Waterloo Road's Laurie Brett has said that her character Christine Mulgrew could fall off the wagon at any time.

The last series of the BBC One drama saw the teacher try to turn her life around after a long battle with alcoholism.

Brett said to What's on TV: "Christine has a burning fire in her; she's like a firecracker that could go off.

"As for any addict there's always a threat of falling off the wagon, and that threat is always going to be there for Christine - especially when she's under pressure!"

"Christine's past is another reason why she isn't on firm ground. She's very much in recovery from her alcoholism, so she has a lot to prove. A lot of Christine's demons were exorcised last series when we really found out why she was the way she was.

"But the thing about her is she doesn't need to be drunk to go off on one!"

The next series will see Christine take on the position as new acting principal of Waterloo Road.

"Christine loves what she does, but she's had this role thrust upon her so she's not at her most confident," Brett added.

"That said, the potential for her to be a very good head is there, as she's dedicated to the school and a more than capable teacher - when sober!"

Brett has previously confessed that she would like Christine to have an alcohol relapse.

Waterloo Road returns on Thursday, September 5 at 8pm on BBC One.