WATERLOO ROAD HANDED DOUBLE RECOMMISSION BY BBC, IN ADDITION TO UPCOMING SERIES

The BBC has recommissioned hit drama Waterloo Road for two further new series. Made by Rope Ladder Fiction and Wall to Wall North for BBC One and iPlayer, the new two-series order is in addition to the next series (8x60’) which has already been filmed, meaning that three new series of Waterloo Road are on the way.

Filming on the two newly-commissioned 8x60’ series will begin in Greater Manchester this autumn, and further details will be announced in due course.

Waterloo Road initially ran on the BBC between 2006 and 2015, and following its breakout success on BBC iPlayer during lockdown it returned with new episodes at the start of 2023 with a cast including Angela Griffin, Adam Thomas and Kym Marsh among the school staff, and an ensemble of exciting newcomers and rising stars as pupils.

Two new series have aired this year. Waterloo Road remains especially popular on BBC iPlayer, where it is in the top three most-watched titles of the year so far for 16-34 year olds, alongside Happy Valley and EastEnders.

Of the recommission news, Cameron Roach, executive producer of Waterloo Road and Founder of Rope Ladder Fiction, says: “We’re beyond thrilled with the triumphant return of Waterloo Road, and so thankful to the BBC for committing to the show so fully...

"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 14-16 year olds, in partnership with BBC Young Reporter, have truly demonstrated the infectious power of this show."

Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, says: “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, humour 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!”

Viewers can stream all episodes of Waterloo Road, including 2023’s two new series, exclusively on BBC iPlayer now.