This article contains references to grooming that some readers may find distressing.
Season 17 of Waterloo Road will feature a new storyline focusing on grooming, with Karl Davies joining the cast as a character named Anthony Wallace.
The new storyline will focus on a character – Nicky Walters’ ex-husband and the school’s football coach – who takes advantage of his authority to exploit Portia Weever.
The creators of the BBC drama consulted with the NSPCC while developing an upcoming storyline, making sure it would be handled with care and sensitivity.
Cameron Roach, who founded Rope Ladder Fiction and is an executive producer on Waterloo Road, explained that the show has a history of tackling tough issues for young people. He said the character Portia, played by Maisey Robinson, has become very popular with viewers, and the writers believed she could authentically portray a challenging and sensitive topic.
We’ve partnered with the NSPCC and other specialists to highlight a crucial issue and show young people that help is available whenever they need it.
Helen Westerman, a Strategic Service Manager at the NSPCC, explained that child sexual abuse or exploitation can cause lasting harm. Because of this, it’s really important for parents, caregivers, and young people to be able to recognize potential warning signs.
When popular shows like Waterloo Road address sensitive issues like grooming, it helps raise awareness and directs viewers to vital support services. Resources such as the NSPCC Helpline and Childline are available 24/7 to provide help and guidance.
I’m really excited for the new season! It looks like things are going to get intense with Darius taking on the role of Deputy. Apparently, he’s doing everything he can to stay in charge, and the show is throwing in some new students and bringing back old favorites – which, knowing this show, means a whole lot of delightful chaos is coming our way.
With prom and a wedding coming up, everyone at Waterloo Road – both teachers and students – is ready to face whatever happens, according to an official description of the show.
Denise Welch is back this season, once again playing her original character, Steph Haydock.
You know, she’s one of those characters where her intentions are always good, but she’s just… unfiltered. She says whatever pops into her head, which often feels totally wrong, but somehow, almost accidentally, she ends up doing the right thing. It’s like she stumbles into goodness, which is honestly kind of charming.
“So that’s what lured me back.”
Season 17 of Waterloo Road 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 already watch earlier seasons on BBC iPlayer.
Authors
Molly Moss writes about the newest happenings in TV, movies, and other entertainment for TopMob. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism and has also contributed to major publications like The Guardian, The Times, and The Sun Online.
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2026-01-05 21:04