'Cutting It' stars reunite for BBC drama

[Luna]

Cutting It alumni Jason Merrells and Angela Griffin will appear together in Waterloo Road, a new school drama for BBC1.

Described as "Grange Hill meets Teachers", the drama will follow the lives of the teachers and pupils of a comprehensive school.

Merrells will play the school's deputy head who tries to get the failing school up to scratch, whilst Griffin will portray strict teacher Kim.

[xCharliex]

Heres some more info on the show

BBC commissions new classroom drama


Footballers' Wives creator Shed Productions has won its first commission from the BBC, with a new drama series set in a secondary school.
The newly floated company is making a gritty new BBC1 drama about a school called Waterloo Road.

Billed as "Teachers meets Grange Hill" the eight-part series is due to air in an 8pm slot on a weekday.

Waterloo Road was commissioned by the new BBC controller of continuing drama, John Yorke, as part of his drive to build up the corporation's drama output.

According to Shed's managing director, Brian Park, Waterloo Road will concentrate more on the teachers than the pupils.

Mr Park said: "Each episode will be an hour long but the emphasis will be more on the teachers than the pupils."

Casting has yet to be confirmed, but shooting is due to begin in Rochdale within the next month. Waterloo Road is due to begin airing sometime in the new year.

Education has been a rich seam for television to mine. Most recently Channel 4 won plaudits for Teachers, made by Tiger Aspect. However it was axed earlier this year after four series.

A Shed spokeswoman said: "We're thrilled about working for the BBC for the first time."

BBC sources say Waterloo Road was part of the corporation's bid to prepare for charter renewal.

DIY and makeover shows are being axed to make way for new dramas and comedies.

[xCharliex]

Jill Halfpenny is also going to be in this new show as well