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Ep 6/10
Thursday 27 September
8.00-9.00pm
BBC ONE
Janeece puts her career ahead of being a mother, forcing Chalky to take drastic action; Rhiannon’s bullying campaign against Scout steps up a gear; and Christine is devastated by the consequences of her alcoholism.
Late for a meeting with Lorraine, Janeece leaves daughter Cheryl home alone. Later, Chalky discovers Cheryl crying, having hurt herself. He rushes her to A&E but accidentally drops Janeece in it with social services.
Meanwhile, Janeece’s first attempt at being a PA goes well and Lorraine hints she’s always looking for new people to join her business.
Back at school, Michael is livid that Janeece was lured away by Lorraine again. As he reprimands her, Janeece dashes off to the hospital without explanation, not realising social services want to question her.
Returning to Waterloo Road, Janeece fumes that Chalky got her into trouble. Fed up being used - and worried about Cheryl’s welfare - Chalky snaps, delivering some much-needed home truths to Janeece.
The confrontation is a catalyst for change as Janeece makes some tough decisions about her future at Waterloo Road and her relationship with Chalky.
Rhiannon’s bullying of Scout intensifies as she frames her for stealing. Scout feels increasingly isolated as everyone appears to fall for Rhiannon’s ruse – including Maggie.
Elsewhere, Christine struggles after her doctor reveals she has alcoholic hepatitis. Fearful another drink could kill her, she immediately stops but soon suffers overwhelming withdrawal symptoms, witnessed by a full classroom.
Also this week, Sian urges Michael to visit his father and make amends, but her pleas fall on deaf ears, forcing Sian to reveal Billy’s shocking secret.
Waterloo Road's new recruit Shane O'Meara has proved to be a popular addition to the show in recent weeks, topping Digital Spy's 'Favourite Newcomer' poll and winning praise from fans.
The next episode of the BBC One drama sees the actor's character Connor Mulgrew endure more tough times with his alcoholic mum Christine (Laurie Brett). However, it's not all doom and gloom as viewers will also see his relationship with Imogen Stewart (Kirstie Steele) continue to blossom.
When Imogen's outrageous mother Sally drunkenly gatecrashes her birthday party at the schoolhouse, Connor steps up to the plate by asking her to leave. Feeling protected by her fellow student, Imogen then decides to share a big secret with Connor…
Digital Spy recently caught up with Shane to hear more about episode four and his time at Waterloo Road so far.
As a newcomer to Waterloo Road, how well have you settled in?
"It's all gone really well. It can be a bit intimidating when you're joining a show that is so high-profile and established, so when I came in and did the read-through it was all a bit surreal! But I feel like I've adapted to it really quickly, especially as everyone's been so nice and welcoming.
"Even though I've only just come on screen, I've been filming now for five or six months, so I do feel like part of the mould now. Also, there are new pupils who joined after I started, so I don't feel new anymore."
How did you feel when you got the part?
"I did my audition and that went well, and then I got my callback. My agent called me three weeks after that, so by that point I'd put it to the back of my mind, because I hadn't heard anything yet and I was auditioning for other things. It was about half eight in the morning and my agent explained that I'd got the part.
"It was a bit of a shock, really - I flew out of my bed cartoon-style! My agent was telling me all of this information about filming dates, but I was blank and not really taking any of it in. So she said, 'Go and celebrate with your friends and family, and I'll call you back tomorrow and give you the fine details!'
"I went downstairs and told my mum, who was pottering around in the garden, and she was just as shocked as me but obviously really happy as well."
Had you watched Waterloo Road much before joining the show?
"Yeah, I'd seen it on and off for a few years, so I knew the general gist of the show and the kind of storylines it covers. I knew that the stories are quite dramatic and tackled well. It was a drama that I really did like, but I hadn't watched it much over the past year, so once I got the part, I went back and started watching it from the start of series seven to catch up."
Who was the first person you made friends with on set?
"For me, it was probably Kirstie, who plays Imogen, because we had a rehearsal and our costume fittings together. I met her first, and because she was the only person that I really knew, we just gelled - and then obviously we worked quite closely together as well. So we got to know each other a lot, and we're really good friends now."
In the past, you've done short films and theatre. How does Waterloo Road compare?
"It's a massive jump, really. I'd trained for a few years, but I thought that if I was ever lucky enough to get to a point like this, it'd be another good few years down the line.
"The previous projects had been mainly for experience, and to get a little bit on my CV. Then Waterloo Road came along, and I was taken aback with how much things can change. Things have definitely changed a lot for me since getting this job in April, so it's brilliant."
A lot of your scenes are obviously with Laurie Brett, who we all know from EastEnders. What is she like to work with?
"Laurie is amazing and so talented. She makes me laugh so much on set, and we get on great. When you're working with someone as established as Laurie, you get a lot of advice and tips about the industry. I'm taking that in like gold dust.
"I've been able to learn so much from Laurie. She's given me lots of little hints and tips, and I feel blessed to be able to work with her so closely."
When it comes to the alcoholism plot, how have you found tackling such a challenging storyline?
"Well, if me and Laurie have a big scene for the storyline, we normally go through it together beforehand. We'll discuss what we both want to do with the scene, and then find a mutual ground over the way it should be.
"We've also had some really intense scenes where it's not even a spoken thing - you just go for it, and if there's anything you don't like on the first take, you just adjust it and fix it on the second take. We work really well together, and I think we've been able to find a place where we're both doing what the other wants to in each scene."
In episode four this week, Christine seems to be getting even nastier towards Connor. How does he cope with that?
"He doesn't, really! Having said that, he has been brought up with this since he was younger, so it's not something that's new to him. It's his normality, really, to have Christine screaming at him due to her alcohol problems.
"It's normal for him to see his mum in these conditions, even though he's saying to her constantly that she needs to help herself. It's also screwed him up emotionally a little bit, so you'll see that come out as the episodes progress."
This week, we also see Imogen have some trouble with her mum Sally, don't we?
"Yeah - Imogen and her mum are really like chalk and cheese! Imogen is quite a quiet person, but her mum is this glamorous, flamboyant, happy-go-lucky character, who comes to the school to help out with Tariq's kayaking fundraiser.
"Imogen wasn't expecting to see her mum there, and you'll see that Sally is quite a flirty character, which attracts the attention of some of the boys in the school. That embarrasses Imogen, and then later Sally ends up turning up to Imogen's birthday party at the schoolhouse with one of the students, Gus. Imogen's mortified to see her mum there, especially as she's a little bit tipsy and in a skinny dress!"
Things seem to be going well for Connor and Imogen at this point. Why do you think they've become such a good match?
"I think the two of them just find each other really interesting. At first, Connor was quite closed-off and introverted, so he didn't really notice that Imogen was interested in him.
"But what you'll see in episode four is that Imogen has got a secret to tell Connor. She feels comfortable to tell him at the party at the schoolhouse, because Connor has stood up for her by asking Sally to leave, so she feels protected.
"They're both closed-off people, but they start letting each other in. I think it's just a natural attraction to each other."
What's coming up for them afterwards? Is it plain sailing from then on?
"There's some really happy scenes and a lot of really romantic stuff coming up between now and episode ten. But then again, Connor has got a lot going on in his home life, and Imogen has her own problems as well. It's a bit of a rollercoaster at times. Mostly it's good, but there are some times when it's starting to look a bit rocky as well…"
Do you share many similarities to Connor?
"Not really, because I'm quite a sociable person. A lot of the younger cast here at Waterloo Road go out and we do things after filming, while Connor keeps himself to himself and doesn't really mix with the other pupils.
"Connor doesn't have a lot of friends, but he likes it that way - I don't think he likes people knowing too much about him. So we're not really similar in that respect."
Can you share any behind-the-scenes stories from filming?
"Well, I broke my arm about a month into filming! It was basically the most pathetic fall ever - I tripped in my dressing room over a small table!
"Also, we all do get the work done here on set, but sometimes you can't help it and you get the giggles. You end up having to go and compose yourself, so there's loads of things like that happening! It's really relaxed on set, as well. Everyone has a good laugh together and chats away to everyone else. But when we do start work, we do take it seriously and everyone pulls it together."
We've heard that you're originally from Ireland, so how long have you been living in Scotland for?
"I moved over here to Scotland when I was 7, so it's been about 12 and a half years now. But I still have a lot of family in Ireland, so I go over quite a lot. My dad's still there, and I've got aunties, uncles and cousins. I go over maybe three times a year, but obviously not this year because I've been so busy."
How do you feel about Waterloo Road moving to Scotland?
"It's a big thing to move an established show, but I think they've done it so cleverly and it's really exciting for Scotland. It's opened up a lot of jobs, so it's great for the filming industry up here."
What are the standout episodes for Connor we should be watching out for?
"There's quite a few. Connor's stories go on for quite a long time, so we've got the storyline with Imogen, which will play out for a lot of series eight. The storyline with Connor and Christine will play out for a while as well. Along with episode four, episode ten is a big one to watch out for…"
Thursday, 4th October
Madi gets herself into trouble when she makes a pass at step-mum Sian’s new love interest; Grantly resorts to desperate measures when Maggie calls off their wedding; and Josh makes a momentous decision about his future.
At the school gates, Sian arrives to be met by Madi, full of questions about where she’s been overnight. Keen to keep her love life quiet, Sian steers the conversation away by noting Madi’s belongings dumped at the school gates – her mum has thrown her out.
Later, Madi is drawn to Ray, a good-looking businessman who’s leading Lorraine’s work experience classes. She sets her sights on Ray unaware that he’s dating Sian.
Upset by a phonecall from home, Madi turns to Ray for comfort but misreads his intentions and tries to kiss him. When Ray doesn’t reciprocate, Madi is humiliated.
Vengeful, Madi posts a rumour on a social networking site saying Ray kissed her. But her lies soon impact on her friends.
Elsewhere, Maggie calls off the wedding to Grantly saying they’re too busy to get hitched. But Scout thinks something is amiss after hearing Maggie making a secret phone call and, along with Pheonix, tells Grantly she thinks there’s another man.
Their suspicions are confirmed when Grantly confronts Trevor – Maggie’s estranged husband. Grantly discovers Maggie’s being blackmailed by Trevor, who she never divorced.
With their wedding day in jeopardy, Grantly hatches a plan to make Maggie his bride, with a little help from Scout and Pheonix.
Elsewhere, Josh faces up to his future – he needs to live his own life away from Waterloo Road, but worries how Tom will take it.
Did I miss something on last weeks episode,because it didn't seem like there was any reason for Conner to try and burn the school down,it just seemed like some random act.
But at least they might not have found out that they were needing a new boiler,which also seemed a bit odd because surely the school would have had to have been inspected before it was aloud to open.
Chelsee Healey has explained her reasoning for quitting Waterloo Road, admitting that she is hungry for a new challenge.
The actress, whose final episode airs next Thursday, told What's on TV that she will miss co-star and friend Mark Benton (Chalky) the most.
When asked about the timing of her decision, she said: "I felt I needed to. I've been there for six years and it was time to do different things.
"Of course I was sad to leave, I've grown up with Waterloo Road and have some great memories. It's been a big part of my life.
"I miss everyone, especially Mark Benton. We got on really well and became great friends."
However, the 24-year-old - who has previously had a year's break from the show - refused to rule out reappearing in the school drama by declaring she would "never say never" to a second comeback.
She added of her character: "A lot of fans want to know if I'm like Janeece in real life, and I'm not going to lie, we're quite similar! But we're not exactly the same.
"Although we have the same sense of humour, Janeece does things without thinking. Working on Waterloo Road was an amazing experience and something I'll never forget. I'm proud to have been in it."
Meanwhile, Healey also spoke of the effect that finishing as runner-up on last year's Strictly Come Dancing had on her life.
"Strictly changed a lot of things," she added. "A lot more people know who I am in a good way, which is lovely. The whole experience was magical, something I'll never forget."
Waterloo Road's Daniel 'Chalky' Chalk finally loses patience with Janeece Bryant in tonight's (September 20) episode of the show, giving her some home truths over her recent attitude towards motherhood.
When Janeece (Chelsee Healey) takes advantage of Chalky by asking for his assistance with childcare once again, he can't help but feel that she isn't putting Cheryl first - and eventually struggles to keep quiet over his concerns…
Digital Spy recently chatted to actor Mark Benton, who plays Chalky, to hear more about the storyline, his character's future and life at Waterloo Road in general.
How well have you and the show settled into Scotland?
"Very well, really! The internal workings of the show are pretty much the same as they were in Manchester. We've had some new people come on board, but I always think the addition of new characters strengthens the programme.
"It's all been pretty easy. Obviously there were some teething problems with getting everything up and running, because it's such a big show. But hopefully people are still loving it as much as they were before."
Was making the move along with the show a tricky choice to make?
"To be honest with you, because I live on the south coast, it made very little difference. In fact, Glasgow is an easier travel for me because I can fly up and down. It wasn't a big issue for me - it was more of an issue for the guys who live in Manchester. Being away from home is pretty much the same wherever you are, really!"
A lot of your scenes this series have involved Chalky and Janeece. How do you define their relationship?
"It's a difficult one, because from the very start Chalky really liked her, but then she said he was too old! Despite that, they still remain close friends.
"I think Chalky's such a soft character sometimes, so Janeece tends to take him for a ride. It's not necessarily in a nasty way, but I think she tends to take him for granted a lot, while he's just happy to be close to her."
Things take a turn for the worse between them in the next episode. What can you tell us about that?
"Well, Janeece thinks she's got the chance of a really good job, so she basically takes the mickey out of Chalky and keeps asking him to babysit Cheryl while she's busy. Chalky has a really close relationship with Cheryl, and he starts to realise that he really does want to be a parent. That's why he starts to get angry with Janeece, because he thinks she's not necessarily taking as much interest in Cheryl as she should be.
"Obviously Janeece has got her own reasons, but it gets quite dramatic between them. Chalky really wants to tell her off, I suppose! He's angry with her - and I don't want to give too much away, but it's quite an interesting finale to their relationship."
This story all builds up to Janeece's departure from the show next week. How did you feel about saying goodbye to Chelsee?
"I do miss her on set. Janeece is such a big character, and Chelsee is a good laugh. She's great to be around, and I had an awful lot of scenes with her, so it's a big loss really! But I think Chelsee was ready to leave and move on to other things."
Chalky can sometimes be a bit of a loner, so how will he cope without Janeece around?
"To be honest with you, without giving away what happens, I think he'll cope quite well! I don't want to spoil any storylines, but with everything that happens when Janeece actually leaves and afterwards, it's a very positive outcome for Chalky."
We've heard that you've been filming some scenes with Tommy Lawrence Knight from The Sarah Jane Adventures. Have you enjoyed that?
"Definitely - he's great. Basically, what happens when Janeece leaves is that Chalky realises that he wants to be a dad. To move it forward, he wants to try and foster someone, so there could be a relationship building between Chalky and Tommy's character, Kevin.
"Tommy is a wonderful actor, really brilliant. He's fun to work with as well. It's been a real joy for me - we've had some dramatic stuff, and some really touching stuff too."
Did you have a teacher like Chalky at school?
"I didn't have anybody who's directly like Chalky, because I don't know how long someone like Chalky would actually last in a proper school! But I think he's parts of different teachers that I had, amalgamated into one.
"It's amazing how many people talk to you and say, 'That was like my English teacher!' or 'My Geography teacher was like that!' So certainly teachers like him exist. I've always thought that Chalky is a brilliant mathematician and a great mind, but he finds it difficult communicating. I'm sure there are teachers like that around."
Do you share any similarities with your character?
"We both wear glasses, and apart from that, I would say there is very little in common! I'm terrible at maths. I suppose we probably both have a terrible dress sense. I'm also a softie like Chalky is - but perhaps not quite as much as him."
Who are your best friends on set?
"It's going to sound really corny, but it's such a lovely group of people at Waterloo Road. It's a great crew as well, so it is like a big family. I wouldn't like to pick anybody out in particular."
Looking back over your time at Waterloo Road, do any stories or episodes stand out as your favourites?
"You haven't seen them yet! All of my favourites are still coming up. There's Chelsee's leaving episode, and my favourite episode is one that's coming up with Tommy. It's probably Chalky's best episode, so the best is yet to come."
What kind of a reaction do you get for the role of Chalky?
"It's funny, because once you join Waterloo Road you notice that a lot of kids are starting to recognise you. That's a new one, because most of my work has previously been grown-up TV. It's nice and it's funny when kids recognise you and it's a very different kettle of fish to adults, because they have very little tact! They don't hide the fact they recognise you very well, so it's quite funny."
You played Eddie on Early Doors and a lot of our readers were fans of the show. Do you think it could ever return for a special or another series?
"Who knows? I know that everyone who worked on that show would jump at the chance, because we all loved it and we're still all very good friends, so never say never.
"I guess as time goes on it's looking more unlikely, but it's one of those shows that doesn't seem to go away - a lot of people still love it, still watch it and when they see you on the street, they ask if you're going to do any more. I'd say start a petition to get Craig [Cash] and Phil [Mealey] to do some more, because many people loved it and we loved it too."
Thursday, 11th October
Dealing with quiet student Morag and her overbearing father, Michael decides to address his own family issues; Connor’s attempts to help his mum backfire with explosive consequences; and new boy Kevin makes an impact on Chalky.
Morag decides to take part in Lorraine’s bench design competition confiding in her little brother that, if she wins, their estranged mum might find out and get in touch with them.
When Tom turns up to collect Morag’s bench design, her father Kai can’t resist the opportunity to preach about his Freeganist, anti-money beliefs. But his moral high-ground becomes shaky when he learns the competition carries a substantial cash prize for the winner.
Enraged at his daughter’s deception, Kai forces Morag to destroy her handcrafted bench. Horrified, Tom decides to take matters into his own hands and secretly helps Morag design another bench, resulting in a clash of beliefs between Kai and Lorraine.
Connor attempts to help Christine by marking her late coursework but this backfires as he gives everyone a top grade. Suspicious, Audrey confronts Christine about the irregular grades, forcing the English teacher to cover her tracks. Now considering Audrey the enemy within, Christine lodges a false complaint of bullying against her to Michael.
Later, when Connor finds his mother’s drinking again, he finds a potentially lethal outlet for his frustrations.
New boy Kevin turns up at Waterloo Road and quickly draws attention to himself, not least from Chalky who suspects the schoolboy is more intelligent than he’s letting on.
Elsewhere, Madi tries to persuade Sian to let her spread her wings and leave school, and Billy has a surprising request for Michael to consider.
Thursday, 11th October
Dealing with quiet student Morag and her overbearing father, Michael decides to address his own family issues; Connor’s attempts to help his mum backfire with explosive consequences; and new boy Kevin makes an impact on Chalky.
Morag decides to take part in Lorraine’s bench design competition confiding in her little brother that, if she wins, their estranged mum might find out and get in touch with them.
When Tom turns up to collect Morag’s bench design, her father Kai can’t resist the opportunity to preach about his Freeganist, anti-money beliefs. But his moral high-ground becomes shaky when he learns the competition carries a substantial cash prize for the winner.
Enraged at his daughter’s deception, Kai forces Morag to destroy her handcrafted bench. Horrified, Tom decides to take matters into his own hands and secretly helps Morag design another bench, resulting in a clash of beliefs between Kai and Lorraine.
Connor attempts to help Christine by marking her late coursework but this backfires as he gives everyone a top grade. Suspicious, Audrey confronts Christine about the irregular grades, forcing the English teacher to cover her tracks. Now considering Audrey the enemy within, Christine lodges a false complaint of bullying against her to Michael.
Later, when Connor finds his mother’s drinking again, he finds a potentially lethal outlet for his frustrations.
New boy Kevin turns up at Waterloo Road and quickly draws attention to himself, not least from Chalky who suspects the schoolboy is more intelligent than he’s letting on.
Elsewhere, Madi tries to persuade Sian to let her spread her wings and leave school, and Billy has a surprising request for Michael to consider.
Following some reader questions about various Waterloo Road cast members and characters, we can confirm some more departures and other updates after getting the official word from the BBC.
Reports on Twitter that Sian Diamond will leave the school are correct. Former Holby City star Jaye Jacobs bows out from the role in the second part of series eight, meaning that her on-screen exit will air in 2013.
Katie McGlynn (Jodie 'Scout' Allen) and Paige Meade (Jade Fleming) are also on the leavers' list, while yesterday it was confirmed that Mark Benton is bowing out as Chalky.
Those moving on are doing so in storylines which air next year, so with Waterloo Road filming episodes so far in advance, they will remain on screen for quite some time yet.
Meanwhile, it's already well-known among fans that Will Rush has left his role as Josh Stevenson, but a future guest appearance has already been confirmed for him which will air later in series eight.
Next year, viewers can also look forward to the return of Heather Pearce as Nicki Boston, while former Footballers' Wives and EastEnders actress Zöe Lucker will be heading up the troublesome new Barry family as previously announced.
Characters sticking around for the foreseeable future include Imogen, Connor, Rhiannon, Harley, Liberty and many others - along with upcoming new arrival Kevin, played by Tommy Lawrence Knight.
Waterloo Road airs Thursdays at 8pm on BBC One.