Start date and casting confirmed for Waterloo Road series 18
Fans still have a while to wait!
Last updated 14th Oct 2026
It was way back in January this year when the last series of rebooted school drama Waterloo Road hit our screens, so it's no surprise fans have been crying out for any information regarding the new series.
After the BBC confirmed the popular show had been renewed for two more series, we now finally have a start month to look forward to for series 18, as well as some exciting cast details!
When is Waterloo Road back on TV?
On Tuesday 13th October, the BBC announced series 18 of Waterloo Road will begin on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in January 2027. At the moment, no exact date has been announced.
After being forced to wait so long, fans weren't pleased with the news, with one writing; 'We better get series 19 in March and series 20 in September seeing we have to wait extra long now'. (sic)
Another wrote: 'JANUARY ARE YOU HAVING A LAUGH 💔💔', with someone else commenting: 'WHAT NOW WE HAVE TOO WAIT TIL NEXT YEAR damn 😭'. (sic)
Who is in the cast?
Following a brief cameo in 2023, it was announced earlier this year that Chelsee Healey will be returning to the show as her iconic character, Janeece Bryant.
Chelsee will be joined by newcomer Lauren Hylton, who will play her on-screen daughter, Cheryl Bryant.
Speaking about her return, Chelsee said: “I honestly feel like I’m coming home, stepping back into Waterloo Road as Janeece. She’s still as fierce and funny as ever, but now she’s Mummy Janeece - I can’t wait for everyone to see what she’s been up to.”
There's also a new wave of newly qualified teachers set to appear in series 18, including Tashinga Bepete as Edward Connell, Cora Kirk as Leah Merchant, and Mollie Winnard as Gemma Tully.
Joining the student cast in the upcoming series are Leo Ashton (Liam Shaw), Callum Broome (Nathan Clark), Yousef Naseer (Ibrahim Azzi), Lewis Pemberton (Cane Morris), and Keelan Wright (Marshall Clark).
Bosses are yet to announce if any of the cast from series 17 will be returning, but fans will be hoping to see the likes of Adam Thomas (Donte Charles), Lindsey Coulson (Dame Stella Drake), and Jason Merrells (Jack Rimmer) all return.
Speaking about the upcoming 18th series, Cameron Roach, Founder of Rope Ladder Fiction and Exec Producer for Waterloo Road says: " 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.”
READ MORE: Waterloo Road: A guide to the rebooted school drama
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama says of series 18: “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.”
Whilst we await series 18, you fans can watch all 17 series of Waterloo Road on BBC iPlayer now.
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Author: Alex Ross
Alex Ross is a Digital Content Editor across Rayo brands, including the Hits Radio Network, Greatest Hits Radio, KISS, Cool FM and Magic Radio. After beginning her career as a Marketing Intern with Bauer Media in 2016, she transitioned into digital editorial and has spent the past decade creating engaging content for millions of readers. Whether it’s reality shows, sitcoms, gritty crime dramas or hard-hitting documentaries, Alex is an expert in all things TV, as well as knowing the ins and outs of celebrities.