Ackley Bridge started on Channel 4 last year, and we can confirmed it filled the Waterloo Road-shaped hole in our lives. And good news - it's back for a second series with some exciting brand-new characters in tow.
Read on to find out more about the newest show that's had us glued to our TV screens.
What is Ackley Bridge about?
Ackley Bridge is about the merging of two comprehensive school and the problems that arise as a result. The series focuses on the clash of cultures, and shows how the teachers and pupils adjust to this new change that has been thrust upon them. The series is set in the fictional Yorkshire town of the same name.
Who is in the cast of Ackley Bridge? Is Kimberly Walsh joining the show?
Kimberly Walsh off of Girls Aloud has been confirmed to be joining the cast of season 2. She'll play the role of 'sassy' and 'home-wrecking' netball teacher Claire, according to The Sun.
A source said: “It’s a great signing for Channel 4, and Kimberly jumped at the chance. She loves acting and she’s trying to do more of it.
“She had small roles in Disney series The Lodge and Horrid Henry: The Movie. Her new part is definitely something to get her teeth into and Claire will ruffle some feathers. Her clashes with Mandy will be good fun for viewers.”
See below for the season one cast:
Jo Joyner (Mandy Carter)
Jo Joyner is best-known for her role as Tanya Branning in Eastenders. Her other acting credits include BBC's hit drama series Ordinary Lies and most recently Sky 1's Mount Pleasant.
Jo Joyner is at the forefront of the show, playing headmistress Mandy Carter who is tasked with being in charge of the two schools merging together and keeping the students and teachers under control.
Paul Nicholls (Steve Bell)
Just like his co-star Jo Joyner, Paul Nicholls was also in Eastenders, playing the character of Joe Wicks from 1996-1997. He also appeared as a series regular in Law & Order: UK.
Paul Nicholls plays PE teacher Steve Bell, who also happens to be Mandy's partner.
Liz White (Emma Keane)
Liz White acted alongside Daniel Radcliffe in the 2012 horror The Woman in Black. She was most recently in ITV detective drama Grantchester.
She plays the role of English teacher Emma Keane.
Adil Ray (Sadiq Nawaz)
Adil Ray is best-known for his role as Mr Khan in the BBC sitcom Citizen Khan.
He plays the role of Sadiq Nawaz, who is the School sponsor and Head of Academy Trust.
Sunetra Sarker (Kaneez Paracha)
Sunetra Sarker has been in a plethora of TV shows, including Brookside, Casualty and Broadchurch. She was also a contestant on the 2014 series of Strictly Come Dancing.
She plays the role of dinner lady Kaneez Paracha, who is also the mum of student Nas.
Amy-Leigh Hickman (Nasreen 'Nas' Paracha)
Amy is best-known for her role as Carmen Howie in CBBC's Tracy Beaker Returns and it's spin-off show, The Dumping Ground. She was most recently in Eastenders, playing the role of Linzi Bragg in an underage sex storyline.
Amy plays student Nas who is the daughter of dinner lady Kaneez.
When is Ackley Bridge on? What channel is it on?
It was on Channel 4 last year. You can catch up on All 4.
What can we expect from Ackley Bridge? Is it really the new Waterloo Road?
Obviously with it being a school-based drama, there are going to be plenty of comparisons with the hugely successful Waterloo Road.
And just like the BBC show, Ackley Bridge has plenty of drama - with plenty of student fights, new relationships and family-led issues.
Is Ackley Bridge coming back for a second series? We need a season 2!
Great news! It's been confirmed that Ackley Bridge WILL return in 2018. Season two will be a massive 12 episodes long,
Channel 4 said: "Roll on the next term at Ackley Bridge.
"Channel 4 is so thrilled to be working again with the brilliant producing and writing team at The Forge and the super talented cast on this funny, thoughtful, incredibly special show.
"I'm bagging a seat at the front of the class.
Is there an Ackley Bridge season two trailer?
There is indeed! You can watch it below.