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Waterloo Road couple Connor Mulgrew and Imogen Stewart make the ultimate commitment to each other in tonight's episode (March 7) as they tie the knot in secret.
Connor and Imogen (Kirstie Steele) exchange their vows in an emotional ceremony witnessed by just a handful of their school friends, but their parents are completely in the dark over what's going on.
We recently caught up with Shane O'Meara, who plays Connor, to hear all the gossip about the pair's big day.
Why are Connor and Imogen getting married at such a young age?
"Well, they've been through so much together and their relationship has been very intense. If a new viewer tuned in now and saw two 17-year-olds getting married, they'd probably think Connor and Imogen are too young and it's too early. But hopefully the regular viewers will see that it's the next step for them.
"Getting married is a big deal, but because it's Connor and Imogen, it's justified. It's not just some childish infatuation - they are genuinely in love. It's not about showing anyone else or having a big, white wedding - it's about showing it to each other."
Connor doesn't tell his mum Christine about the wedding, but is there a part of him that would like her to be there?
"I think there is. The wedding plans happen so quickly and the reason they don't tell their parents is they've been through so much together, and it's usually outside forces that are trying to pull them apart! The reason they're keeping it quiet is in fear of their plans being ruined.
"Connor and Imogen aren't keeping quiet out of any malice towards their parents, it's just that they're focused on getting married and they're going to deal with the consequences later."
Where do they get married?
"We filmed the wedding in the City Chambers in Glasgow, so the venue is incredible. There's lots of marble, big pillars and it's a really nice setting. There's only a handful of people there, though. Kevin is Connor's best man, Imogen brings in Dynasty, and Rhiannon ends up there too.
"Imogen's wearing a dress and Connor is wearing a suit, but apart from that, it's all quite plain. Plus, the others are in their school uniforms, taking pictures on their camera phones! But it is still very romantic, even though it's all so quiet and secret."
The wedding presents a dilemma for Connor, as it's taking place at the exact same time that Christine wants them to go on holiday to Paris. How does Connor feel about that?
"Connor is completely torn and he feels really guilty. Because Christine is sober now, she's on the same page as Connor. She's being a good mum and they're at a good place.
"Christine mentions wanting to go to Paris, but Connor has obviously already decided to marry Imogen. It adds some more guilt to the situation, but because it all happens so quickly, Connor pushes that to the back of his mind. He's got so much to think about with all of the wedding arrangements."
We've heard that Connor gives his wedding vows in sign language.
"Yeah, that's a romantic thing that Connor decides to do for Imogen, to show that he's putting the effort in. He basically signs his vows over to her and she's not expecting it. It's a very romantic, sweet moment.
"I've seen some of the wedding in the edit, and there's a look of delight on Imogen's face when she sees the effort that he's put in. I had a woman come in and teach me the sign language for my vows, and I actually picked it up quite quickly."
What was the filming day for the wedding like?
"It was one day filming straight through for the wedding and the vows, and it was fun for us. It's always great to be out of our uniforms and wearing something else. It's also a change of scenery when you're away from the school.
"Everything ran quite smoothly during the filming, although I was about 5 minutes late for my pick-up for the wedding scenes, so they all had a bit of a joke that I was getting cold feet!"
How would Christine react if she knew about the wedding?
"Christine would definitely try and talk Connor out of it. She's in that place now where she's looking out for Connor, and he is her focus. She definitely would try to make him see sense, even though it wouldn't make a difference.
"I don't think anyone really realises how much Connor and Imogen mean to each other. They just see two 17-year-olds in school uniforms infatuated with each other. But they are in love, they'd even get married in a shed if they had to."
The show takes a break after tonight, so what can we expect from Connor and Imogen in the next block of 10 episodes? Will there be more drama for them?
"There's always more drama! The two of them are happy as a couple at that point. If it's just them two alone, they're happy and perfect. But they are Waterloo Road's star-crossed lovers, so there's always going to be external forces trying to pull them apart. There's definitely more of that to come.
"Dynasty's ex-boyfriend joins the show too, and Connor finds himself in a situation with him, so that's coming up too."
What's been the best part of joining Waterloo Road and playing Connor?
"Probably the people that I've worked with, especially the younger cast. Because we work so closely together and live together too, we're with each other all the time. We form really strong friendships. I know when I'm finished on Waterloo Road, I'm still going to be in contact with these people. I also love Laurie Brett, who plays Christine, to pieces and we get on great.
"As far as Connor goes, I've been really lucky because he's so complex and that's the type of character that I like to tackle. There's so much material to get my teeth into, so I've been blessed with the character."
What kind of a reaction have you seen to Connor?
"It's really nice and the fans are all really supportive. Myself and Kirstie's characters seem to have been received well, and the viewers give us good feedback. Hearing their reaction is great. I think the majority of people have taken a shine to Connor and Imogen, so we're lucky with that."
Waterloo Road is on a filming break at the moment, so are you keeping busy or resting?
"A bit of both, really. I've been back with the family over the past few weeks and catching up with some much-needed sleep. But after a while, you do start to get bored and looking for something to do. I'm keeping myself relatively busy, but I'll probably be bored out of my mind soon!
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Quote:
Originally Posted by
Perdita
Already posted #179
I suggest you actually read my post and not just look at the pictures. Mine is actually an interview with the actor who plays Connor whereas yours is just an article from the Daily Star
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Waterloo Road star Kirstie Steele has admitted that she has no plans to head down the aisle like her character Imogen Stewart, describing herself as too young for marriage.
Imogen tied the knot with Connor Mulgrew in tonight's episode of the BBC One drama (March 7), while in real life, Steele is in a long-term relationship with boyfriend Tom.
The 21-year-old actress told the Daily Record: "I wouldn't think about getting married myself yet, and I think my dad would be quite happy to read that. I'm just at the start of my career and focused, so there's quite a lot to do before that.
"My boyfriend Tom wouldn't be too happy if I said I was intending that either. I've been with him for four years in September, but he'd have a heart attack if he read that."
Imogen and Connor's big day follows a turbulent time for the pair, who fell for each other at the start of series eight.
Discussing the wedding scenes, Steele added: "I absolutely loved it and was really excited about the lead-up to it. I thought it was a bit like a real wedding would be, because I had a dress fitting and my hair and make-up trials as well.
"The original wedding dress we ordered didn't arrive in time, but the wardrobe department soon put one together and it fitted so well. I was starting to get nervous as we learned the vows together
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Waterloo Road's Christine Mulgrew is heading for a surprise promotion in an upcoming storyline.
Christine, played by former EastEnders star Laurie Brett, takes over as Waterloo Road's headteacher in episodes airing later this year.
The news was revealed online after a fan visited the Waterloo Road set in Greenock, Scotland and spotted that Christine is now named as Head on the school's sign.
Viewers have now been left to wonder why existing headteacher Michael Byrne, played by Alec Newman, will be replaced in the storyline.
Speaking to Digital Spy, a Waterloo Road spokesperson kept tight-lipped over whether the arrangement is temporary or permanent.
The representative said: "In the next series, Michael's position as Head is questioned, and a couple of our well known characters do step into the breach. But whether this is for the short or long term, we really don't want to say."
English teacher Christine got off to a rocky start at the school as she struggled with an alcohol problem. However, she has since attempted to stay sober for the sake of her son Connor (Shane O'Meara).
Waterloo Road's latest block of ten episodes finishes this evening (March 7), but the show will be back on screen in the spring.
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Poor grantley!! What a sad episode to finish the series off.
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I felt so bad for Jodie but I am glad she went to sit her exams ...Hmmm Niki was about to kiss Loren ( sp) seems to me that all the original characters are leaving but Tom ????
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Philip Martin Brown has announced his departure from Waterloo Road.
The actor has played fan favourite Grantly Budgen since the BBC One drama began in 2006.
He tweeted earlier this evening (March 11): "Grantly's final scenes will be shot at the end of May."
Brown told Digital Spy last year that he had no idea the show would be such a success, explaining that he is proud of its family appeal.
"I thought there was probably two series in it," he said. "I never had any idea that it would go on for so long. I think what happens is that families sit down and watch it together, which is lovely, because there are very few shows like that now.
"Even if a child or teenager loses interest in the show, then there's always an 8-year-old who is just getting interested in it. So where one drops out, another one takes over."
On his favourite storyline, he added: "There was a girl with Asperger's syndrome called Karla back in series three, who Grantly really didn't like.
"I was the villain of the piece in that story and a bit of a monster, because I had a real go at her. I enjoyed that storyline."
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Waterloo Road bosses have released a statement confirming Philip Martin Brown's upcoming departure from the show.
The actor last night (March 11) announced on Twitter that he would be bowing out as fan favourite Grantly Budgen, though he later deleted the messages.
Brian Park, executive producer of Waterloo Road's production company Shed, told Digital Spy this afternoon (March 12): "Philip Martin Brown has played the irascible but loveable Grantly Budgen on our screens on Waterloo Road for eight years. Inevitably there comes a time when any actor wants to pursue pastures new.
"Philip has some very exciting storylines in the pipeline and will leave the show with a blockbusting climax that will serve one of the series' best loved characters well. We wish Philip the very best from everyone on Waterloo Road."
Brown is expected to film his final scenes as Grantly at the end of May.
The strict English teacher has been part of Waterloo Road since its launch in 2006.
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Aww there really is one of the old crowd left when grantley goes. Only Tom.
The old ones were definitely the best, izzy, lorna, steph, jack, etc etc
