Chelsee Healey is returning to Waterloo Road as Janeece Bryant
For the show's 20th anniversary
Last updated 12 hours ago
Following in the footsteps of Adam Thomas, Denise Welch and Jason Merrells, actress Chelsee Healey is returning to hit BBC school drama Waterloo Road, reprising her role as the iconic Janeece Bryant to celebrate the show's 20th anniversary.
Chelsee, who was a fan favourite as school girl Janeece after she joined the show in 2006, will return in series 18, which is due to air later this year.
Joining Chelsee on the show is newcomer Lauren Hylton as her on screen daughter, Cheryl Bryant - a new student at Waterloo Road.
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.”
Cameron Roach, Founder of Rope Ladder Fiction and Exec Producer for Waterloo Road says: "This is a real coming of age moment for Waterloo Road, a show that we believe can continue to refresh itself for a new generation. As we celebrate this twentieth anniversary we're thrilled to announce that Chelsee Healey will be returning to the show as Janeece. Janeece truly reflects the spirit and humour of the show, and the common thread that unites the many generations of the show."
As fans will know, Chelsee briefly returned to the show in 2023 for Chlo Thomas' (Katie Griffiths) funeral, but this time she's back as a regular cast member.
The BBC say of her character: 'First seen in 2006 as a pupil at the school, Janeece brought a unique mix of chaos, comedy and heart to Waterloo Road, often landing herself in trouble but always leading with good intentions. Her return now promises that same blend of humour and warmth that made her a fan favourite the first time around, offering a fresh chapter for one of the show’s most recognisable and enduring characters.'
Chelsea, who left her role as Goldie McQueen on Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks earlier this year, isn't the only new face for series 18.
Also joining the student cast are Leo Ashton (Liam Shaw), Callum Broome (Nathan Clark), Yousef Naseer (Ibrahim Azzi), Lewis Pemberton (Cane Morris), and Keelan Wright (Marshall Clark). The upcoming series will also introduce a wave of newly qualified teachers (NQTs), including Tashinga Bepete as Edward Connell, Cora Kirk as Leah Merchant, and Mollie Winnard as Gemma Tully.
To celebrate the show's 20th anniversary on Monday night (9th March), old and new Waterloo Road cast members attended a party, with a social post reading: 'Ain’t no party like a #WaterlooRoad 20th Birthday party 🎉'. (sic)
When is series 18 out?
There's no exact start date for series 18 just yet, but it's expected to arrive sometime in 2026. The show has already been renewed for a 19th series, which is expected in 2027.
How can I watch old series?
The original series of Waterloo Road (series one-10) are available on BBC iPlayer now, with the show celebrating its 20th anniversary on Monday 9th March 2026.
The rebooted series (11-17) are also available to watch on BBC iPlayer now.
Now read:
Waterloo Road: A guide to the rebooted school drama
Denise Welch reprises Waterloo Road role as iconic teacher Steph Haydock
Adam Thomas' real-life son cast alongside him in Waterloo Road