz Williams - Student

Alicia Forde as Kelly-Jo Rafferty - Student

Summer Violet Bird as Tonya Walters - Student

Ava Flannery as Verity King - Student

Chiamaka Ulebor as Shola Aku - Student

A set of new students featured on series 13 including Sally Dynevor's daughter Hattie Dynevor, who plays the role of Libbie Guthrie.

Others include:

Tillie Armartey as Stace Neville

Zak Sutcliffe as Lee Schumacher

Maisey Robinson as Portia Weever

Aabay Noor Ali as Mollie 'Mog' Robinson

It's now been confirmed that more new students will feature in series 14, including:

Olly Rhodes as Billy Savage

Nathan Wood as Boz Osbourne

Sonya Nisa as Aleena Qureshi

Miya Ocego as Lois Taylor-Brown

Danny Murphy as Luca Smith

Matthew Khan as Jared Jones

Where is Waterloo Road filmed?

Series 11, 12 and 13 were set and filmed in Greater Manchester, with series 14 also following the same location.

What are the old Waterloo Road cast doing now?

Waterloo Road kick-started the careers of some huge names, including the likes of Jodie Comer, Chelsee Healey, Katie McGlynn, Adam Thomas and Lucien Laviscount, as well as featuring popular actors such as Jill Halfpenny, Denise Welch and Neil Morrissey.

Check out what they've been up to since:

THEN: Jodie Comer

Jodie Comer played a small role in Waterloo Road in 2010, portraying the role of school girl Sarah Evans during episode three in series six.

NOW: Jodie Comer

It's safe to say Jodie's career has blown up since then! Not only did she star in BBC drama Doctor Foster, the actress plays the lead role in award-winning series Killing Eve as assassin Villanelle.


She's also recently starred in a movie called Free Guy alongside Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds, as well as 2021 movie The Last Duel.


In September 2021, Jodie played the role of a care home worker in Channel 4 drama Help, alongside fellow Liverpudlian actor Stephen Graham.

THEN: Regé-Jean Page

Regé-Jean Page appeared in the final series of Waterloo Road in 2015, playing the role of school boy Guy Braxton in eight episodes.

NOW: Regé-Jean Page

Although Regé-Jean played a number of small roles after leaving Waterloo Road, his big break-through arrived when he landed a job in hit Netflix show Bridgerton, playing the role of Simon Basset.

THEN: Eva Pope

Actress Eva Pope played beloved headteacher Rachel Mason between 2007-2010 in Waterloo Road, starring in three series of the show.

NOW: Eva Pope

As well as TV shows such as Casualty, Silent Witness and New Tricks, Eva has played the role of Matron Bottomly in children's drama series Hetty Feather since 2015.

THEN: Phoebe Dynevor

Sally Dynevor's daughter Phoebe starred as Siobhan Mailey in series five of Waterloo Road between 2009-2010.

NOW: Phoebe Dynevor

But just like her co-star Regé-Jean Page, the actress really hit the big time when she appeared in series one of Netflix show Bridgerton in 2020, playing the role of Daphne Bridgerton.


Phoebe has since signed up for a number of other shows, including drama Call My Agent, which is due out in 2022.

THEN: Philip Martin Brown

Philip Martin Brown was one of the longest-standing characters in Waterloo Road, playing the role of the loveable English teacher Grantly Budgen between 2006-2013.

NOW: Philip Martin Brown

After leaving the show in 2013, Phillip enjoyed small roles in shows like Casualty, Vera and Suspects, and he even played a therapist in Coronation Street in both 2005 and 2015.


More recently, Phillip has revisited his role of Marvin Bulis in BBC soap Doctors.

THEN: Chelsee Healey

Chelsee Healey's Waterloo Road character Janeece Bryant is certainly a memorable one! Not only did she play the role of a school girl, Janeece returned as the school's noisy receptionist.

NOW: Chelsee Healey

After a short stint in Casualty as Honey Wright, Chelsee joined the cast of Hollyoaks in 2016, playing the role of Goldie McQueen in the infamous McQueen family.

THEN: Jason Done

Who didn't love Mr Clarkson?! Actor Jason Done played the role of the loveable English teacher between 2006-2013, appearing in eight series.

NOW: Jason Done

Jason has certainly enjoyed an extensive career in the world of TV since, most recently appearing in BBC drama Time alongside Stephen Graham and Sean Bean.

THEN: Adam Thomas

Ryan Thomas' younger brother Adam played the role of heartthrob Donte Charles for three years between 2006-2009.

NOW: Adam Thomas

After leaving Waterloo Road following series four, Adam's next big role was as Adam Barton on ITV soap Emmerdale, where he appeared for a massive nine years.


Following his shock exit from the soap, Adam went on to take part in the 2016 series of I'm A Celebrity, finishing in third place behind Joel Dommett and Scarlett Moffatt.


The Manchester lad has since enjoyed a number of presenting roles, as well as starring alongside his brothers Ryan and Scott in Absolutely India: Mancs in Mumbai.

It's now been confirmed Adam will reprise his role as Donte Charles in the brand new series of Waterloo Road.

THEN: Katie McGlynn

A fresh-faced Katie McGlynn joined the cast of Waterloo Road in 2011, playing the role of troubled school girl Jodie 'Scout' Allen.

NOW: Katie McGlynn

Following her exit from the show in 2013, Katie landed on her feet when she bagged the role of Sinead Tinker in ITV soap Coronation Street, going on to appear in the soap for a massive eight years.


After making the tough decision to leave the soap, Katie played Georgina in BBC drama The Syndicate at the start of 2021, before joining the cast of Hollyoaks as Becky Quentin.


Katie is also currently appearing in the 2021 series of Strictly Come Dancing.

THEN: Lucien Laviscount

Lucien Laviscount certainly turned heads when he joined the cast of Waterloo Road as Jonah Kirby in 2010... Especially when his character married Spanish teacher Francesca Montoya.

NOW: Lucien Laviscount

Lucien has certainly gone on to enjoy a massive career in the world of TV! After taking part in Celebrity Big Brother on Channel 5 in 2011, Lucien landed roles in shows such as Shameless, Death In Paradise, Skins and Scream Queens.


In 2021 it was announced that Lucien would join the cast for series two of hit Netflix show Emily In Paris, playing the role of Alfie.

THEN: George Sampson

Thanks to his success on Britain's Got Talent, George Sampson was already a household name when he joined Waterloo Road as Kyle Stack in 2011.


Although it was his first TV acting role, George appeared on the 6th and 7th series of the show.

NOW: George Sampson

After leaving Waterloo Road, George showcased his acting skills further on shows such as Casualty and Mount Pleasant, before landing the role of Ryan in Emmerdale in 2016.


George has more recently turned his sights on musical theatre, making his debut in Our House and going on to play the lead role of Jack Trott in Jack and the Beanstalk.


The actor is now currently portraying the character of Dean in West End stage show Everybody's Talking About Jamie.

THEN: Denise Welch

Geordie actress Denise Welch played the role of French teacher Steph Haydock between 2006-2010, starring in six series all together.

NOW: Denise Welch

Denise has been no stranger to the acting world since, appearing on the likes of Casualty, Holby City, Benidorm, EastEnders and Doctors.


As well as enjoying a number of stints in different theatre shows, Denise re-joined the Loose Women panel in 2018 and she's now landed a full-time role on Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks, playing dance teacher Trish Minniver.

THEN: Jenna Coleman

Following her stint in Emmerdale, Jenna Coleman joined the cast of Waterloo Road in 2009 when the school merged with private school John Fosters.


Jenna played the role of protective big sister Lindsay James, before leaving the show when her character was charged and sent to prison for the murder of her dad.

NOW: Jenna Coleman

Jenna is another member of the original cast that went on to enjoy a huge career! Not only did she appear in mega movie Captain America: The First Avenger, she appeared in TV shows as Doctor Who and BBC drama The Cry.


But it was perhaps in 2016 when Jenna landed her biggest role, playing the lead role in popular period drama Victoria.


More recently, Jenna has starred in The Serpent, and she's currently filming for new shows The Sandman and The War Rooms.

THEN: Sophie McShera

Sophie McShera also joined the cast of Waterloo Road when they merged with private school John Fosters in series five.


The actress played the role of Ros McCain who went on to become obsessed with French teacher Jo Lipsett.

NOW: Sophie McShera

Sophie landed her dream job on period drama Downton Abbey, playing the role of Daisy Mason between 2010-2015. The actress also starred in the award-winning Downtown Abbey movie in 2019.


More recently, Sophie enjoyed a small role in Netflix series The Queen's Gambit.

THEN: Angela Griffin

Established actress Angela Griffin appeared as Pastoral Care teacher Kim Campbell between series one-five of Waterloo Road, before leaving the show in 2010.

NOW: Angela Griffin

Following her four year stint in the school drama, Angela continued with her extensive TV career, appearing in shows such as Postman Pat, Mount Pleasant, Lewis and most recently, Netflix's White Lines.


In September 2021, Angela also joined Jodie Comer in Channel 4 drama Help, where she played a care worker during the Covid-19 pandemic.

It has now been confirmed Angela will reprise her role as Kim Campbell in the new series of Waterloo Road.

THEN: Tina O'Brien

Thanks to her role as Sarah Platt on Coronation Street since 1999, Tina O'Brien was already an established actress when she joined Waterloo Road as Bex Fisher in 2010.


Tina's character Bex was the eldest daughter of headteacher Karen Fisher.

NOW: Tina O'Brien

Despite only appearing in the show for a year, Tina has continued her role on Coronation Street to this day, now appearing in over 1600 episodes!


The actress has also enjoyed smaller parts in shows such as Doctors, Casualty and Call The Midwife.

THEN: Jack McMullen

Jack McMullen made an instant impact when he joined the cast of Waterloo Road as Finn Sharkey during series five in 2010.

NOW: Jack McMullen

Although he left the series just two years later following series seven, Jack went on to land a number of other TV roles, including ITV drama Little Boy Blue, which was based on the tragic murder of school boy Rhys Jones.


More recently, Jack appeared alongside Waterloo Road actor Jason Done in BBC drama Time.

THEN: Max Bowden

Although actor Max Bowden's Waterloo Road stint was short and sweet (he joined during the final series as Justin Fitzgerald), the actor certainly went on to huge things.

NOW: Max Bowden

Following a number of small roles after Waterloo Road was axed, Max landed a job in EastEnders playing the infamous role of Ben Mitchell.

THEN: Neil Morrissey

Neil Morrissey doesn't need any introduction, but he was certainly a popular character on Waterloo Road, playing the role of deputy head teacher Eddie Lawson from 2007 to 2009.

NOW: Neil Morrissey

Neil had appeared in a number of huge shows before his stint in Waterloo Road and most notably voiced the one and only Bob The Builder.


After leaving the show, Neil went on to appear in Line of Duty as Detective Constable Nigel Morton, and Greg McConnell in The Good Karma Hospital.


In 2021, Neil joined former Waterloo Road star Katie McGlynn in BBC show The Syndicate, playing the lead role of Frank.

THEN: Jill Halfpenny

Just like Neil, actress Jill Halfpenny had a very established career when she joined the cast of Waterloo Road as teacher Izzie Redpath during the first series.


Although Jill left the show after just two series, her character had some major storylines, including a tragic death.

NOW: Jill Halfpenny

Most recently, Jill starred as Jodie in Channel 5 drama The Drowning, with the actress also appearing in popular shows such as Liar, Three Girls, Humans and Babylon.

Why was Waterloo Road cancelled?

After 10 series, Waterloo Road was axed in 2015 due to low viewing figures.

When when was Waterloo Road first on TV?

The popular show first hit our screens back in March 2009, set in the English town of Rochdale for the first seven series.

Production then moved to Scotland for the final three series, before the drama was axed in 2015.

Following the news of the revival in 2022, the last series of Waterloo Road aired in January 2023.

How can I watch old series of Waterloo Road?

You can watch series 1-13 of Waterloo Road on the BBC iPlayer now.

Are Waterloo Road on social media?

You can follow Waterloo Road on Instagram: waterlooroad

You can follow Waterloo Road on Twitter: @WaterlooRoad

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