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South Wales Guardian
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
BBC school drama Waterloo Road to continue for two more series
The BBC says the Manchester-set programme's return, which began in 2006 and ran until 2015 before it was brought back to screens in 2023, will allow it to continue with its investment in creative talent in the north of England. Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, said: 'I'm delighted that Waterloo Road will be opening its corridors once again, with two more series of the hit drama about to start filming. 'The show continues to entertain the audience who love to follow both the staff and pupils and, with a new series heading to BBC iPlayer and BBC One next month, they don't have long to wait.' The next series will see Jon Richardson make his debut as the school's new media studies teacher next month, and the show has already seen Lindsey Coulson replace comedian Jason Manford, who played Steven Savage, as new headteacher, Dame Stella Drake. During its time on TV, Waterloo Road has explored storylines such as the cost-of-living crisis, coercive control, neurodivergence, work-place politics, family drama, grief, and young love. The show has provided a launch pad for the careers of stars such as Lucien Laviscount, Rege-Jean Page and Chelsee Healey, as well as Phoebe Dynevor, whose sister Hattie Dynevor joined the series in 2024, and Adam Thomas, who returned when the series was rebooted in 2023 and remains on the show. Cameron Roach, Waterloo Road executive producer, said: 'When the BBC commissioned the reboot of Waterloo Road, we had hoped it might run for a few seasons. 'But to be commissioned for further series, bringing the total episodes since relaunch to 70 hours, is a huge achievement and a reflection of the incredible creative teams in front of and behind the camera. 'As well as continuing to celebrate emerging talent, the show is fast gaining a reputation for working with the best comedy talent, as Jon Richardson joins the cast this season. 'As a team we're incredibly proud that a very British show can be such an enduring success for the BBC and continue to bring in new generations of viewers.' Filming for the two new series will begin in Greater Manchester later this year, with the first of the pair to launch next year.
Leader Live
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
BBC school drama Waterloo Road to continue for two more series
The BBC says the Manchester-set programme's return, which began in 2006 and ran until 2015 before it was brought back to screens in 2023, will allow it to continue with its investment in creative talent in the north of England. Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, said: 'I'm delighted that Waterloo Road will be opening its corridors once again, with two more series of the hit drama about to start filming. 'The show continues to entertain the audience who love to follow both the staff and pupils and, with a new series heading to BBC iPlayer and BBC One next month, they don't have long to wait.' The next series will see Jon Richardson make his debut as the school's new media studies teacher next month, and the show has already seen Lindsey Coulson replace comedian Jason Manford, who played Steven Savage, as new headteacher, Dame Stella Drake. During its time on TV, Waterloo Road has explored storylines such as the cost-of-living crisis, coercive control, neurodivergence, work-place politics, family drama, grief, and young love. The show has provided a launch pad for the careers of stars such as Lucien Laviscount, Rege-Jean Page and Chelsee Healey, as well as Phoebe Dynevor, whose sister Hattie Dynevor joined the series in 2024, and Adam Thomas, who returned when the series was rebooted in 2023 and remains on the show. Cameron Roach, Waterloo Road executive producer, said: 'When the BBC commissioned the reboot of Waterloo Road, we had hoped it might run for a few seasons. 'But to be commissioned for further series, bringing the total episodes since relaunch to 70 hours, is a huge achievement and a reflection of the incredible creative teams in front of and behind the camera. 'As well as continuing to celebrate emerging talent, the show is fast gaining a reputation for working with the best comedy talent, as Jon Richardson joins the cast this season. 'As a team we're incredibly proud that a very British show can be such an enduring success for the BBC and continue to bring in new generations of viewers.' Filming for the two new series will begin in Greater Manchester later this year, with the first of the pair to launch next year.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Huge BBC drama to return for TWO more series after replacing Holby City
A HUGE BBC drama is returning for two more series after it replaced Holby City, the corporation has announced. School drama Waterloo Road returned to screens two years ago after the BBC cancelled medical drama Holby City in order to move TV investment away from London. 2 Now the series has been recommissioned for at least two more runs. The BBC says the Manchester-set programme's return, which began in 2006 and ran until 2015 before it was brought back to screens in 2023, will allow it to continue with its investment in creative talent in the north of England. Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, said: "I'm delighted that Waterloo Road will be opening its corridors once again, with two more series of the hit drama about to start filming. "The show continues to entertain the audience who love to follow both the staff and pupils and, with a new series heading to BBC iPlayer and BBC One next month, they don't have long to wait." The next series will see Jon Richardson make his debut as the school's new media studies teacher next month, and the show has already seen Lindsey Coulson replace comedian Jason Manford, who played Steven Savage, as new headteacher, Dame Stella Drake. During its time on TV, Waterloo Road has explored storylines such as the cost-of-living crisis, coercive control, neurodivergence, work-place politics, family drama, grief, and young love. The show has provided a launch pad for the careers of stars such as Lucien Laviscount, Rege-Jean Page and Chelsee Healey, as well as Phoebe Dynevor, whose sister Hattie Dynevor joined the series in 2024, and Adam Thomas, who returned when the series was rebooted in 2023 and remains on the show. Cameron Roach, Waterloo Road executive producer, said: 'When the BBC commissioned the reboot of Waterloo Road, we had hoped it might run for a few seasons. "But to be commissioned for further series, bringing the total episodes since relaunch to 70 hours, is a huge achievement and a reflection of the incredible creative teams in front of and behind the camera. "As well as continuing to celebrate emerging talent, the show is fast gaining a reputation for working with the best comedy talent, as Jon Richardson joins the cast this season. "As a team we're incredibly proud that a very British show can be such an enduring success for the BBC and continue to bring in new generations of viewers." Filming for the two new series will begin in Greater Manchester later this year, with the first of the pair to launch next year.
UPI
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- UPI
Jodie Whittaker, Jason Watkins join 'Dear England' cast
1 of 2 | Jodie Whittaker has joined the cast of the BBC miniseries "Dear England." File Photo by Vickie Flores/EPA July 7 (UPI) -- Doctor Who alum Jodie Whittaker and The Crown actor Jason Watkins have joined the cast of the BBC's screen adaptation of James Graham's play Dear England. Filming has begun on the four-part series about Gareth Southgate and the England soccer team. Joseph Fiennes was previously announced to play athlete and team manager Southgate. "We're so thrilled to announce such a fantastic cast for Dear England and it has been a joy to witness the comradery within this top team as they start filming," Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, said in a statement Monday. "With Joseph Fiennes and Jodie Whittaker leading the cast, Rupert Gold and Paul Whittington directing and Left Bank Pictures producing, BBC viewers are in for a real treat."
The Sun
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Call The Midwife fans convinced show will end in heartbreaking death as they work out final storyline
CALL The Midwife fans have been left convinced that the show will end in a tragic death after news the main series could come to an end. The popular BBC family drama will come to a close following the conclusion of the 15th series which is currently being filmed and is due to air next year. 3 3 3 It has left fans speculating at to how the programme might reach its conclusion and some have predicted a tragic death could be on the cards for one of its most popular characters. One character who looks set to meet her match during the show's finale is Sister Monica Joan. Whilst not confirmed, fans have begun to cast suspicion that she could fall victim to a death in the programme's final episode. The character, played by actress Judy Parfitt, has been a part of the show since the very first series and has been one of the drama's fan-favourite characters. Taking to Reddit, it led one fan to quip that they could kill off their longest-serving character for shock value. Speculating what is to come: "Something tells me that something is going to happen to Sister Monica Joan. "I think it's going to be a two part episode and the series will end with implications for the upcoming film... and maybe something for the prequel series." Another added: "Maybe so. I've honestly been waiting for Sister Monica Joan to leave because she was a bit of a nuisance at times and very openly disobedient and often willful. "The actress is wonderful but the character has been shown less and less the past couple of years." Whilst many fans were sad to see the programme come to an end, others argued that now felt the right time to call it a day. Call The Midwife fans in tears as beloved Nonnatus House resident dies in emotional scenes They added online: "I love the series but honestly it was time for it to end anyway. Maybe even beyond time. Especially after Lucille left." As someone else penned: "I'm not too sorry about the show ending — it's had a fabulous run, but the writing and storylines just aren't what they were in the early years." However, the BBC have clarified that whilst Call the Midwife's main series may be paused - the show's prequel and spin-off movie mean the show will still be on the air for years to come. They said: "The BBC would like to reassure fans that Call The Midwife will remain at the heart of the BBC for years to come. "As previously announced, there are two Christmas specials, a new series, a film and prequel series, before a sixteenth series in due course. "Call the Midwife isn't going anywhere.' Up to 11 million people watched the highly-anticipated episodes at any time since it first launched in 2012. It has won numerous awards including National Television Awards, TV Choice Awards and has received several BAFTA nominations. Call The Midwife: A breakdown Call The Midwife first came onto the airwaves in 2012 and has been seen by millions. But what is it about? Series one: Set in early 1957 and it explored the 'Baby Boom generation, which included themes of poverty and post-war immigration. Series two: Set in 1958 and it showed gas and air being introduced for pain relief for the first time. It ended with the Nonnatus House building being condemned. Series three: Set in 1959 and it depicted gruesome conditions such as cystic fibrosis, polio and it showed the midwives in the context on prisons. Series four: Set in 1960 under the threat of nuclear warfare and the emergency response guidelines issued by the local Civil Defence Corp. Other themes included LGBT rights, and syphilis. Series five: Set in 1961 and it shows the care of patients with conditions such as Typhoid and strokes. We also saw the effects of thalidomide, the introduction of the contraceptive pill. Series six: Set in 1962 and domestic violence was at the centre of the season. Other themes included FGM (female genital mutilation), mental health issues and interracial marriage. It was also notable for the introduction of Reggie, a recurring character with Down Syndrome. Series seven: Set in 1963 and we see Nurse Lucille Anderson for the first time. We also see the show address conditions such as dementia, huntington's disease, leprosy and meningitis Series eight: Set in 1964 and it bravely covered the issue of abortion, which was not legal for another three years in 1967. Sickle cell disease, cleft lip, cleft palate and intersex people also featured. Series nine: Diptheria was at the centre of the ninth instalment in 1965, and it was notable for featuring a blind expectant mother. But the role of Nonnatus House within the community also came into question. Series ten: Set in 1966, Nonnatus House has a rival in the form of the private Lady Emily Clinic in Mayfair. PKU, diabetes and the controversy surrounding abortion were central themes. Series eleven: Set in 1967 amid the housing crisis and a scabies epidemic. The show was rocked by a train crash right next to Nonnatus House.
