Everyone's beyond excited for the return of Waterloo Road, one of our all time favourite soaps and ever since the news of the hit show's return was announced we've been eagerly awaiting any more news on the series.
Luckily it seems like the release date for the new series is just round the corner, as some behind the scenes photos posted by actor Katie Griffiths suggests.
Katie, who is reprising her role as Chlo Grainger on the show, took to Instagram to share two pictures of her on the set of the reboot.
In one she was joined by costar Angela Griffin, where she captioned the post, "So so so good to be back on set today! Back at @waterlooroad. Back working with and in the shadow of @theangelagriffin 🤩."
Fans of the show were quick to share their excitement in the comment section of the post. One wrote, "This makes my whole heart happy 😍."
Another commented, "Hope the students have the classic Waterloo road uniform 🙌", to which someone replied, "Apparently not and they is a sign with a different name on it.
"Also seen on a fb post a different logo next to one of the characters names."
Katie also shared a picture with costar Adam Thomas with the caption, "We’ve not aged a bit 😂🙈."
Once again fans were quick to comment. One wrote, "I’m so excited!! Going relive my teen days 🥰🥰🥰."
Another commented, "Can't wait to watch this season of waterloo road I have been hoping for it to return ❤️❤️❤️."
Adam returned the favour, posting a picture of him and Katie and a throwback pic on his Instagram with the caption, "🚨 The news is finally out!!! 🚨
"Donte and Chloe are back!! @kaytgriff ❤️."
Again fans expressed their excitement in the comment section. One wrote, "actually buzzing."
Another wrote, "Literally can’t believe it."
Just as with Katie and Adam's followers we are beyond excited for the return of the show. Here's what we know so far...
When is Waterloo Road returning?
It is unclear exactly when it is returning, although it is expected to return later this year at some point. Katie wrote on Instagram that the show would be coming to BBC iPlayer "later this year."
Adam, likewise, teased the shows return on Instagram, saying "@waterlooroad coming soon…", in a post confirming he’d be reprising his role as Donte Charles from the original series.
Who is returning for the new series?
The BBC has confirmed that Adam Thomas and Katie Griffiths will be reprising their roles from the original run as Donte and Chlo Charles.
Adam said to The Radio Times of his return, "Waterloo Road was a huge part of my life and career so to go back 15 years later is a dream come true. I can't wait to see some old faces and some new. I know this series is going to be the best one yet."
Katie Added, "Chlo was my first professional acting role, and I feel so lucky to be part of the show again. I can't wait to see what stories unfold!"
Who are the new cast?
Former Coronation Street actor Ryan Clayton, who played evil Josh Tucker in the soap, is set to appear as a new character called Mike. Ryan announced the news by posting a picture of a door with a Waterloo Road sign on it on Twitter.
Ryan will be joined by other Corrie stars Kym Marsh, who will play Nicky Walters, a school canteen worker who is also a mother of two pupils, as well as Sonia Ibrahim and Rachel Leskovac have also been cast as Jamilah Omar, the school's social worker and Coral Walker, the head of English.
Corrie isn't the only soap that's been looked to for new cast members. Eastenders star Jo Coffey will play Wendy Whitwell, the headteacher’s PA.
Where are the cast of Waterloo Road now?
where are the Waterloo Road cast now (stacked)
1 of 24Chelsee Healey (Janeece Bryant) then
Troublemaker Janeece was a firm favourite on the show and a big personality at the school. She was often causing all kinds of mischief with her bbf Maxine Barlow, and pals Chlo Grainger and Dante Charles. She clearly couldn't keep away from Waterloo Road after finishing her education, as she returned as a secretary after falling pregnant. She later left to take some time out in Ibiza after struggling to cope with daughter Cheryl.
2 of 24Chelsee Healey (Janeece Bryant) now
Since leaving Waterloo Road, Chelsee joined the cast of Hollyoaks as Goldie McQueen in 2016. She also competed in Strictly Come Dancing in 2011, and finished as a runner-up. She took a break from telly land in 2017 to give birth to her daughter, Coco.More recently, Chelsee appeared on Celebs Go Dating in 2019, where she sadly didn't end up finding the love of her life (but who does, tbh?).
3 of 24Jason Done (Tom Clarkson) then
English teacher Tom Clarkson was a big hit with the students of Waterloo Road. He went on to become, Head of Pastoral Care, then Head of English and Deputy Head in series 7. Tom was also stepdad to Chlo and Mika Grainger after his romance with fellow teacher Izzi (he had numerous love interests with school staff). His own son Josh joined the school in 2009.
4 of 24Jason Done (Tom Clarkson) now
Jason starred on the show until 2015, enduring the big move from Rochdale to Scotland. His character Tom died in series 8 after falling from the roof of the school trying to help troubled student Kyle Stack. Nowadays he spends his time doing narration for shows like Channel 5's Can't Pay We'll Take It Away and starring in Netflix show, The Innocents.
5 of 24Philip Martin Brown (Grantly Budgen) then
Grumpy Grantly Budgen was part of the furniture at Waterloo Road and had a number of emotional as well as downright hilarious storylines. Who could forget that toupée.
6 of 24Philip Martin Brown (Grantly Budgen) now
Since Philip's departure following Grantly's death on the show in 2013, the actor's gone on to star in a variety of other TV shows such as Endeavour and Doctors. He's also a regular on the Panto circuit.
7 of 24Denise Welch (Steph Haydock) then
Denise played Waterloo Road's relatively useless but fun-loving french teacher Steph Haydock from series 1 until the end of series 5. Despite her reputation as a bit of a gossip, Steph's big heart and caring nature saw her take in troubled student Maxine Barlow.
8 of 24Denise Welch (Steph Haydock) now
Denise has stared in a number of other TV shows and soaps including Byker Grove, Coronation Street and Holby City, and is a regular on the Christmas Pantomime circuit. She's also a regular panelist on ITV's Loose Women and mum to 1975 frontman Matty Healy.
9 of 24Angela Griffin (Kim Campbell) then
Kind-hearted Kim Campbell bore the brunt of the kids' troubles as original Head of Pastoral Care at Waterloo Road.
10 of 24Angela Griffin (Kim Campbell) now
Since leaving Waterloo Road for good in 2010 (she took a break at the end of 2007, returning in 2009), Angela has starred in a number of TV dramas including Netflix's White Lines, ITV's Lewis and Midsomer Murders. She's also starred on the stage in One Man, Two Guvnors alongside James Corden.She also hosted her own daytime chat show, Angela and Friends, from 2009 to 2010.
11 of 24Neil Morrissey (Eddie Lawson) then
Neil Morrissey played deputy head Eddie Lawson for series 3 and 4.
12 of 24Neil Morrissey (Eddie Lawson) now
Established actor and comedian Neil recently spoke out about how much he hated working on Waterloo Road. Speaking on Two Shot Podcast he said: "I hated that show, I hated it so much. Even my missus said to me, 'You've got to get out of this show because it's making you into a nasty person'."Yikes.Since finishing on Waterloo Road, Neil's starred as Line of Duty baddie Nigel Morton and is the voice of many cartoon characters, including Farmer Pickles in Bob the Builder.
13 of 24Jason Merrells (Jack Rimmer) then
Jack Rimmer was Waterloo Roads original, tough-loving headteacher.
14 of 24Jason Merrells (Jack Rimmer) now
Jason's character resigned as headteacher halfway through series 3. As well as starring in Waterloo Road, Jason has played parts in Casualty and The Bill. From 2010 until 2014 he played business man Declan Macey in Emmerdale. He's also a writer and director and often takes on theatre roles.
15 of 24Jill Halfpenny (Izzie Redpath) then
Jill Halfpenny played enthusiastic drama teacher Izzie in series 1 and 2. Her two daughters Chlo and Mika also attended the school.Izzie was involved in a love triangle with fellow teachers Lorna Dickey and Tom Clarkson. She was fatally stabbed by Joe Seddon while trying to protect headmaster Jack.
16 of 24Jill Halfpenny (Izzie Redpath) now
Jill won the first series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2004, while she was playing Kate on EastEnders. Since leaving Waterloo Road Jill has taken on a number big TV roles. Most recently, she starred in ITV's epic drama Liar.
17 of 24Katie Griffiths (Chlo Grainger) then
Katie played Chlo from series 1 to 4. Chlo made up one half of our fave TV couple ever, marrying her childhood sweetheart Donte Charles as soon as she turned 16. After a brief affair with her sister Mika's boyfriend Brett, Chlo and Donte reconciled and Chlo fell pregnant with her daughter Izzie (named after her late mother).
18 of 24Katie Griffiths (Chlo Grainger) now
After Chlo and Donte's departure to Manchester in series 4, Katie went on to take roles in Casualty and Father Brown.
19 of 24Adam Thomas (Donte Charles) then
Adam played Waterloo Road's original bad boy Donte Charles. Donte cleaned up his act after spending time in jail for the accidental death of his friend Adam. He also proved to be a supportive husband to Chlo after they found out she was pregnant.
20 of 24Adam Thomas (Donte Charles) now
Adam has gone on to become a big household name, playing Adam Barton in Emmerdale from 2009 to 2018. He also appeared came third on I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! in 2016. His twin brother Scott Thomas was a finalist on Love Island in 2016 and their older brother Ryan is also an actor, starring in Coronation Street and Neighbours.He's also now a husband and father of two - it's safe to say Adam's been pretty busy since leaving Rochdale.
21 of 24George Sampson (Kyle Stack) then
After winning Britains Got Talent in 2008, George went on to join the Waterloo Road cast in 2011 as troubled student Kyle Stack.
22 of 24George Sampson (Kyle Stack) now
Dancer and actor George Sampson underwent a hair transplant procedure in summer 2017. Since then, he's performed on stage in productions such as Our House. He also joined the cast of Emmerdale in 2016 and has appeared on Celebrity Coach Trip.
23 of 24Tachia Newall (Bolton Smile) then
We're not going to lie, we had a pretty big crush on bad boy Bolton Smilie when he joined the cast for series 3. And an even bigger one when he came back as a soldier in series 8.
24 of 24Tachia Newall (Bolton Smilie) now
Tachia is still acting, appearing in episodes of Casualty, Doctors and Silent Witness. He's also a rapper and a member of Manchester's Levelz crew.
Watch! 'I Would Love To See Geoffery Have His Own Show 😂 ' Jimmy Akingbola Answers The Internet!
Look! More news!
Remember Maxine Barlow from Waterloo Road? She has a very chilled new job...
Have you seen Waterloo Road's Holly Kenny? She looks very different nowadays
It has also recently been announced that Casualty star Amanda Mealing, who plays Connie Beauchamp on the show, will also be doing Waterloo Road, but not as an actor. She will be directing some of the episodes instead.
She shared the news on Instagram, posting a picture of her director's lanyard with the caption, "Another city, another day, another dollar."
Why is Waterloo Road returning now?
Waterloo Road is making a return as part of the BBC plan to spread out its production bases across the UK. This plan resulted in the BBC having to axe Holby City.
Director of BBC Drama, Piers Wenger explained the decision during an interview with What To Watch. He said, "It was an incredibly difficult decision that took time to come to. We had clear direction on wanting to make more drama across the UK.
"We had EastEnders, Holby in the south and Casualty in Wales. We need dramas to better reflect life in the north of England which is why we've chosen to bring back Waterloo Road."