The BBC has confirmed when Waterloo Road will return to screens, alongside an update on the show's future. Series 18 will be released in January 2027, and a 20th series has been commissioned, with filming beginning this year in Greater Manchester.
The announcement comes as the series marked its 20th anniversary earlier this year. Every episode from the original run, which began in 2006, through to recent instalments featuring cast members such as Jon Richardson and Adam Thomas, remains available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Select series can also be watched on Channel 5 and Disney+.
Return to Greater Manchester
The drama follows day-to-day life at Waterloo Road school, where lessons extend beyond the classroom. Originally set at a rundown comprehensive in Rochdale, the series moved to an independent school in Scotland before ending its original run. It was revived in 2023, returning to Greater Manchester as both setting and production base.
Fans have described the show as "one of the best comfort shows ever" and a "gritty real life drama" that keeps them hooked from the first episode. The new series is promised to continue exploring real-life issues affecting teens, families and school staff, balancing bold storylines with comedy, friendship and romance, delivered with the show's trademark warmth and wit.
New and returning cast
Original cast member Chelsee Healey will return as Janeece Bryant, this time as a parent. She will be joined by newcomer Lauren Hylton as her on-screen daughter, Cheryl Bryant, a new student at Waterloo Road. Other new student cast members include Leo Ashton (Liam Shaw), Callum Broome (Nathan Clark), Yousef Naseer (Ibrahim Azzi), Lewis Pemberton (Cane Morris), and Keelan Wright (Marshall Clark).
A wave of newly qualified teachers will also join the school. Tashinga Bepete will play Edward Connell, Cora Kirk as Leah Merchant, and Mollie Winnard as Gemma Tully.
BBC statement
Announcing the news, Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, said: "We’re so pleased to announce a new series of Waterloo Road, giving audiences the opportunity to follow the drama of the characters they’ve come to know and love.
"We look forward to seeing what the next chapter holds for the pupils and staff of Waterloo Road. We can’t wait for the series to return this January."
Waterloo Road is streaming on BBC iPlayer, Channel 5 and Disney+.
