Denise Welch is heading back to Waterloo Road – and she’s bringing one of the show’s most unforgettable characters with her.
The actress, 66, has confirmed she will reprise her role as the outspoken, warm-hearted Steph Haydock in the next series of the hit BBC school drama.
Welch first played the popular teacher from 2006 to 2010, earning fans for Steph’s sharp wit, bold lipstick and chaotic classroom approach. Though often hopeless at teaching, she was a loyal friend to her students, always ready with life advice – even if she rarely followed it herself.
Her return follows the comeback of several original cast members since the show’s revival in 2023, including Angela Griffin, Chelsee Healey, Jamie Glover, Katie Griffiths, Lauren Drummond and Zeriozha Annika. Adam Thomas and Jason Merrells, who also starred in the original run, appeared in the most recent series, which concluded this week on BBC One.
Viewers will remember that Merrells’ character, headteacher Jack Rimmer, shared a rocky romantic history with Steph – and with both characters back in the mix, fans are already speculating about an on-screen reunion.
In the upcoming series, Steph returns to the school amid a teacher shortage, stepping in as a supply teacher. Her methods may still be unconventional, but her heart remains firmly in the right place.
“I’m thrilled to see the return of Steph to Waterloo Road — 15 years older, but certainly not wiser,” Welch, who previously appeared in Coronation Street and on Loose Women said.
“Still unmarried but eternally hopeful, she’s back as a supply teacher. What she’s supplying remains to be seen! It’s been wonderful to step back into her shoes and reunite with old castmates like Jason Merrells.”
Executive producer Cameron Roach added: “Steph Haydock is a Waterloo Road icon. Her one-liners are as sharp as ever, her lipstick fiercely drawn, and the staffroom will never be the same again.”
Originally running from 2006 to 2015, Waterloo Road became one of the BBC’s most popular dramas, tackling hard-hitting social issues such as teenage pregnancy, bullying and class inequality. It was rebooted in 2023 following renewed demand from fans and younger audiences discovering the show on BBC iPlayer, where it remains one of the platform’s most streamed dramas.
The new series of Waterloo Road will arrive on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in early 2026. All previous episodes are available to stream now on iPlayer.
