Waterloo Road is a BBC television drama series set in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, England, and is about a troubled comprehensive school. The programme focuses on its teachers and students, and confronts social issues, including affairs, abortion, divorce and suicide.

Waterloo Road is produced by Shed Productions, the production company responsible for Bad Girls and Footballers' Wives.

History

An eight part series was made in 2005 and aired in 2006. It was then re-commissioned for a second series, where the first seven episodes were airing on Sunday nights at 8pm in Scotland and Thursday nights at 8pm in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Series 2 finished airing 26 April 2007. Series 3 began on 11 October 2007 on BBC One except on BBC One Scotland where the series began four days earlier. Series 3 paused from airing for the Christmas break. Episodes halted in England, Wales and Northern Ireland with the end of year Cliffhanger on 13 December 2007 and 16 December 2007 in Scotland. Episodes resumed airing in Scotland on 6 January 2008 and in England, Wales and Northern Ireland on 10 January 2008. The series finale aired on BBC One on Thursday 13 March 2008 in most of the UK apart from Scotland, who were left to wait until Monday 17 March 2008. Due to the success of Series 3, a fourth series of 20 episodes was commissioned.

Series 4 began on BBC One on Wednesday 7 January 2009 at 8:00pm (7:30pm on BBC One Scotland) and a fifth series began airing from 28 October 2009 on BBC One. A sixth series has also been commissioned and filming began on 9 November 2009, one week after filming finished on Series 5.

Setting

The main location for Waterloo Road Comprehensive is the former Hill Top Primary School in Rochdale, England. As well as external shots, the internal views of the school used in the series have also been filmed inside Hill Top.

Other locations used include areas in and around Rochdale and nearby Manchester.

Cast

Guides

Series 1 (2006)

The first episode of Waterloo Road was broadcast on 9 March 2006, having being filmed the previous autumn. Characters included headmaster Jack Rimmer (played by Jason Merrells), deputy head Andrew Treneman (played by Jamie Glover) and pastoral care teacher Kim Campbell (played by Angela Griffin).

Through the 8-part run of series 1, the school faced closure from the governors due to the lack of pupils and bad publicity it had been receiving prior to Jack's appointment as the new headteacher. Jack Rimmer, formerly deputy head, became headmaster when the previous head Brian Vasey had a nervous breakdown after 30 years of teaching at the school. Other notable storylines included the death of pupil Adam Deardon in a car crash, the prosecution against Donte Charles in connection with Adam's death, pupil Lewis Seddon's inappropriate sexual behaviour towards teacher Kim Campbell, the break-up of Tom and Lorna Clarkson's short-lived marriage, and the LEA's decision to keep Waterloo Road open.

The final moments of the series see Lorna taking a step towards the edge of a canal.

Series 2 (2007)

The 12-part second series aired on 18 January 2007 and featured a number of new main characters; pupil Brett Aspinall (played by Tom Payne), sponsor governor Roger Aspinall (played by Nick Sidi) and school secretary Davina Shackleton (played by Christine Tremarco).

On 4 January 2007, BBC One began advertising the second series as coming soon. It began airing on BBC One Scotland on 14 January 2007 and in the rest of the UK on 18 January 2007.

The series featured the return of Lorna, following her attempted suicide at the end of series 1 (she was not seen jumping into the water until the beginning of series 2). This came as a shock to Tom and Izzie, who were expecting their first child together, until Izzie lost the baby after falling over during an argument with Lorna. Lorna realises Tom isn't the one for her, and that her MS and her career are making her life too stressful. She walks out of the school partway through a lesson. She re-unites Izzie and Tom, before committing suicide rather than living on with MS. In the last episode of the second series, Izzie sees Jack being attacked, but then gets stabbed herself. With only Jack there with her, and no one around, viewers are left not knowing whether Izzie has lived or died.

Other notable storylines in series 2 of the show include the arrival and departure of prospective sponsor governors Jerry Preston and Roger Aspinall, the drug dealing by Gemma and Jed Seddon, the alcoholism of trainee teacher Russell Millen, and the bullying of Mika Grainger by fellow pupil Leigh-Ann Galloway.

A portion of the soundtrack in series two was provided by Cornish band, Thirteen Senses.

Series 3 (2007–08)

The third, 20-part series began in October 2007 with several new characters including a new deputy head teacher played by Neil Morrissey and by episode seven a new headmistress played by Eva Pope.

The series began with headmaster Jack Rimmer (played by Jason Merrells) recording a Radio documentary featuring the death of his colleague Izzie Redpath (played by Jill Halfpenny). Jack had witnessed Izzy's stabbing at the very end of the last series, although it had not been revealed that she had died.

With Andrew Treneman gone, having accepted a teaching post in Rwanda, Eddie Lawson (played by Neil Morrissey), became the deputy head. Rimmer resigned as head teacher and was succeeded by Rachel Mason (played by Eva Pope).

The second half of the third series began on 10 January. The third series finale aired on 13 March 2008 in most of the UK. Scotland was running three days behind due to a football league event, and was 2 episodes behind. On the week beginning 10 March 2 episodes aired. The Second Half of series 3 sees Davina Shackleton accused of having a sexual relationship with a pupil then being forced to date the pupils father, only for her to be saved by Tom Clarkson

The London based band Athlete have had various tracks from the 2008 released album Beyond the Neighbourhood featured in Series 3.

The final episode attracted 6 million viewers.

In the final episode of Series 3, a fire spread through the school. Davina Shackleton was rushed to hospital with smoke inhalation, while Rachel Mason and Stuart Hordley (the education official whose careless disposal of a cigarette had started the blaze) were trapped under falling rubble inside the school.

It is currently airing in New Zealand on TV ONE.

Series 4 (2009)

The 20-part fourth was commissioned in December 2007. The series began on BBC One on Wednesday 7 January 2009 at 8pm (7:30pm on BBC One Scotland) with the shows first 90-minute opening episode.

Rachel Mason (played by Eva Pope) and Davina Shackleton (played by Christine Tremarco) both return following the fire that left nearly destroyed the school. Characters from the previous series to have departed are revealed to be Mika Grainger, Brett Aspinall (both of whom left for University having graduated from Waterloo Road) and Celine Dixon. The fate of Stuart Hordley is left unanswered.

The series introduces a number of various new characters including The Kelly ‘Family from Hell’, consisting of Alcoholic mother Rose Kelly and her five children. Eldest son Marley, borderline psychopath Earl, daughter Sambuca, 11 year old Denzil and baby Prince. New Head of PE Rob Cleaver begins a relationship with English teacher Jasmine Koreshi and becomes the Boxing Mentor of pupil Bolton Smilie. He is later sacked by Rachel and Eddie Lawson when it transpires he is giving Bolton pills in order to help him an important match, ultimately ending his and Jasmine’s relationship. Rachel Mason's sister Melissa Ryan and her son Phillip are also introduced.

Maxine Barlow is tragically killed when her relationship with psychotic Earl Kelly comes to an explosive end, and she is fatally shot. Realising she had made a huge mistake in ever trusting him, she dies in the arms of those who loved her most, Steph and Janeece.

Former teacher, Kim Campbell (played by Angela Griffin) returns from Rwanda in episode 11 and brings with her a baby girl, Grace, who she claims is her daughter. However, it later transpires that Kim has in fact smuggled Grace back into the country illegally after Immigration offers investigate her. Former Deputy Head teacher Andrew Treneman (played by Jamie Glover) returns in episode 19 during a Rwandan fundraising day being held at the school and is reunited with Kim.

Chlo Grainger gives birth to a baby girl, Izzy.

The series also marked the exit of long term characters Davina Shackleton, Donte Charles, Chlo Grainger and Janeece Bryant. Luke Bailey (Marley Kelly), Neil Morrissey (Eddie Lawson) Chris Geere (Matt Wilding) Sadie Pickering (Flick Mellor) and Shabana Bakhsh (Jasmine Koreshi) also made their final appearances in episode 20.The final episode aired on 20 May 2009 and attracted 4.5 million viewers.

Series 5 (2009–10)

In March 2009 Shed Media confirmed that a 20-part fifth series has been commissioned by the BBC. The new commission will bring the total number of episodes to 80. Filming began on 11 May 2009 and the series began airing on Wednesday 28th October (Sunday 25th October on BBC One Scotland).

Series 5 will see the merger of Waterloo Road Comprehensive with local 'posh' school, John Fosters, causing new problems and issues amongst the teachers and pupils, including girl gangs.

Denise Welch (Steph Haydock) will depart during Series 5 after deciding to concentrate on her panellist role on Loose Women and spend more time with her family. Angela Griffin (Kim Campbell), Eva Pope (Rachel Mason) Dean Smith (Phillip Ryan) have also announced that that fifth series will be their last.

Confirmed returning cast members are: Jason Done (Tom Clarkson), Philip Martin Brown (Grantly Budgen), Zaraah Abrahams (Michaela White), Elaine Symons (Rose Kelly), Holly Kenny (Sambuca Kelly), Reece Douglas (Denzil Kelly), Darcey Isa (Lauren Andrews), Jessica Baglow (Karla Bentham), Tachia Newall (Bolton Smilie), Lauren Thomas (Aleesha Dillon), Lucy Dixon (Danielle Harker), Thomas Milner (Paul Langley) and Kay Purcell (Candice Smilie).Confirmed new cast members are:

Teachers:

• Max Tyler - Executive Head, played by Former Holby City actor and Strictly Come Dancing winner, Tom Chambers
• Jo Lipsett - Head of Modern Languages, played by Sarah-Jane Potts
• Christopher Mead - Deputy Head and Science teacher, played by William Ash
• Ruby Fry - Food Technology teacher, played by Elizabeth Berrington.
• Helen Hopewell - NQT English teacher, played by Hope Springs actress Vinette Robinson

Pupils:

• Emily James - played by Shannon Flynn
• Lindsey James - played by Former Emmerdale actress, Jenna-Louise Coleman
• Amy Porter - played by Ayesha Gwilt
• Ros McCain - played by Sophie McShera
• Siobhan Mailey - played by Phoebe Dynevor, daughter of Coronation Street actress, Sally Whittaker (Sally Webster)
• Luke Pendle - played by Richie Jeeves
• Josh Stevenson - played by William Rush
• Vicky McDonald - played by Shameless actress Rebecca Ryan
• Finn Harvey - played by former Brookside and Grange Hill actor Jack McMullen

WaterlooroadTV.co.uk confirmed via Twitter that Shabana Bakhsh (Jasmine Koreshi) and Jamie Glover (Andrew Treneman) will not be returning for the series.

For the first time, the series will also be filmed in HD.

Series 6 (2010)

A 20-part sixth series will be filmed back-to-back with the fifth series, with production beginning on 9 November 2009. Former Silent Witness actress Amanda Burton will join the cast as new Head Teacher, Karen Fisher. Coronation Street actor Lucien Laviscount has also been cast in an, as yet, unknown role. Chelsee Healey (Janeece Bryant) has also confirmed on her Twitter page that she will be returning.

The series will also be shot in HD.

International broadcasts

Country	Network(s)	Notes
Hong Kong India Korea Malaysia Singapore Thailand	BBC Entertainment	Series 1 & 2 have been aired in Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. Series 1–3 have been aired in India.
Europe	BBC One	Channel automatically available in Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands.
	BBC Prime	Series 1 has been aired in Armenia, Austria, Azores, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Portugal, Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and Ukraine.
	YLE TV1	Series 1–3 have been aired under the name Waterloo Roadin koulu.
Slovenia	Kanal A	Series 1 has been aired in Slovenia.
Bahrain Egypt Iraq Iran Jordan Kuwait Lebanon Libya Oman Qatar United Arab Emirates Yemen	BBC Prime	Series 1 has been aired in the Middle East. Series 2 is currently being aired in the Middle East.
Israel	BBC Prime, Channel 23
New Zealand	TV ONE	Series 1–3 have aired in New Zealand.
Russia	BBC Prime	Series 1 has been aired in Russia on Networks Russia GMT+2, Russia GMT+3 and Russia GMT+4.
USA	BBC America	Series 1 has been aired in the USA.

DVD releases

Waterloo Road: Series 1 was released in the UK on 26 March 2007. Series 2 was released on the 10 March 2008. The DVD features minor episode edits. Series 3 was released in two volumes, a 3-disc set containing episodes from the Autumn Term (Volume 1) on 2 March 2009 with the Spring Term (Volume 2) following on 11 May 2009. Series 4 Autumn Term (Volume 1) was released on 21 September 2009. Series 4 Spring Term (Volume 2) is due for release on 10 May 2010.

Waterloo Road: The Complete Series One
Set Details			Special Features
8 Episodes 3-Disc Set 16:9 Aspect Ratio Subtitles: Yes English (Stereo)			None
Release Dates
26 March 2007

Waterloo Road: The Complete Series Two
Set Details			Special Features
12 Episodes 4-Disc Set 16:9 Aspect Ratio Subtitles: Yes English (Stereo)			Miss Haydock Reveals All Mika's Video Diary
Release Dates
10 March 2008

Waterloo Road: Series Three Autumn Term
Set Details			Special Features
Series 3 Episodes 1-10 3-Disc Set 16:9 Aspect Ratio Subtitles: Yes English (Stereo)			Autumn Term Scrap Book Pupil Reports Teacher Evaluation
Release Dates
2 March 2009

Waterloo Road: Series Three Spring Term
Set Details			Special Features
Series 3 Episodes 11-20 3-Disc Set 16:9 Aspect Ratio Subtitles: Yes English (Stereo)			Spring Term Scrap Book
Release Dates
11 May 2009

Waterloo Road: The Complete Series Three
Set Details			Special Features
Episodes 1-20 6-Disc Set 16:9 Aspect Ratio Subtitles: Yes English (Stereo)			Autumn Term Scrap Book Pupil Reports Teacher Evaluation Spring Term Scrap Book (HMV Exclusive)
Release Dates
28 September 2009

Waterloo Road: Series Four Autumn Term
Set Details			Special Features
Series 4 Episodes 1-10 3-Disc Set 16:9 Aspect Ratio Subtitles: Yes English (Stereo)			Autumn Term Scrapbook School Photos
Release Dates
21 September 2009

Waterloo Road: Series Four Spring Term
Set Details			Special Features
Series 4 Episodes 11-20 3-Disc Set 16:9 Aspect Ratio Subtitles: Yes English (Stereo)			N/A
Release Dates
10 May 2010

References

1. "[...] the Rochdale branch of Aspinall Incorporated?" - Grantly, 2x03
2. Soaps - News - 'Waterloo Road' to film back-to-back series - Digital Spy
3. Television - News - 'Ashes', 'Waterloo' triumph for BBC One - Digital Spy
4. BBC Press Office Waterloo Road Episode 9
5. BBC - Press Office - Network TV Programme Information BBC Week 19 Wednesday 13 May 2009
6. Television - News - 8.4m see latest 'Apprentice' fired - Digital Spy
7. http://twitter.com/Angela_Griffin
8. http://www.waterlooroadtv.co.uk/
9. Elizabeth Berrington at United Agents
10. Vinette Robinson at United Agents
11. Soaps - News - Ex-'Emmerdale' actress joins 'Waterloo Road' - Digital Spy
12. LIME___ Sophie
13. http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/soaps/2659412/Coronation-Street-star-Sally-Whittakers-daughter-plays-stuck-up-snob-in-BBC-drama-Waterloo-Road.html
14. Waterloo 5 - Richie Jeeves - PHA Model & Casting Agency Manchester
15. LIME___ William
16. Rebecca Ryan at United Agents
17. http://www.dalypearson.co.uk/page.asp?partid=250
18. http://twitter.com/WaterlooRoadTV
19. BBC - BBC Internet Blog: HD Masters Conference Keynote Speech, 23 June 2009
20. http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2009/10_october/16/waterloo.shtml
21. http://www.waterlooroadtv.co.uk/
22. http://twitter.com/chelseehealey
23. BBC Entertainment - International Channel
24. BBC Prime - lnternational Channel
25. About The Show | Waterloo Road | Television New Zealand | Television | TV One, TV2, TVNZ 6, TVNZ 7
26. Soaps - News - 'Waterloo Road' to air on BBC America - Digital Spy

External links

• Waterloo Road at Shed Media
• Waterloo Road Wiki Waterloo Road wiki articles