FIRST LOOK Waterloo Road S18

The hit drama returns to BBC One in January with filming for series 20 already underway!

BBC One has released a first look at Waterloo Road's 18th series, confirming that the show will return in January, meaning that for the first time since the show's revival in 2023, only one series has aired this year.

The new series of Waterloo Road will continue to explore real-life issues affecting teens, families and school staff, with the drama continuing to tackle bold storylines, balanced with comedy, friendship and romance, all brought to life with Waterloo Road’s trademark warmth and wit.

The first look image released today shows the new wave of newly qualified teachers (NQTs) joining the cast; Tashinga Bepete as Edward Connell, Cora Kirk as Leah Merchant, and Mollie Winnard as Gemma Tully.

Also joining series 18 will be newcomer Lauren Hylton, playing new student Cheryl Bryant, the on-screen daughter of Janeece Bryant, as original cast member Chelsee Healey returns.

The return of original cast member Chelsee Healey as Janeece Bryant was also confirmed for the upcoming 2027 series, this time joined by newcomer Lauren Hylton as her on-screen daughter, Cheryl Bryant, a new student at Waterloo Road.

Also joining the student cast in series 18 are Leo Ashton as Liam Shaw, Callum Broome as Nathan Clark, Yousef Naseer as Ibrahim Azzi, Lewis Pemberton as Cane Morris and Keelan Wright as Marshall Clark.

They have also confirmed that alongside an already filmed 19th series of the hit drama, a 20th series has been commissioned with filming already underway in Greater Manchester.

In March, the iconic school-based drama celebrated its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of Waterloo Road on screens.

Speaking ahead of the show's return and news of another series, Cameron Roach, Founder of Rope Ladder Fiction and Executive Producer said "When we brought Waterloo Road back, we were hopeful of a long-term future, so to be commissioned for a tenth series of the reboot really is an incredible achievement and testament to the exceptional creative team, cast and crew."

"To have evolved a sustainable base for training and development of crew with our partners at Screen Manchester has been central to our mission and ensures clear pathways for new entrants into the sector."

"Above all, we thank the fans of the show who, series after series, are asking for more. It drives us all to be creatively ambitious for the iconic world of Waterloo Road."

To which the BBC's Director of Drama, Lindsay Salt, added "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 and can’t wait for the series to return this January.”

Made by Rope Ladder Fiction and Wall to Wall North, Waterloo Road is executive produced by Cameron Roach for Rope Ladder Fiction, Leanne Klein for Wall to Wall and Gaynor Holmes and Jo McClellan for the BBC.

Through its production and outreach initiatives, Waterloo Road has provided opportunities for emerging talent both on and off screen, while welcoming hundreds of local students and young people to learn more about careers in television and film.

Waterloo Road returns January on BBC One