exciting

Fans of the ‘gritty’ BBC drama have been waiting for news about the show’s future

It’s the news fans have been waiting for.

BBC has confirmed when Waterloo Road will return to our screens alongside an exciting update regarding its future. It comes as the series celebrated its 20th anniversary earlier this year.

Every single episode is still available to stream on BBC iPlayer from the original series which first aired in 2006, up to the recent instalments starring cast members such as Jon Richardson and Adam Thomas. Fans can also catch up on select series via Channel 5 and Disney+.

Now, the broadcaster has now confirmed that series 18 will release in January 2027. Not only that but they have given the go ahead for a 20th series which begins filming this year in Greater Manchester. Fans have been anticipating news about the show’s return which some describe as “one of the best comfort shows ever” and a “gritty real life drama” that keeps them hooked from the first episode.

For those somehow unaware, the synopsis describes the drama series as following the day-to-day activity at Waterloo Road school. It is a place where lessons learned have a way of extending beyond the classroom.

It was initially set at a rundown comprehensive school in Rochdale before moving to an independent school in Scotland. However, after a few years in its new surroundings, the series ended its original run.

It was revived in 2023, with a return to Greater Manchester as its setting and production location. Fans are promised that the new series will continue to explore real-life issues affecting teens, families and school staff.

The drama will continue to tackle bold storylines, balanced with comedy, friendship and romance, all brought to life with Waterloo Road’s trademark warmth and wit. It’s also been confirmed that original cast member Chelsee Healey will return as Janeece Bryant.

They will be joined by newcomer Lauren Hylton as her on-screen daughter, Cheryl Bryant, a new student at Waterloo Road. Other new student cast members include Leo Ashton (Liam Shaw), Callum Broome (Nathan Clark), Yousef Naseer (Ibrahim Azzi), Lewis Pemberton (Cane Morris), and Keelan Wright (Marshall Clark).

A wave of newly qualified teachers will also walk through Waterloo Road’s doors. Tashinga Bepete will play Edward Connell, Cora Kirk as Leah Merchant, and Mollie Winnard as Gemma Tully.

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, Channel 5 and Disney+.

Big Brother fans predicted that this week would see a dramatic change to how nominations work

GK Barry and Kate Lawler have confirmed the next dramatic twist after the latest episode of Big Brother aired.

Fans believe they have already worked out the next housemate to be evicted after the presenters of ITV’s companion series The Group Chat confirmed the latest shake-up to nominations.

The current iteration of the show has seen a certain theme be imposed on the house. Following on from ‘the house of revelation’ it has now become ‘the house of power’.

It all began with the entrance of Gemma Collin s who spent a brief 48 hours among the housemates. Scenes shown during Monday night’s (October 12) saw Gemma spend her final day and make an abrupt exit.

Between this, the contestants were split into the red team and the blue team. Members of each side was picked by a captain picked by Gemma herself.

This saw the likes of Rob and Sam chosen to select who they wanted to team up with. Each had to then nominate someone over the last two days who should face a task.

Tonight, Twinks beat Lynx by building a tower of cards with four layers. It meant that the red team were treated to a pizza party with Gemma, while the blue team were left out. In addition, they were not permitted to sit on the sofas and could only shower for two minutes.

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Following the main show, Kate Lawler and GK Barry interviewed Gemma and reflected on her stint back in the Big Brother house. They also eventually revealed this week’s twist to nominations.

Normal nominations will still take place but there could be an extra person up for the vote. GK Barry said: “Whoever wins this task as a group, they get to decide who is up for eviction.” Kate added: “The winning team is going to be in possession of a killer nomination.”

Taking to X following the shock announcement, one fan penned: “Killer nom for Phillip would be just lovely.” Another added: “Oh a killer nomination. I need red team to win.”

Someone else said: “This actually sounds exciting. I wonder if 3 will go up for eviction the, double eviction maybe?”

Big Brother continues tomorrow at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX