List of Waterloo Road characters

This article lists the characters and the actors who played them in the BBC One school-based drama series Waterloo Road.

The longest-running cast members were Philip Martin Brown (Grantly Budgen), Jason Done (Tom Clarkson), Chelsee Healey (Janeece Bryant) and Denise Welch (Steph Haydock), who appeared from series 1 until their exits in series 9 for Brown, 8 for Done and Healey, and 6 for Welch, respectively. Healey was not in series 5, however. Healey also returned for a guest appearance in series 11.

The longest-serving headteacher was Rachel Mason, who was played by Eva Pope from series 3 until her exit in series 5.

Main characters

Senior Management Team

Series	Episodes	Headteacher	Deputy Head(s)			Head of Pastoral Care	Executive Head
1	1–8	Jack Rimmer	Andrew Treneman			Kim Campbell	Does not appear
2	1–12		Andrew Treneman			Kim Campbell
3	1–6		Eddie Lawson			Steph Haydock
	7–10	Rachel Mason				Steph Haydock
	11–20					Tom Clarkson
4	1–9					Tom Clarkson
	10					Does not appear
	11–20					Kim Campbell
5	1–10		Christopher Mead				Max Tyler
5	11–20						Does not appear
6	1–10	Karen Fisher				Does not appear
6	11–20					Adanna Lawal
7	1–10					Does not appear
7	11–30	Michael Byrne	Sian Diamond		Tom Clarkson
8	1–19		Sian Diamond
	20		Does not appear
	21–28		Nikki Boston
	29–30	Christine Mulgrew	Simon Lowsley
9	1–2				Does not appear
	3–18				George Windsor
	19–20				Does not appear
10	1–9	Vaughan Fitzgerald			Does not appear
	10		Does not appear
	11–20		Lorna Hutchinson
11	1–7	Kim Campbell	Lindon King		Joe Casey
12	1–7						Andrew Treneman
13	1–8						Andrew Treneman
14	1–2	Steve Savage	Does not appear			Valerie Chambers	Serena Michelle Davies
14	3–8	Steve Savage	Coral Walker			Joe Casey
15	1–8	Stella Drake
16	1–7
16	8		Jack Rimmer
17	1–8		Darius Donovan	Nisha Chandra
18	1–			Nisha Chandra

Staff

Head

Jack Rimmer (Jason Merrells, series 1−3, 15–17) is the headteacher of Waterloo Road from the start of the series, who initially assumes the position in an acting capacity after his predecessor's public breakdown. His efforts to turn the school around face various challenges, and his confrontational style causes consternation. He has romantic liaisons with Steph Haydock and LEA inspector Heather Davenport, and a more serious relationship with Davina Shackleton. In series 3, after witnessing Izzie Redpath's death he finds it increasingly difficult to cope with the pressures of running the school, and resigns with immediate effect after being reprimanded for financial mismanagement. He briefly returns later in series 3 in an attempt to win Davina back, but she chooses to remain with Tom. In series 15 Jack returns as a counsellor, having left teaching in the intervening years. After becoming his client, Stella Drake offers Jack a job leading the school's renewed pastoral care provision. After a chance meeting with Darius Donovan at an addiction support group, Jack suggests to Stella that Darius may not be ready for more responsibility. Jack accepts the Deputy Head position to prevent Darius from being promoted, but starts drinking again to cope. He discovers that Darius is covering up his part in Stella's granddaughter's death, and punches Darius. With his drinking uncovered, his accusations against Darius go unheard and he is forced to leave the school. He later returns after entering recovery, makes amends with Stella and helps to uncover Darius's criminal activity
Rachel Mason (Eva Pope, series 3−5), born Amanda Fenshaw, is the second Headteacher of Waterloo Road. Arriving in the wake of Jack Rimmer's sudden resignation, she makes an uncompromisingly ambitious start but soon wins the support of her staff. However, she is confronted by prospective developer Stuart Hordley, who threatens to expose her true identity and criminal past. The blackmail ends when Eddie Lawson learns the truth, although Rachel is seriously injured in the fire that engulfs the school shortly after and subsequently suffers from post-traumatic stress. In series 5, she oversees the merger with John Fosters but quickly begins to feel undermined by Executive Head Max Tyler. After Max is eventually forced out, Rachel settles back into her role and enjoys the romantic attentions of Adam Fleet, the new Healthy Schools Co-ordinator. Although their relationship progresses quickly to an engagement, Rachel struggles to separate her work and personal life and decides to leave the school after marrying Adam.
Karen Fisher (Amanda Burton, series 6−7) is the third Headteacher of Waterloo Road. The school is her first job since the disappearance of her elder daughter, Bex. Karen is proud and sometimes distant, especially towards her family, but softens over time. As well as Bex's disappearance, Karen deals with her wayward younger daughter Jess, bulimic son Harry and unfaithful husband Charlie. She is delighted when Bex returns home, but continues to struggle to talk about her time away. In series 7, Karen begins a relationship with Site Manager Rob Scotcher, which is complicated by the return of his wife and his son, Aiden, cheating on Jess. She faces a vendetta from teacher Eleanor Chaudry and Director of Education Richard Whitman, leaving the school facing closure. While a demonstration of support from staff and pupils allows Waterloo Road to remain open, Karen is dismissed.
Michael Byrne (Alec Newman, series 7−8) is the Headteacher of Waterloo Road in both Rochdale and Scotland. A so-called "super Head", he is appointed with a mandate to reverse the school's fortunes but struggles with trauma after being stabbed at his last school. He appoints his former partner, Sian Diamond, as Deputy Headteacher along with Tom Clarkson, and soon begins an affair with her. He is also stalked by Linda Radleigh, who runs him down with her car. Despite overcoming his setbacks, he does not do enough to keep the school open, though after an offer from his former pupil Lorraine Donnegan he makes plans to re-open Waterloo Road in Scotland. In series 8, Michael reunites with his terminally ill father and allows him to die, facing a court case in the aftermath. He also begins a relationship with Christine Mulgrew. Following Sian's departure, tensions between Michael and Lorraine over the running of the school increase. Michael briefly resigns, before plotting to sell the school to the local authority. After realising the deal will not allow him the active role he desires, Michael steps down once more and recommends Christine as his replacement.
Christine Mulgrew (Laurie Brett, series 8−10) is an English teacher, who is appointed as Headteacher of Waterloo Road towards the end of series 8. Christine is an alcoholic, regularly dependent on her teenage son Connor to take care of her. After discovering Connor is the school's arsonist, Christine realises the impact of her behaviour and gives up alcohol. She begins a relationship with Michael, but is more invested than he is. Christine focuses on advancing her career, applying for a job at Havelock High and covering head of year responsibilities for an unwell Grantly. She is devastated when Michael decides to end their relationship and resign from Waterloo Road, but decides to accept the Acting Headteacher's job for her own sake. Despite her inexperience, Christine makes ambitious plans for the school, with George Windsor's Mandarin programme the cornerstone of her innovations. She also makes George Deputy Head in an effort to curb Simon's attempts to outshine her. Ultimately, the exposure of George as a fraud nearly costs her the permanent headship until Simon decides to endorse her application. Christine is tempted by alcohol on several occasions, but remains sober until after Connor leaves home. Her relapse has devastating consequences, losing Christine her job as Head. Her impassioned appeal and Simon's intervention allow her to continue teaching at the school, and she returns to the classroom in series 10.
Vaughan Fitzgerald (Neil Pearson, series 10) is the sixth Headteacher of Waterloo Road. Initially distracted by the difficulties of his home life with Allie, he later puts his energies into fighting the merger with Havelock High.
Kim Campbell (Angela Griffin, series 1−2, 4−5, 11–13; featured series 14) is an Art teacher, who is Head of Pastoral Care at the series' start and Headteacher between series 11 and 13. She enjoys the unwavering support of Jack Rimmer, which helps her overcome the trauma of an attempted sexual assault by a pupil. Following a slow-burning flirtation with Andrew Treneman she decides to join him in Rwanda, but returns to Rochdale and her old job during series 4. Her return is tainted by the revelation that her baby daughter was illegally adopted. She subsequently falls into an ill-fated relationship with Max Tyler, from which she falls pregnant, and leaves the school following the birth of her son, Dexter. Off-screen, after Dexter dies Kim refocuses her career and ultimately becomes Headteacher of William Beswick High School. In series 11, she champions William Beswick's change of name to Waterloo Road following a protest by the pupils. She is hit hard by the arrest of pupil Danny Lewis for knife crime, and his later death on school grounds, but finds solace in her reunion with Andrew. She shepherds the school's entry into the academy trust run by Andrew and then steps down from her role, initially with a view to replacing an unwell Andrew as the trust CEO, though this does not transpire. She returns in series 14 and helps to uncover the truth around pupil Boz Osbourne's death, by which time she has married Andrew and become pregnant.
Steven "Steve" Savage (Jason Manford, series 14) is the eighth Headteacher of Waterloo Road. Following Joe's resignation from the Headteacher position, Steve is appointed from the academy trust Waterloo Road recently joined. Steve is a charismatic Headteacher who, due to his upbringing in care, adopts a "no kid gets left behind" attitude to education. He was also in a relationship with Nicky as a teenager. He is a solo parent to Billy Savage since his wife died, and moves him to Waterloo Road. When Billy causes the death of pupil Boz Osbourne, Steve covers up the death and is ultimately arrested for the crime.
Dame Stella Drake (Lindsey Coulson, series 15–) is the ninth Headteacher of Waterloo Road, who joins the school following Steve's arrest. Stella was previously ranked highly at Ofsted until a social media scandal damaged her reputation, but nevertheless brings an "uncompromising work ethic, strict moral compass and no-nonsense approach" to Waterloo Road. After she is severely attacked on school grounds, Stella gradually softens her approach to the role. She receives counselling from Jack Rimmer, before convincing him to join Waterloo Road. In series 16, she takes over the care of her grandchildren, Ben and Hope, while their mother undergoes psychiatric care. Hope dies from anaphylaxis, and an investigation finds the school partially responsible. Stella continues to rely on Jack's support and appoints him as Deputy Head, but then discovers he is drinking alcohol on the job and fires him.

Deputy

Andrew Treneman (Jamie Glover, series 1−2, 12−13; guest series 4, 14) is the Deputy Head of Waterloo Road, hired by Jack Rimmer in the series' first episode. Passionate but unfamiliar with the challenges of an inner-city comprehensive, Andrew's ideas lead him into conflict with Kim Campbell. He briefly becomes Headteacher in series 2, but finds he is unsuited to the position and returns to working under Jack's leadership. After securing a position in a Rwandan school and resigning from Waterloo Road, he declares his feelings for Kim and asks her to come with him. In series 4, he returns out of concern for Kim in the aftermath of her false adoption. They eventually reunite, and Andrew misses his return flight to stay with her. However, he returns to Rwanda off-screen and is not seen again until series 12 when he approaches the new Waterloo Road to assist with a knife crime initiative, desiring to resume contact with Kim. In series 13 Andrew is the CEO of the Lowry Community Academies Trust, which Waterloo Road ultimately joins. After resuming his relationship with Kim, she supports him through his treatment for bowel cancer and Andrew proposes to Kim at the end of series 13.
Eddie Lawson (Neil Morrissey, series 3−4) is the Deputy Head of Waterloo Road, taking over from Andrew Treneman. Shortly after his arrival, Jack Rimmer resigns and Eddie is disappointed that Rachel Mason is appointed Headteacher over himself. Despite a difficult start, Eddie quickly develops a strong loyalty to Rachel and stands by her when her past is revealed. In series 4 he begins a relationship with Melissa Ryan, Rachel's sister, unaware that she is already married. He later develops feelings for Rachel, but their burgeoning romance ends when Melissa returns pregnant with Eddie's baby. Eddie leaves the school, feeling it would be too difficult to continue working alongside Rachel.
Christopher Mead (William Ash, series 5−7) is the Deputy Head under Rachel Mason and Karen Fisher. Previously the Deputy Head of John Fosters, his loyalty is caught between Max Tyler and Rachel before he realises the extent of Max's deceptions. Despite a brief romantic liaison with Rachel he begins a relationship with Kim during her pregnancy, but she leaves him after the birth of her son. His working relationship with Karen begins positively, until he realises he has had sex with her teenage daughter. Karen allows him to stay after learning the truth. In series 7 his actions in defence of the pupils become increasingly extreme, especially after Scout arrives at the school. He is suspended when he hides a bag of cannabis for Scout, and later allows her to stay at his house. Realising that teaching does not allow him to do enough to help young people, he decides on a change of career.
Sian Diamond (Jaye Jacobs, series 7−8) is a Deputy Headteacher under Michael Byrne. A highly competent and popular teacher, Sian is loyal to Michael even after their affair ends and is the first staff member to agree to move to Scotland with the school. In Series 8, she helps Michael make peace with his father but is furious at his involvement in his death. Sian is made responsible for Barry Barry after he arrives with his troublesome family and initially ignores his inappropriate comments, but after Barry steals an item of her underwear she impulsively strikes him. Despite the support of Michael and the students who witnessed the incident, Sian is horrified by her actions and immediately resigns.
Tom Clarkson (Jason Done, series 1−8) is an English teacher, who also serves periods as Head of Pastoral Care and Deputy Head. Tom marries Lorna Dickey in the series' first episode, but kisses Izzie Redpath on the same day and is caught between the two women afterwards. After both Lorna and Izzie die, Tom is left as guardian to Izzie's daughters, and blames Jack for her murder. He later enjoys a relationship with Davina Shackleton but soon becomes a parental figure for the Kelly family after becoming romantically involved with their mother, Rose Kelly, and in series 5 learns of the existence of his teenage son, Josh Stevenson, who comes out as gay soon after. He also later indulges in brief romances with Cesca Montoya and Eleanor Chaudry. Professionally, Tom is initially seen as popular but unambitious, but takes to the role of Head of Pastoral Care in series 3. Although he steps down after Maxine Barlow's murder by another pupil, he receives further promotions to Head of English in series 5 and Deputy Headteacher in series 7. After learning of Josh's diagnosis of schizophrenia, Tom makes the decision for them to join the re-opened Waterloo Road in Scotland. He agrees to donate one of his kidneys to Grantly Budgen, but before he can do so is killed in a fall from the school's roof while aiding a troubled former pupil.
Simon Lowsley (Richard Mylan, series 8−10) is the Deputy Head of Waterloo Road. Appointed as part of the council's takeover of the school, Simon's arrival surprises Christine at the end of her first day as Head and prevents her from retaining Nikki as a Deputy. Highly ambitious, Simon threatens to outshine Christine and applies for the Headteacher position with the encouragement of Head of Education Robert Bain, his future father-in-law. He initially hides his engagement to Sue from Christine, and then attempts to cover up her difficulties in the classroom, but stops making excuses for her when her negligence puts a pupil in danger. After seeing Christine open up about her alcoholism to help a struggling mother and son, Simon withdraws his application for the Head's position and supports Christine thereafter, including during her relapse. He continues as Deputy under Vaughan Fitzgerald, though his efforts to impress the new Head are not well received. He leaves the school when Sue's affair with Hector is exposed, after attacking the latter in a fit of rage.
George Windsor (Angus Deayton, series 8−10) is the Head of Modern Languages, and a Deputy Head under Christine. George first comes to the school as supply during a strike, and Christine's first act as Head is to appoint him to the staff permanently. Despite being old friends with Christine, George struggles to understand her personal issues and often casually offers her alcohol. He antagonises both Nikki and Simon, calling the latter "Mr Lousy". George is married to Princess, who he met in her native China, and he requests she is hired as a Mandarin Teaching Assistant to cover up his own failings in the language. Princess soon becomes dissatisfied with the situation and leaves him, after which Christine demands that George takes night classes in Mandarin. The situation is eventually exposed, leaving George to return to teaching French and Spanish. Later in series 9, he begins a relationship with Carol Barry that ends after a disastrous cruise holiday. Christine removes him as Deputy Head after he neglects his duties when left in charge of the school. He resigns from Waterloo Road after taking an instant dislike to Vaughan in series 10, but later returns with news that the council intends to merge the school with Havelock High. He uses this information as leverage to be reappointed onto the staff.
Lorna Hutchinson (Laura Aikman, series 10) is the Deputy Headteacher of Waterloo Road, appointed following Simon's departure. Lorna tutors the illiterate Kenzie Calhoun out of lessons and quickly becomes a popular figure in the school, despite some competitiveness with Christine Mulgrew. It later emerges that she has escaped an abusive marriage.
Lindon King (Vincent Jerome, series 11–13), Deputy Head and Science teacher. He separates from his wife Hannah over his work-life balance and has a brief relationship with Kim. After accidentally informing Erica Thorn about Donte's outburst and Danny Lewis's arrest, Erica offers Lindon the job in Kim's place but he says he doesn't have what it takes to lead a school like Waterloo Road High. He is also coach of the school basketball team. Lindon leaves Waterloo Road following the school joining the academy trust.
Joe Casey (James Baxter, series 11–), Deputy Head and Languages teacher. He is married to police officer Mike Rutherford and together they adopted Waterloo Road students Dwayne and Zayne Jackson. Joe is popular with the pupils, but at times struggles to be taken seriously. He briefly takes over from Kim as Headteacher, but finds himself unsuited to the position and is replaced by Steve Savage. Joe is uncomfortable with Steve's maverick tendencies, but ultimately finds his place in the school again. In series 15, Joe and Mike foster Schuey Weever. After growing distant from Mike, Joe starts an affair with Mitch Swift, which results in the end of his marriage.
Coral Walker (Rachel Leskovac, series 11–), Head of English, and Deputy Head from series 14. She has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and takes hygiene very seriously. On the first day of term she bumps into a car which hits Chlo Charles. Though she is cleared of wrongdoing, she feels guilty when Chlo dies unexpectedly the same day as the incident. The police inquest rules that there was no single identifiable cause for her death but Coral still can't get over it. At the end of term she tells Kim that she doesn't want to return and Donte suggests she run the charity in Chlo's honour. She begins a relationship with Neil Guthrie and helps him negotiate his relationship with his daughter, Libby. After becoming Deputy Head, she leads the integration of deaf pupils from a nearby school that is closed, and comes to terms with her estrangement from her deaf cousin. In series 15, Coral unexpectedly becomes pregnant and gives birth to a son, George. Upon her return from maternity leave she struggles with her competing demands, and chooses to step aside from the Deputy Head role until she feels more ready.
Darius Donovan (Jon Richardson, series 16–17), media studies teacher and Deputy Head in series 17. Darius has a history of addiction, and shifts the blame onto Marc Todd when his drugs are found on his first day. He continues to manipulate situations to his own benefit, and after a cupcake he gives to pupil Hope Drake causes her death from anaphylaxis, allows Wendy Whitwell to suffer the consequences. After Jack Rimmer undermines his attempts to secure the Deputy Head position, Darius engineers his relapse into alcoholism and discredits Jack's accusations towards him. After firing Jack, Stella offers Darius his position as Deputy Head.
Nisha Chandra (Saira Choudhry, series 14–), Head of Maths. Nisha puts minimal effort into teaching, but agrees to help Donte with his GCSE study. When her daughter, Jas Sharma, comes to the school as a new teacher they initially keep their relationship a secret, and later learn that Donte has been having sex with them both. She later begins a relationship with Darius Donovan and falls pregnant, but realises his true character and helps to bring about his downfall.

Head of Pastoral Care

Kim Campbell (Angela Griffin, series 1−2, 4−5, 11–13; featured series 14) is an Art teacher, who is Head of Pastoral Care at the series' start and Headteacher between series 11 and 13. She enjoys the unwavering support of Jack Rimmer, which helps her overcome the trauma of an attempted sexual assault by a pupil. Following a slow-burning flirtation with Andrew Treneman she decides to join him in Rwanda, but returns to Rochdale and her old job during series 4. Her return is tainted by the revelation that her baby daughter was illegally adopted. She subsequently falls into an ill-fated relationship with Max Tyler, from which she falls pregnant, and leaves the school following the birth of her son, Dexter. Off-screen, after Dexter dies Kim refocuses her career and ultimately becomes Headteacher of William Beswick High School. In series 11, she champions William Beswick's change of name to Waterloo Road following a protest by the pupils. She is hit hard by the arrest of pupil Danny Lewis for knife crime, and his later death on school grounds, but finds solace in her reunion with Andrew. She shepherds the school's entry into the academy trust run by Andrew and then steps down from her role, initially with a view to replacing an unwell Andrew as the trust CEO, though this does not transpire. She returns in series 14 and helps to uncover the truth around pupil Boz Osbourne's death, by which time she has married Andrew and become pregnant.
Stephanie "Steph" Haydock (Denise Welch, series 1−5, 17; guest series 6) is a long-standing French teacher of questionable ability, who takes over as Head of Pastoral Care in series 3 following Kim Campbell's departure. Rachel Mason later removes her from this position in favour of Tom Clarkson and Steph is briefly made Finance Director, before being removed from that role as well for using false misconduct allegations to gather funds for the school. She is also the guardian of Maxine Barlow between series 2 and 4. In series 17, Steph returns as a cover teacher.
Tom Clarkson (Jason Done, series 3−4) is an English teacher, who also serves periods as Head of Pastoral Care.
Adanna Lawal (Sharlene Whyte, series 6) is the Head of Pastoral Care. She is argumentative and confrontational, immediately opposing Karen's single-sex teaching initiative and rallying support from the staff.

Executive Head

Max Tyler (Tom Chambers, series 5) is the Executive Head, overseeing a group in the Rochdale area after being promoted from his role as Headteacher of John Fosters. He soon becomes suspicious of Rachel Mason's running of Waterloo Road and decides to base himself there permanently, while also beginning an extra-marital relationship with Kim Campbell. His attempts to force Rachel out are eventually exposed, and he leaves the school in disgrace.
Andrew Treneman (Jamie Glover, series 12−13; guest series 14) is now the CEO of the Lowry Community Academies Trust, which Waterloo Road ultimately joins. After resuming his relationship with Kim, she supports him through his treatment for bowel cancer and Andrew proposes to Kim at the end of series 13.
Serena Michelle Davies (Kerry Howard, series 13–14, 17; guest series 15–16), Deputy CEO of the Lowry Community Academies Trust

Supporting characters

Students

Introduced in series 1

Chlo Grainger (Katie Griffiths, series 1−4; guest series 11)
Mika Grainger (Lauren Drummond, series 1−3; guest series 13)
Yasmin Deardon (Rhea Bailey, series 1)
Holly Tattersall (Daisy Wignall, series 1; guest series 2)
Lewis Seddon (Craig Fitzpatrick, series 1−3), also Canteen Assistant in series 3

Introduced in series 2

Brett Aspinall (Tom Payne, series 2−3)
Leigh-Ann Galloway (Holly Matthews, series 2)
Courtney (Rachel Shenton, series 2)
Celine Dixon (Zeriozha Burt-Skeete, series 2−3)
Maxine Barlow (Ellie Paskell, series 2−4)
Stacey Appleyard (Holly Grainger, series 2)

Introduced in series 3

Karla Bentham (Jessica Baglow, series 3−5)
Aleesha Dillon (Lauren Thomas, series 3−5)
Danielle Harker (Lucy Dixon, series 3−5)
Bolton Smilie (Tachia Newall, series 3−5; guest series 8)
Damon (Stefan Gumbs, series 3)
Paul Langley (Thomas Milner, series 3−5)
Shahid Kapoor (Naveed Choudhry, series 3; guest series 4)
Dominic Hammond (Joel Goonan, series 3)
Michaela White (Zaraah Abrahams, series 3−5)

Introduced in series 4

Denzil Kelly (Reece Douglas, series 4−7)
Earl Kelly (Reece Noi, series 4)
Marley Kelly (Luke Bailey, series 4)
Sambuca Kelly (Holly Kenny, series 4−7)
Flick Mellor (Sadie Pickering, series 4)
Philip Ryan (Dean Smith, series 4−5)
Lauren Andrews (Darcy Isa, series 4−7)

Introduced in series 5

Emily James (Shannon Flynn, series 5−7)
Lindsay James (Jenna-Louise Coleman, series 5)
Siobhan Mailey (Phoebe Dynevor, series 5)
Ros McCain (Sophie McShera, series 5)
Luke Pendle (Richie Jeeves, series 5)
Amy Porter (Ayesha Gwilt, series 5−7)
Josh Stevenson (William Rush, series 5−8)
Finn Sharkey (Jack McMullen, series 5−7)

Introduced in series 6

Ronan Burley (Ben-Ryan Davies, series 6−7)
Harry Fisher (Ceallach Spellman, series 6−7)
Jess Fisher (Linzey Cocker, series 6−7)
Jonah Kirby (Lucien Laviscount, series 6)
Ruth Kirby (Anna Jobarteh, series 6)
Vicki MacDonald (Rebecca Ryan, series 6−7; guest series 5)
Bex Fisher (Tina O'Brien, series 6)
Nate Gurney (Scott Haining, series 6)
Kyle Stack (George Sampson, series 6−7; guest series 8)

Introduced in series 7

Rhona Mansfield (Hope Katana, series 7)
Shona Mansfield (Millie Katana, series 7)
Aiden Scotcher (Oliver Lee, series 7)
Jodie "Scout" Allen (Katie McGlynn, series 7−8)
Tariq Siddiqui (Naveed Choudhry, series 7−8; guest series 9)
Trudi Siddiqui (Aryana Ramkhalawon, series 7)
Phoenix Taylor (Kaya Moore, series 7−8)
Harley Taylor (Kane Tomlinson-Weaver, series 7−10)
Madi Diamond (Georgia Henshaw, series 7−8)
Zack Diamond (Lee Abbate, series 7)
Naseem Siddiqui (Shifaa Arfann, series 7)

Introduced in series 8

Jade Fleming (Paige Meade, series 8)
Angus "Gus" Hancock (Benjamin Gur, series 8)
Connor Mulgrew (Shane O'Meara, series 8−9)
Imogen Stewart (Kirstie Steele, series 8−9)
Lula Tsibi (Marlene Madenge, series 8−9)
Rhiannon Salt (Rebecca Craven, series 8−10)
Liberty Gordon (Adiza Shardow, series 8)
Kevin Chalk (Tommy Lawrence Knight, series 8−10)
Barry Barry (Carl Au, series 8−9)
Dynasty Barry (Abby Mavers, series 8−9; guest series 10)
Kacey Barry (Brogan Ellis, series 8−10)
Jack MacAllister (Taylor Rhys, series 8)

Introduced in series 9

Lenny Brown (Joe Slater, series 9−10)
Lisa Brown (Caitlin Gillespie, series 9−10)
Darren Hughes (Mark Beswick, series 9−10)
Shaznay Montrose (Je'Taime Morgan Hanley, series 9−10)
Archie Wong (Christopher Chung, series 9)
Gabriella Wark (Naomi Battrick, series 9−10)

Introduced in series 10

Justin Fitzgerald (Max Bowden, series 10)
Leo Fitzgerald (Zebb Dempster, series 10)
Floyd Westbrook (Leo Flanagan, series 10)
Tiffany Westbrook (Sammy Oliver, series 10)
Kenzie Calhoun (Charlotte Beaumont, series 10)
Scott Fairchild (Andrew Still, series 10)
Carrie Norton (Tahirah Sharif, series 10)
Bonnie Kincaid (Holly Jack, series 10)
Dale Jackson (Finlay MacMillan, series 10)
Abdul Bukhari (Armin Karim, series 10)

Introduced in series 11

Shola Aku (Chiamaka Ulebor, series 11–)
Samia Choudhry (Priyasasha Kumari, series 11–13; guest series 14)
Kelly Jo Rafferty (Alicia Forde, series 11–14)
Kai Sharif (Adam Ali, series 11–13; guest series 14)
Preston Walters (Noah Valentine, series 11–14)
Tonya Walters (Summer Violet Bird, series 11–)
Izzy Charles (Scarlett Thomas, series 11–13; uncredited, series 4)
Dwanye Jackson (Thapelo Ray, series 11–)
Zayne Jackson (Inathi Rozani, series 11–13)
Dean Weever (Francesco Piacentini-Smith, series 11–13; guest series 14)
Noel McManus (Liam Scholes, series 11–)
Danny Lewis (Adam Abbou, series 11–12)
Verity King (Ava Flannery, series 11–12)
Caz Williams (Lucy Eleanor Begg, series 11–)
Millie Adebayo (Randi Agyare, series 11–)

Introduced in series 12

Myles Massey (Osian Morgan, series 12)
Norrulah Ashimi (Sahil Ismailkhil, series 12; guest series 11)

Introduced in series 13

Schumacher "Schuey" Weever (Zak Sutcliffe, series 13–)
Stacey "Stace" Neville (Tillie Amartey, series 13–)
Portia Weever (Maisey Robinson, series 13–)
Mollie "Mog" Richardson (Aabay Ali, series 13–)
Jess Clarke (Zanele Nyoni, series 13)
Libby Guthrie (Hattie Dynevor, series 13–)

Introduced in series 14

Boz Osbourne (Nathan Wood, series 14)
Aleena Qureshi (Sonya Nisa, series 14–)
Lois Taylor-Brown (Miya Ocego, series 14–)
Billy Savage (Olly Rhodes, series 14)
Luca Smith (Danny Murphy, series 14–)
Jared Jones (Matthew Khan, series 14–)

Staff

Estelle Cooper (Judith Barker, series 1), School secretary.
Bridget Morley (Jacqueline Kington, series 3), School secretary and bursar.
Candice Smilie (Kay Purcell, series 3−5), Senior Canteen Assistant and Bolton's mother.
Rose Kelly (Elaine Symons, series 4−5, 7; guest series 6), Canteen Assistant and mother to the Kelly children.
Melissa Ryan (Katy Carmichael, series 4), Head of Extended Services, Philip's mother and Rachel Mason's sister.
Dave Miller (Tim Healy, series 4), Head of Security.
Adam Fleet (Steven Waddington, series 5), Healthy Schools Co-ordinator and later Rachel's husband.
Ndale Kayuni (Richie Campbell, series 8), Maintenance Assistant and Audrey's fiancé.
Esther Fairclough (Daniela Nardini, series 8), Acting Head of Science.
Princess Windsor (Elizabeth Tan, series 9; guest series 8), Mandarin Teaching Assistant and George's wife.
Carol Barry (Zöe Lucker, series 9−10; recurring series 8), Canteen Assistant and mother to the Barry children.
Rolf Higgins (Barrie Greenwood, series 11, 13; guest series 12), caretaker.
Jamilah Omar (Sonia Ibrahim, series 12–13; recurring series 11), the school’s social worker.
Marc Todd (Tom Wells, series 13–), Maths teacher.
Debs Rafferty (Hollie-Jay Bowes, series 14–; recurring series 11–13), school cleaner, Kelly Jo's mother and Nicky's sister.
Jamie Haines (Robert Beck, series 14), caretaker.
Riley Murphy (Jude Mahon, series 14), Communication Support Worker.

Recurring characters

Clarence Charles (Steve Money, series 1, 4; guest series 3), Donte's father.
Jimmy Grainger (David Crellin, series 1), Mika and Chlo's father and Izzie's ex-husband.
Heather Davenport (Anna Wilson-Jones, series 1), LEA inspector.
Roger Aspinall (Nick Sidi, series 2), Brett's father, who financially invests in the school and sits on its board of governors.
Nigel Hinchcliffe (Robert Angell, series 2−3; guest series 1), Head of Governors.
Jerry Preston (Paul Birchard, series 2), a fundamentalist Christian who buys Roger's company.
Jed and Jemma Seddon (Michael Keogh and Kathryn Hunt, series 2), Lewis' uncle and aunt, burger van propietors and drug dealers.
Colin Scott (Chris Finch, series 3), Matt's partner.
Ria Cheetham (Maria Lennon, series 3), LEA advisor.
Lucy (Emma Hartley-Miller, series 3), a young woman who Chlo meets when she runs away from home.
Fleur Budgen (Lorraine Cheshire, series 3−4, 6; guest series 7; uncredited, series 1), Grantly's wife.
Stuart Hordley (Silas Carson, series 3), a developer who blackmails Rachel over her past.
Ralph Mellor (Malcolm Scates, series 4), Head of Governors and Flick's father.
Prince Kelly (Charlie and Taylor Sheldrick, series 4; uncredited, series 7), the youngest Kelly sibling.
Grace Campbell (Meaghan McPherson-Gowe, series 4), Kim's illegally adopted baby daughter.
Marion James (Louise Delamere, series 5; guest series 7), Lindsay and Emily's mother.
Georgia Stevenson (Fiona Allen, series 5), Josh's mother.
John Fry (Ralph Ineson, series 5−6), Ruby's husband.
Oliver Mead (John McArdle, series 5), Chris' father, who begins a relationship with Steph.
Ryan Sharkey (Paul Opacic, series 5), Finn's father.
Cheryl Bryant (Georgia and Holly Dougdale, series 6; Leyla Ogulyaymis, series 8), also known as Poppy Fry, Janeece's daughter.
Dylan Hodge (Ciarán Griffiths, series 6), Bex's manipulative ex-boyfriend.
Naomi Scotcher (Debra Stephenson, series 7), Rob's wife and Aiden's mother.
Richard Whitman (Nicholas Gleaves, series 7), Director of Education.
Tina Allen (Lisa Riley, series 7−8), Scout's mother.
Liam Allen (Tristain and Shaun Price, series 7), Scout's younger brother.
Wayne Johnson (Rob Haythorne, series 7), Michael's attacker.
Nelson Smith (John Thomson, series 7; guest series 8), Phoenix and Harley's father.
Rosie Matthews (Jo-Anne Knowles, series 7), an old friend of Matt's and later mother to his daughter, Martha.
Craig O'Leary (Matt Kennard, series 7), Janeece's fiancé.
Alex Stoneham (Jonathan Wrather, series 7), a pediatric doctor who cares for Matt's premature daughter.
Eugene Garvey (Stefan Gumbs, series 7), Ex-pupil and gang leader.
Alan Dixon (James Gaddas, series 7), Director of Education.
Gerard Findlay (Alex Norton, series 8), Headteacher of Havelock High.
Billy Byrne (Ron Donachie, series 8), Michael's terminally ill father.
Sally Stewart (Jenny Ryan, series 8; guest series 9), Imogen's mother.
Steve-O Malone (Jody Latham, series 8), Dynasty's boyfriend.
Robert Bain (Shaun Prendergast, series 8−9), Head of Education and Sue's father.
Eve Boston (Sophie Skelton, series 9), Nikki's estranged daughter.
Vix Spark (Kristin Atherton, series 9), Sue's sister, who begins a relationship with Nikki.
Amelia Wark (Connie Hyde, series 9; guest series 10), Gabriella's mother.
Cecile Tsibi (Sarah Niles, series 9; Anna-Maria Nabirye, guest series 8), Lula's mother.
Grace Drummond (Judith Barker, series 10), an elderly woman befriended by Rhiannon and Darren.
Danny Spencer (Andy Rush, series 10), Dale's cycling coach.
Ailsa Calhoun (Emma Cunniffe, series 10), Kenzie's mother.
Hassan Bukhari (Ian Aspinall, series 10), Abdul's father and sponsor of the school's bike loan scheme.
Colin Bond (David Michaels, series 10), Headteacher of Havelock High.
Ronnie Fairchild (Robin Laing, series 10), local police officer and Scott's father.
Steph Norton (Nadine Marshall, series 10), Guy and Carrie's mother.
Selina Wilson (Nicola Grier, series 10), Head of the Greenock Education Committee.
Rob Hutchinson (Gareth David-Lloyd, series 10), PR consultant and Lorna's husband.
Tommy Charles (Teddy Thomas, series 11, 13), Chlo and Donte's seven-year-old son.
Erica Thorn (Sue Vincent, series 11), LEA representative.
Hannah King (Lisa Faulkner, series 11), Lindon's wife.
Ramesh Choudhry (Paul Bazely, series 12), Samia's father and head of the board of governors.
Rose Massey (Jenny Platt, series 12), Myles' mother and a school governor.
Lenny Sampson (Jack Ashton, series 12), a mentor for youth offenders.
Lisa Jackson (Sia Kiwa, series 12), Dwayne and Zayne's mother.
Vinny McMullen (Jason Milligan, series 12; guest series 11), a local loan shark and Danny's stepfather.
Serena Michelle Davies (Kerry Howard, series 13–), Deputy CEO of the Lowry Community Academies Trust.
Barb Rafferty (Marie Critchley, series 13; guest series 11–12, 14), mother of Nicky and Debs.
Pete Weever (William Fox, series 13), Schuey and Portia's father.
DC McCall (Rosalyn Wright, series 14), a police investigator.

Notes

↑
1 2 3 4 5 6 Also stars in Waterloo Road Reunited.

References

↑
↑ Credited only when appearing in series 17.
↑ Sayce, Rebecca (12 December 2024). "Waterloo Road announces fan favourite's return for next series". Digital Spy. Retrieved 12 December 2024.
↑ "Episode 12". Waterloo Road. Series 3. Episode 12. 17 January 2008. BBC.
↑ "Angela Griffin, Adam Thomas and Katie Griffiths to return to Waterloo Road". BBC Media Centre. 24 January 2022. Retrieved 25 January 2022.
↑ "Episode 2". Waterloo Road. Series 14. Episode 2. 2024-09-10. Event occurs at 2:30. BBC. Retrieved 2024-09-14. Steven!
↑ "Jason Manford to join cast of BBC's Waterloo Road as new Headteacher Mr Savage". BBC Media Centre. 27 February 2024. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
↑
↑ Lewis, George (3 September 2024). "Waterloo Road's Jason Manford reveals Steve's connection to Nicky". Digital Spy. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
↑ Knight, Lewis (29 October 2024). "Waterloo Road confirms EastEnders legend Lindsey Coulson to replace Jason Manford as headteacher". Radio Times. Retrieved 29 October 2024.
↑ "BBC confirms the return of Waterloo Road for another term". BBC Media Centre. 18 April 2023. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
1 2 Credited only when appearing in series 12 and 13.
↑ Adam Thomas and Priyasasha Kumari. "Do We Ship Andrew and Kim? Ft. Jamie Glover". Waterloo Road – The Official Podcast (Podcast). BBC Sounds. Retrieved 6 May 2023.
↑ "Kym Marsh confirmed to join BBC One's Waterloo Road as cast is revealed". BBC Media Centre. 10 February 2022. Retrieved 10 February 2022.
↑
↑ Sarrubba, Stefania (5 September 2024). "Waterloo Road's James Baxter reveals Joe headteacher twist". Digital Spy. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
↑ Credited only when appearing in series 16 and 17.
↑
↑ Lewis, George (1 April 2025). "Taskmaster star confirms role in beloved BBC soap in huge "life update"". Digital Spy. Retrieved 1 April 2025.
↑
↑
↑ "Angela Griffin, Adam Thomas and Katie Griffiths to return to Waterloo Road". BBC Media Centre. 24 January 2022. Retrieved 25 January 2022.
↑ "Episode 11". Waterloo Road. Series 2. Episode 11. 2007-04-19. Event occurs at 29:06.
↑ Earp, Catherine (15 October 2025). "Waterloo Road's Denise Welch breaks silence on return - and teases iconic reunion". Digital Spy. Retrieved 15 October 2025.
↑ "BBC confirms the return of Waterloo Road for another term". BBC Media Centre. 18 April 2023. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
↑
↑ "Angela Griffin, Adam Thomas and Katie Griffiths to return to Waterloo Road". BBC Media Centre. 24 January 2022. Retrieved 25 January 2022.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 "BBC One confirms the 'Class Of 2022' as pupils of Waterloo Road are revealed". www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2022-02-21.
1 2 3 "BBC confirms the return of Waterloo Road for another term". BBC Media Centre. 18 April 2023. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
1 2 3 4 5 Dainty, Sophie; Harp, Justin (30 June 2023). "Waterloo Road confirms five new characters and spoilers for next series". Digital Spy. Retrieved 30 June 2023.
1 2 3 4 5 6 "Jason Manford to join cast of BBC's Waterloo Road as new Headteacher Mr Savage". BBC Media Centre. 27 February 2024. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
↑ "Waterloo Road reveals next series launch date and first-look pictures". BBC Media Centre. 2 May 2023. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
↑ Seddon, Dan (24 March 2022). "Waterloo Road casts Adam Thomas's real-life son in show". Digital Spy. Retrieved 25 March 2022.
↑ Knight, Lewis (29 October 2024). "Waterloo Road confirms EastEnders legend Lindsey Coulson to replace Jason Manford as headteacher". Radio Times. Retrieved 29 October 2024.

[s17cast-24] ↑

[Reunited-29] 1 2 3 4 5 6 Also stars in Waterloo Road Reunited.

[StephBack-1] ↑

[s17cast-2] Credited only when appearing in series 17.

[3] Sayce, Rebecca (12 December 2024). "Waterloo Road announces fan favourite's return for next series". Digital Spy. Retrieved 12 December 2024.

[4] "Episode 12". Waterloo Road. Series 3. Episode 12. 17 January 2008. BBC.

[Jan22cast2-5] "Angela Griffin, Adam Thomas and Katie Griffiths to return to Waterloo Road". BBC Media Centre. 24 January 2022. Retrieved 25 January 2022.

[6] "Episode 2". Waterloo Road. Series 14. Episode 2. 2024-09-10. Event occurs at 2:30. BBC. Retrieved 2024-09-14. Steven!

[s14cast2-7] "Jason Manford to join cast of BBC's Waterloo Road as new Headteacher Mr Savage". BBC Media Centre. 27 February 2024. Retrieved 27 February 2024.

[JoeSteve-8] ↑

[9] Lewis, George (3 September 2024). "Waterloo Road's Jason Manford reveals Steve's connection to Nicky". Digital Spy. Retrieved 6 September 2024.

[Stella3-10] Knight, Lewis (29 October 2024). "Waterloo Road confirms EastEnders legend Lindsey Coulson to replace Jason Manford as headteacher". Radio Times. Retrieved 29 October 2024.

[s122-11] "BBC confirms the return of Waterloo Road for another term". BBC Media Centre. 18 April 2023. Retrieved 18 April 2023.

[s12cast-12] 1 2 Credited only when appearing in series 12 and 13.

[13] Adam Thomas and Priyasasha Kumari. "Do We Ship Andrew and Kim? Ft. Jamie Glover". Waterloo Road – The Official Podcast (Podcast). BBC Sounds. Retrieved 6 May 2023.

[Feb22Cast-14] "Kym Marsh confirmed to join BBC One's Waterloo Road as cast is revealed". BBC Media Centre. 10 February 2022. Retrieved 10 February 2022.

[Feb22Cast2-15] ↑

[JoeSteve2-16] Sarrubba, Stefania (5 September 2024). "Waterloo Road's James Baxter reveals Joe headteacher twist". Digital Spy. Retrieved 6 September 2024.

[s16cast-17] Credited only when appearing in series 16 and 17.

[Feb22Cast3-18] ↑

[19] Lewis, George (1 April 2025). "Taskmaster star confirms role in beloved BBC soap in huge "life update"". Digital Spy. Retrieved 1 April 2025.

[s16Launch-20] ↑

[s14cast3-21] ↑

[Jan22cast3-22] "Angela Griffin, Adam Thomas and Katie Griffiths to return to Waterloo Road". BBC Media Centre. 24 January 2022. Retrieved 25 January 2022.

[23] "Episode 11". Waterloo Road. Series 2. Episode 11. 2007-04-19. Event occurs at 29:06.

[StephBack2-25] Earp, Catherine (15 October 2025). "Waterloo Road's Denise Welch breaks silence on return - and teases iconic reunion". Digital Spy. Retrieved 15 October 2025.

[s123-26] "BBC confirms the return of Waterloo Road for another term". BBC Media Centre. 18 April 2023. Retrieved 18 April 2023.

[Stella2-27] ↑

[Jan22cast-28] "Angela Griffin, Adam Thomas and Katie Griffiths to return to Waterloo Road". BBC Media Centre. 24 January 2022. Retrieved 25 January 2022.

[:0-30] 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 "BBC One confirms the 'Class Of 2022' as pupils of Waterloo Road are revealed". www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2022-02-21.

[s12-31] 1 2 3 "BBC confirms the return of Waterloo Road for another term". BBC Media Centre. 18 April 2023. Retrieved 18 April 2023.

[s13-32] 1 2 3 4 5 Dainty, Sophie; Harp, Justin (30 June 2023). "Waterloo Road confirms five new characters and spoilers for next series". Digital Spy. Retrieved 30 June 2023.

[s14cast-33] 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Jason Manford to join cast of BBC's Waterloo Road as new Headteacher Mr Savage". BBC Media Centre. 27 February 2024. Retrieved 27 February 2024.

[s12_Date-34] "Waterloo Road reveals next series launch date and first-look pictures". BBC Media Centre. 2 May 2023. Retrieved 2 May 2023.

[35] Seddon, Dan (24 March 2022). "Waterloo Road casts Adam Thomas's real-life son in show". Digital Spy. Retrieved 25 March 2022.

[Stella-36] Knight, Lewis (29 October 2024). "Waterloo Road confirms EastEnders legend Lindsey Coulson to replace Jason Manford as headteacher". Radio Times. Retrieved 29 October 2024.

v t e Waterloo Road
Episodes	Series 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Other	List of characters Waterloo Road Reunited