The BBC has confirmed that Waterloo Road will return for its 18th series in January 2027, with episodes airing on both BBC One and iPlayer. The broadcaster has also greenlit series 20, with production set to begin very soon.
Return date and future confirmed
The long-running drama, which first debuted in 2006 and ended in 2015 before its revival in 2023, is set to return to its Greater Manchester setting. The revival also marked a return to the area following a spell based in Scotland.
New episodes will arrive in just a few months in January 2027, giving fans time to catch up on previous episodes, which remain available on the streaming platform.
Original cast member to return
Original cast member Chelsee Healey will reprise her role as Janeece Bryant. She will be joined by her on-screen daughter, Cheryl Bryant, a new student played by Lauren Hylton. Other new students include Leo Ashton (Liam Shaw), Callum Broome (Nathan Clark), Yousef Naseer (Ibrahim Azzi), Lewis Pemberton (Cane Morris), and Keelan Wright (Marshall Clark).
Newly qualified teachers will also join the series, including Tashinga Bepete as Edward Connell, Cora Kirk as Leah Merchant, and Mollie Winnard as Gemma Tully.
What to expect
The new series is promised to continue tackling bold storylines, balanced with comedy, friendship and romance, brought to life with Waterloo Road's trademark warmth and wit. Fans have described the show as "one of the best comfort shows ever" and a "gritty real life drama" that keeps viewers hooked.
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.
