Adam Thomas, Angela Griffin and Kate Griffiths make epic return to Waterloo Road in first look pics
WATERLOO Road's Adam Thomas, Angela Griffin and Kate Griffiths have given fans a glimpse behind-the-scenes ahead of the show's epic return.
The school-based drama originally aired from 2006-2015 and featured familiar faces including Jill Halfpenny, Neil Morrissey and Neil Pearson.
It is returning for a new series six years after being axed by the BBC, as part of a commitment to creating new shows across the country.
In one of the images, Adam and Kate are seen reading from their scripts as they rehearse together on set.
Adam, 33, will be reprising his role but not as bad boy Donte Charles - and instead as a brand new teacher.
He appeared in the show from 2006 to 2009, and now he's returning to the show that made him famous.
Actress Katie, 32, is returning as Chlo Charles, her character married boyfriend Donte as soon as she turned 16 in the hope that she would have the stability after her mother was murdered.
She also embarked on an affair with her sister Mika's boyfriend Brett Aspinall and then got back together with Donte and later discovered that she was pregnant.
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Meanwhile, Angela, 45, is back as Kim Campbell and is now Headteacher of the school.
In another image the trio appear to be in good spirits on set and in a third photo Adam is seen holding his script with his name printed on the front.
The three actors excitedly reunited for the first time after years apart as they begin to prepare for filming.
The award-winning contemporary drama series, which is set to return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer later this year, will start shooting on location in Greater Manchester next month.
Angela said: “I feel really honoured to be joining the new series of Waterloo Road.
"It is exciting to be stepping back into Kim’s shoes and I can’t wait to explore her life, character and how she has evolved since we last met her.
"The writers have some amazing storylines planned and I’m looking forward to welcoming viewers back to Waterloo Road."
Former Emmerdale star Adam shared his excitement about his return and teased that the upcoming series will be one to watch.
“I’m so excited to go back to where it all started! Waterloo Road was a huge part of my life and career so to go back 15 years later is a dream come true," Adam said.
"I feel so blessed to have been given this opportunity to get back to acting and doing what I love!
";I can’t wait to see some old faces and some new. I know this series is going to be the best one yet…”
TV star Katie added: “I am incredibly excited to be returning to Waterloo Road - loved by all who make and watch it!
"Chlo was my first professional acting role, and I feel so lucky to be part of the show again. I can't wait to see what stories unfold!”
It's unclear yet if more original cast will be joining the trio, but earlier this year Chelsee Healy - who played Janeece Bryant - from 2006 to 2012 confirmed she would be more than happy to take part.
She said: "So Waterloo Road Reunion is on the cards. Who is here for it?"
The BBC hopes it will drama production skills in the North of England “reflect, represent and serve all parts of the country.”
Piers Wenger, Director of BBC Drama, said: “Waterloo Road is the perfect lens through which to explore post-Covid Britain, from the perspective of those who have arguably been affected most: young people in education.
"We are thrilled to be returning to this brilliant format - its thrills and spills, unmissable characters and high drama - at a time when audiences across Britain need it most - and to be collaborating with the brilliant Cameron Roach and Wall To Wall on its return.”
Cameron Roach, Executive Producer, added: "I’m really thrilled to be working with the BBC and Wall To Wall, in re-igniting the iconic brand of Waterloo Road.
"The vital and urgent stories that are playing out in schools across the UK provide incredible and emotionally powerful themes, that we’re excited to bring to a new generation of fans.
"Waterloo Road will continue its reputation for kickstarting, supporting and enabling careers both in front of and behind the camera, in a truly inclusive way, from our base in Greater Manchester."
Fans were furious when Waterloo Road was axed from scheduled back in 2015, after first airing in 2006.
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It came back to BBC iPlayer as a boxset in 2019, leading to renewed interest a whole generation of new fans which means it is consistently in the top five most-watched shows for young audiences on BBC iPlayer.
Watch previous series of Waterloo Road on BBC iPlayer.
