Since Waterloo Road returned in 2023, the show has included many references to its original series. Now, a very famous character from the past is returning to the show.
A new series starts on January 16th, featuring former language teacher Steph Haydock (played by Denise Welch) returning to the classroom as a substitute teacher.
Honestly, everyone was surprised to find Steph still teaching, considering how different her methods were in the past.
Even Welch herself was surprised to be asked, and she only agreed if the reboot kept the playful personality of her character.
When executive producer Cameron Roach contacted me, I was mostly just wondering what part Steph would play.
Want to see this content?
We can’t display this content because of a security measure called reCAPTCHA. If you’re signed in to Contentpass, please sign out to see it.
I heard the writers were really thrilled when they cast her – and honestly, it’s easy to see why. She’s a truly iconic character, and they were clearly excited to work with someone who could really bring her to life.
She wasn’t very considerate of current sensitivities, and in a time when a little bit of that was acceptable, that’s what concerned me.
Those who watched Waterloo Road between 2006 and 2015 will likely recall Steph as a character who frequently flirted with both teachers and students. She had relationships with her coworkers and wasn’t shy about speaking her mind or causing a stir.
I was excited about returning, but I also recognize things have changed. Considering it’s 2025, the kind of rebellious behavior Steph used to get away with – like, for example, dragging the headmaster into the women’s restroom – probably isn’t acceptable anymore.
It’s a tough situation because society is very sensitive these days. If Steph returns and is portrayed as completely reformed – giving up smoking, drinking, and settling down – I’m not sure that’s right for the character. I wouldn’t want to change how people remember her.
I knew Steph would be significantly older, but I didn’t want that to automatically mean she was also much wiser. It was crucial that, even though we weren’t showing her intimate life on screen – because I thought it would alienate viewers – she remained a sexually vibrant woman in her mid-60s.
The upcoming series will introduce Steph to both familiar and new characters, and she’s sure to cause some trouble, especially with the school’s stern headmistress, Dame Stella Drake, played by Lindsey Coulson.
“Steph’s come back with a bang,” Welch laughs.
She means well, even though she often says the wrong thing. Surprisingly, she frequently ends up doing the right thing, mostly by chance.
“So that’s what lured me back.”
The new season of Waterloo Road (season 17) starts on BBC iPlayer at 6am on Tuesday, January 6th. The first two episodes will then be shown on BBC One that same evening at 9pm and 10:40pm. You can also watch older seasons on BBC iPlayer right now.
Authors
Michael Adams is the Soaps Editor at TopMob, keeping fans up-to-date with all the latest news and spoilers from popular British soap operas like Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale, and Hollyoaks. Before joining TopMob, he worked as a Soaps Reporter at Metro for two years and even worked on the sets of Coronation Street and Emmerdale.
- Visit us on Twitter
Read More
- Ashes of Creation Rogue Guide for Beginners
- Best Controller Settings for ARC Raiders
- How To Watch Call The Midwife 2025 Christmas Special Online And Stream Both Episodes Free From Anywhere
- Meet the cast of Mighty Nein: Every Critical Role character explained
- Tougen Anki Episode 24 Release Date, Time, Where to Watch
- Avatar 3’s Final Battle Proves James Cameron Is The Master Of Visual Storytelling
- Arc Raiders Guide – All Workbenches And How To Upgrade Them
- Emily in Paris soundtrack: Every song from season 5 of the Hit Netflix show
- Every Moon Knight Identity, Ranked by Power
- Prince William and Kate Middleton’s 3 Kids Steal the Show at Christmas
2025-12-30 03:50