The BBC has exciting news for fans of Waterloo Road – actor Jason Merrells is returning to the series.
- Merrells will reprise his role as Jack Rimmer, who was the head of Waterloo Road in its first series.
- This comes as Lindsey Coulson joins the cast as the new headteacher, Dame Stella Drake.
- Jason Merrells expressed delight at returning to a show that has left fond memories for both him and the fans.
- The return is part of a new co-production by Rope Ladder Fiction and Wall to Wall North for BBC iPlayer and BBC One.
The BBC has announced a thrilling development for Waterloo Road enthusiasts: Jason Merrells is set to make a guest appearance in the upcoming series. Merrells, known for his roles in ‘Happy Valley’ and ‘Emmerdale’, will step back into the shoes of Jack Rimmer, the character he portrayed with great acclaim when the show first aired.
Jack Rimmer, once the head of Waterloo Road, will now return as a counselor. This shift in roles promises new storylines and character development that both longtime fans and newcomers can look forward to. Lindsey Coulson will also join the series as Dame Stella Drake, the headteacher succeeding Steve Savage, previously played by Jason Manford.
Merrells shared his enthusiasm for returning to Waterloo Road, noting that he left the original series in 2006 with fond memories. “When I saw the renewed interest from another generation – who weren’t born when we made the original – I was heartened and surprised,” Merrells said, reflecting on the enduring appeal of the show. The series continues to blend drama, humor, and integrity, maintaining the ethos that first captivated audiences.
Cameron Roach, founder of Rope Ladder Fiction and executive producer for Waterloo Road, emphasized the excitement surrounding Merrells’ return. The writing team had long considered the possibility of reviving Jack Rimmer, and seeing it come to fruition has added a dynamic twist to the ongoing narrative. Roach commented on the positive reception from the cast and crew, as well as the anticipation from the audience.
Waterloo Road’s upcoming series will be a collaborative effort between Rope Ladder Fiction and Wall to Wall North, slated for release on BBC iPlayer and BBC One. The involvement of executive producers Cameron Roach, Leanne Klein, and BBC executives Gaynor Holmes and Jo McClellan suggests a well-rounded production team poised to deliver compelling content.
Jason Merrells’ return as Jack Rimmer adds a nostalgic yet fresh twist to Waterloo Road’s narrative, engaging both original fans and a new generation.
