Waterloo Road returns to the BBC
The announcement underlines the BBC's commitment to make more programmes across the UK and is the first of the two new long-running network drama series to benefit from the investment
Published: 23 September 2021
Updated: 23 September 2021
Waterloo Road is the perfect lens through which to explore post-Covid Britain, from the perspective of those who have arguably been affected most: young people in education. We are thrilled to be returning to this brilliant format - its thrills and spills, unmissable characters and high drama - at a time when audiences across Britain need it most."
Waterloo Road, the award-winning contemporary drama series set in a comprehensive school, is returning to BBC One.
The new series of Waterloo Road will be set and made in Greater Manchester and produced by award-winning Wall To Wall (The Windermere Children, Man In Room 301, New Tricks) in co-production with Rope Ladder Fiction, the new Manchester-based label from Cameron Roach, who executive produced the previous series of Waterloo Road in both Rochdale and Greenock.
Originally airing on the BBC from 2006 to 2015, Waterloo Road was one of the UK’s most popular and longest-running TV dramas, with an impressive alumni of dynamic characters and award-winning storylines. Such is the show’s enduring popularity, it has drawn both loyal and new, young and diverse audiences since it dropped as a boxset on BBC iPlayer in September 2019, consistently among the top five most-watched shows for young audiences on BBC iPlayer.
The spotlight on education in the UK is more intense now than ever before, with awareness of the challenges that teachers, parents and pupils face even more pronounced amidst the ongoing pandemic. Waterloo Road will use its rich history of telling entertaining and gripping human stories while tackling the important issues of the day.
The revival of Waterloo Road will boost drama production skills in the North of England and help to reshape the BBC's drama slate to better reflect, represent and serve all parts of the country. The series will provide a training ground for new and diverse writers, which is of significant importance to both the BBC and Cameron Roach. Roach is renowned for his passion for long-running drama series and the power they have to develop and encourage emerging talent.
Piers Wenger, Director of BBC Drama, says: “Waterloo Road is the perfect lens through which to explore post-Covid Britain, from the perspective of those who have arguably been affected most: young people in education. We are thrilled to be returning to this brilliant format - its thrills and spills, unmissable characters and high drama - at a time when audiences across Britain need it most - and to be collaborating with the brilliant Cameron Roach and Wall To Wall on its return.”
Cameron Roach, Executive Producer, says: "I’m really thrilled to be working with the BBC and Wall To Wall, in re-igniting the iconic brand of Waterloo Road. The vital and urgent stories that are playing out in schools across the UK provide incredible and emotionally powerful themes, that we’re excited to bring to a new generation of fans. Waterloo Road will continue its reputation for kickstarting, supporting and enabling careers both in front of and behind the camera, in a truly inclusive way, from our base in Greater Manchester."
Waterloo Road was commissioned by Piers Wenger, Director of BBC Drama. Cameron Roach will return to executive produce for Wall to Wall/Rope Ladder Fiction and executive producers for the BBC are Gaynor Holmes and Jo McClellan.
Further information about the series including casting will be revealed in due course.
KS