Image: BBC Press
By Jon Donnis
In an exciting development for fans of British television, the BBC has announced the recommissioning of its hit school drama Waterloo Road for two additional series. This extension will ensure that new episodes continue to grace BBC iPlayer and BBC One until at least 2026, reflecting the show's enduring appeal and success.
Production for the new series has commenced in Greater Manchester, adding to the momentum of Waterloo Road, which has already filmed two upcoming eight-part series. These will be aired on BBC iPlayer and BBC One starting this September and continuing into early next year. The series has proven to be a staple for the BBC, particularly among viewers under 35, and its return last January solidified its status as one of the BBC's most popular offerings.
Waterloo Road is celebrated for its portrayal of real-life issues affecting teenagers, families, and educators, blending sharp writing with emotional depth and humour. The drama's return has been met with enthusiasm, especially as it became a favourite on BBC iPlayer during the lockdown period. The new series will uphold the show's commitment to engaging with contemporary social issues while showcasing a diverse range of characters and storylines.
The recommissioning is not only a testament to the show's creative success but also to its role in nurturing new talent. The series continues to invest in creative development in the North of England, through initiatives like the Warner Bros. Discovery Access x Waterloo Road Directors Programme and an ongoing production development programme. These programmes have provided entry-level work opportunities for 35 trainees so far, all of whom have advanced to further employment or continued their roles with the production. The show has also involved over 300 students from local schools and youth groups in outreach activities, aimed at building skills and knowledge in TV and film production.
Cameron Roach, Founder of Rope Ladder Fiction and Executive Producer for Waterloo Road, expressed his delight at the renewal, stating, "We're incredibly thrilled to be recommissioned for a further two seasons of the new era of Waterloo Road. This commitment by the BBC underlines the show's ability to not only be a compelling entertaining drama for a younger audience but also to serve as a true talent incubator across the craft skills for a new generation of crew and cast."
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, praised the show's ongoing success both on-screen and behind the scenes. "It's incredibly rewarding to see Waterloo Road go from strength to strength - both creatively on screen, where it remains hugely popular with viewers of all ages, as well as behind the scenes developing the next generation of exciting UK television talent. We're delighted to announce two more series for BBC iPlayer and BBC One."
The upcoming series will introduce Jason Manford as Steve Savage, the new headteacher of the school. Also joining the cast are Saira Choudhry as Nisha Chandra, a new maths teacher, and a host of new students including Olly Rhodes, Nathan Wood, and Sonya Nisa. Returning characters include Adam Thomas as Donte Charles and Kym Marsh as Nicky Walters, among others.
Set and filmed in Greater Manchester, Waterloo Road is produced by the award-winning Wall to Wall in co-production with Rope Ladder Fiction. The series is overseen by Series Producer Lindsay Williams and executive producers Cameron Roach, Leanne Klein, Gaynor Holmes, and Jo McClellan.
With all episodes of Waterloo Road available for streaming on BBC iPlayer, viewers can catch up on the drama and anticipate the new series with excitement. The show's commitment to addressing pertinent issues while providing a platform for emerging talent underscores its significant impact on UK television.
No comments:
Post a Comment