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The fate of BBC One’s Waterloo Road has been revealed after the series received mixed reviews following its epic comeback.
The series was originally cancelled in 2015, but following a resurgence in audiences during the first COVID lockdown, the series returned to screens in 2023 after an eight-year hiatus.
The high school-set series first aired in 2006 and won legions of fans by tackling numerous difficult topics over 200 episodes.
It is now reported that the famous TV series has been renewed for two more seasons.
And after the series was rebroadcast twice last year, four new series are now in the pipeline.
The fate of BBC One’s Waterloo Road has been revealed after it received mixed reviews following its epic comeback
The show originally went on hiatus in 2015, but after a resurgence in audiences during the first COVID lockdown, the show returned to screens in 2023 after an eight-year hiatus.
In the 14th season, airing later this year, newcomer Jason Manford will play the role of school principal Steve Savage.
Fans are wondering what will happen to the school’s current principal, Kim Campbell (Angela Griffin).
Jason said of his new role: ‘What an absolute treat it is to be part of the cast and crew of Waterloo Road, right here in my home city of Manchester.
‘My kids and I have been binge-watching the show on iPlayer during lockdown. It’s such a brilliant, iconic show, so I’m incredibly proud to be part of its history. Growing up I always wanted to be a teacher and now that I’m going to be a head teacher I know I would have been terrible!’
Cameron Roach, Executive Producer of Waterloo Road and Founder of Rope Ladder Fiction, added: “We are delighted that Jason Manford is joining Waterloo Road as the show returns for a fourth season since its return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
“Jason is a phenomenal comedic actor and has fully embraced the tone and spirit of the show. We can’t wait for audiences to meet Steve Savage and his son Billy.”
‘Jason, like all our adult actors, is an inspiring and approachable mentor to our younger actors and crew. We are proud that a new generation of Northern talent can learn their craft alongside brilliant, well-known actors.
‘The legacy of Waterloo Road goes from strength to strength’
It has now been reported that the famous TV show has been renewed for two more seasons
In the 14th season, which airs later this year, newcomer Jason Manford will play the lead role of school principal Steve Savage
It raises questions among fans about what will happen to the school’s current principal, Kim Campbell (pictured Angela Griffin)
Adam Thomas, who plays Donte Charles, and Kym Marsh, who plays Nicky Walters, will also return to the series
Adam Thomas, who plays Donte Charles, and Kym Marsh, who plays Nicky Walters, also return to the series.
The series, which is once again set in a secondary school in Greater Manchester, tells the stories of the challenges faced by teachers, parents and students.
It also addresses the issues facing teens today, such as the cost of living crisis, dealing with being LGBTQ+, racism, sexism and mental health.
Initially, the focus was on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on schoolchildren.
The gritty series, written by the creators of ITV prison drama Bad Girls, was originally set in Rochdale, but later series moved to Greenock, Scotland.