Wept? I was keeping kleenex in business last night. What a fantastic episode.
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Wept? I was keeping kleenex in business last night. What a fantastic episode.
Oh I went thru some tissues too, omg, it was TOUCHING,, the guy playing Grantly ( Phillip something ) showed such raw emotion,, it just wrenched my heartQuote:
Originally Posted by moonstorm
Yeah it was sad that Grantly's wife died,maybe now he might have a relationship with her that works in the kitchens.
Quote:
Originally Posted by N.Fan
he loved his wife alot, I think he will have proper mourning time before he has a THING with the lunch lady,,,but again with TV shows who knows,,
Waterloo Road star Philip Martin Brown has spoken of how epilepsy almost destroyed his theatre career.
The actor, best known for playing strict teacher Grantly Budgen on the BBC One show, was diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy at the age of 19. He later had to quit the stage as his seizures became increasingly frequent.
Brown told The Sun that doctors finally cleared him for successful brain surgery 15 years after he was first diagnosed.
"Epilepsy affected my life, my career, everything," he explained. "It took away a lot of confidence because I never knew where it would happen or who I would be with."
Recalling one occasion when he suffered a seizure on stage, Brown continued: "I'm told the cast covered for me and the audience didn't know. I suppose it looked like I had gone blank and started to do odd things. Once that happened, I realised that I couldn't continue on stage."
He added: "Now that I'm seizure-free, you can't keep me away. I was in panto last year and in the West End, which is fantastic after all those years that the door was firmly closed."
Brown spoke out as part of his support for Young Epilepsy, which offers help to youngsters who have the condition.
The 55-year-old is currently appearing in the seventh series of Waterloo Road and begins filming a new run next month, when the show relocates to Scotland.
Glad he made a full recovery.
Waterloo Road stars Jaye Jacobs and Alec Newman have launched the drama's move to Scotland.
The upcoming eighth series of the school drama has been relocated from Rochdale to Greenock's former Academy, and Jacobs said that she is looking forward to begin filming.
"It's incredibly exciting," the former Holby City actress told The Scottish Sun. "We've just had our first tour of the new school and it looks fantastic.
"There's a real buzz about the place and I just can't wait to start shooting next week."
Jacobs - who plays deputy head Sian Diamond - explained that she instantly agreed to join several other cast members for the move to Scotland, and is excited about the changes that will improve the series.
"I jumped at the chance. To get to travel and explore new places is so exciting. I can't wait to get to know Greenock and Glasgow.
"And in terms of the show, I've read the first two scripts and they are incredibly powerful. They really are Waterloo Road at its very best and the viewers are in for some real surprises. They're very exciting, especially the youth stories."
On her character Sian's upcoming storylines, she added: "Sian has been through a really tough time in her personal life - and once her marriage breaks down she has no hesitation in making the move to Scotland. It'll be a really fresh start for her."
The soap's move to Scotland will occur after new character Lorraine Donnegan - (My Family's Daniela Denby-Ashe) - convinces headteacher Michael Byrne (Alec Newman) to run a new independent school.
Eileen Gallagher, CEO of Shed Productions, explained: "Michael comes up to Scotland with a lot of passion. His vision for the school is that he wants every kid to be able to come in and give them a quality education.
"So we won't find the tone of the children changing. We won't suddenly find they become a lot of posh kids. It will feel like a comprehensive, it's a non-fee paying school."
She added: "Michael has to convince key staff to come to Scotland. But he also doesn't want to abandon pupils who are about to sit exams. So he offers to bring about half a dozen of them with him and puts them up in a boarding house next to the school. Therefore we maintain the continuity."
The BBC recently rejected claims that Waterloo Road had glamorised knives in particular storylines.
It's about time more dramas were being made in Scotland,hopefully there will be more Scottish actors involved in the new series.:)
Wednesday, 18th April
It’s the day of Scout’s wedding to asylum seeking pupil Danilo and she is having doubts - but her mum persuades her to go through with it.
At school Scout becomes jealous when Danilo flirts with Em, and calls the wedding off. Later Danilo convinces Scout that he does like her and he thought she didn’t like him. Scout decides to go ahead with the marriage even though Phoenix tries to persuade her not to. When Danilo fails to show up to football practice, Phoenix lets slip to Tom about the marriage and it’s a race against time to find the happy couple.
Meanwhile, Finn is pressured into committing an act of retaliation on Tariq’s gang. Michael is forced to install extra security measures at the school due to the escalating gang violence. But when the funding is cut and he approaches the LA to find out why, he discovers the future of the school is under threat.
Elsewhere, Lorraine continues to chase Michael about her job offer, Zak struggles with his identity now that his father has gone and Maggie and Grantly take their relationship to the next level.
Taggart star Alex Norton has been cast in the new series of Waterloo Road.
The actor will play the headmaster of a rival private school who clashes with Waterloo Road head Michael Byrne (Alec Newman) when the school drama moves to Scotland.
Gaynor Holmes, acting head of drama for BBC Scotland and executive producer of Waterloo Road, told the Sunday Mail: "Alex will be joining as the character Gerard Findlay, the headmaster of rival school Havelock High.
"He has a very different philosophy to *teaching from Michael and they are going to clash and butt heads. A lot of the local pupils will be attracted to Waterloo Road at the expense of the roll call at Havelock and that's going to get right up his nose.
"So, you have two strong headmasters with very different approaches to teaching on the same patch and that is going to cause friction. Alex is brilliant. He's not just a well-loved Scottish actor but is also known across the UK."
The set is moving to Scotland from Rochdale as part of the BBC's commitment to producing drama around the country. The move will be written into the show, with headmaster Michael setting up an *independent school in Scotland, funded by a dot-com millionaire and former pupil, following the closure of the old school.
The BBC has commissioned Shed Productions to make 50 episodes over the next two years, generating an estimated £25m and 230 new jobs in the area.
EastEnders star Laurie Brett has also signed up for the new series, which starts filming tomorrow and airs in the autumn.
The current series of Waterloo Road continues on BBC1 on Wednesday at 8pm.
Lets just hope he's as good at playing a headmaster as he was playing a cop.
It was a bit sad that Janine's wedding didn't go as planned,thought there was something dodgy about that guy she was going to marry, hope he dosen't get away with what he's done.
you mean Janeece, not Janine, I think?Quote:
Originally Posted by N.Fan
Oops,yes I did mean Janeece.Quote:
Originally Posted by Perdita
Roxanne Pallet looked totally convincing playing a 17 year old,I didn't think she would especially when she's 28 in real life.
Yes, I agreeQuote:
Originally Posted by N.Fan
Quote:
Originally Posted by N.Fan
So do I. She played her part wellQuote:
Originally Posted by Perdita
Waterloo Road's Katie McGlynn has teased her character's secret wedding to Danilo in tomorrow's episode of the BBC school drama.
Speaking to What's on TV, the actress revealed that Scout is heartbroken after she realises her mum is financially benefiting from a credit card scam.
McGlynn explained: "Scout thinks she's in love with Danilo and wants to marry him, but he's only using her for a visa!
"Scout's mum is encouraging her to marry Danilo, and Scout thinks it's because her mum wants to help him stay in the country.
"She thinks her mum's encouraging her because she loves her, but it's just not the case - she's actually trying to make money out of her."
The star added: "It is really sad. Scout actually thinks her life is going pretty well, her mum seems to care for her and she believes she's in love with Danilo. In the end Scout's whole world comes crashing down.
"In the end Scout realises what her mum is like and gets some justice. It's a real turning point for her. She's growing up, which is good!"
Praising Waterloo Road's scriptwriters, McGlynn added: "I sometimes get taken aback when I look at the scripts; they're often quite emotional."
S07E30: Michael announces important news
Airs Wednesday, Apr 25 2012 at 20:00 BST on BBC One
Michael arrives for the last day at Waterloo Road and discovers Alan Dixon in his office. He is at the school to speak to the staff about alternative employment options. Michael asks Alan to let him be the one to tell the staff about the closure, but Alan has already sent out letters.
In the staff room, the teachers are shocked about the closure. Michael tells them about the school he is setting up with Lorraine and he wants them to speak to her about going too. Tom is concerned for the kids more than anything.
At assembly, Michael tells the students about the closure before giving a motivational speech about how they represent the spirit of the school and they need to take that with them. When Michael realises that not all of the students will get a place in a local school, he makes a decision that will change some of their lives forever.
Meanwhile, Josh returns to school for the final day and can't believe how his best friend Finn was dragged into the gangs so easily. At the same time, Tariq receives a crossbow in the post, ordered by Kyle to get payback on Finn. They will smuggle it into the school and use it at the prom later.
Elsewhere, Finn and Trudi get back together, Janeece receives a surprising gift, and Grantly and Maggie's relationship progresses.
Waterloo Road star Alec Newman has expressed excitement over the show's new era in Scotland.
Fans of the BBC One drama will next week see the final episode set in Rochdale. Cast and crew are already filming series eight at the programme's new base in Greenock, Inverclyde.
As announced last year, an upcoming storyline will see Newman's character Michael Byrne set up a new school in Scotland, which will also use the Waterloo Road name. Michael will be joined by existing pupils, who become boarders at the new Waterloo Road, as well as some of his staff.
Newman told TV Choice: "There's a lot more space here, but there was a certain charm to that Rochdale building, which was falling to bits.
"It's a fresh start, and it feels like it has gone back to what Waterloo Road does best - strong social issues and strong storylines about the pupils."
Defending the plausibility of the school's relocation, the actor said: "I've visited an independent school with a boarding facility. I sat down with the head and asked, 'Is this feasible?' And he replied, 'Everything there is possible'. It's not likely, but there are precedents for schools being relocated elsewhere."
Waterloo Road's final Rochdale episode airs next Wednesday (April 25). Series eight will launch on BBC One later this year.
I'm looking forward to Waterloo Road moving to Scotland,there's not near enough drama's being made here.I hope it will give Scottish actors more chance to show they're as good as the English,if not better.
Waterloo Road stalwart Philip Martin Brown has suggested that Grantly Budgen will propose to his new girlfriend. :thumbsup:
The BBC school drama actor revealed that the English teacher will bend down on one knee to dinnerlady Maggie Croft (Melanie Hill) in tonight's series seven finale.
Speaking on Loose Women, the star teased: "I can tell you that Grantly goes down... on bended knee."
Referring to Grantly's recent struggle with his late wife Fleur's Alzheimer's, he added: "It's been great to do, a joy, but it's been pretty gritty all in all.
"Although now he's got a girlfriend so things are looking up for him after a bit of a bad spell."
Waterloo Road concludes tonight for the show's final day in Rochdale, airing at 8pm on BBC One.
Cast and crew are currently filming the next series in Scotland, the programme's new home.
For Grantly to propose so soon after losing his wife is a mistake.
I can't wait till the new series starts,that was definately some cliff hanger when the last series finished.
Considering that most of the cast are English that seems highly improbableQuote:
Originally Posted by N.Fan
Quote:
Originally Posted by N.Fan
I was like ,, OMG,,, wonder when the new series will start up,,, any one know ??? dang,,,
I believe the new series starts in September.
Waterloo Road star Chelsee Healey is leaving the BBC drama.
As rumoured, the actress's character Janeece Bryant will bow out in the show's next series, which begins in the autumn.
Healey will appear in a substantial number of episodes in series eight before her departure. Although Janeece will not be killed off, show bosses have promised an "emotional" send-off for the school secretary.
Speaking of her exit, Healey commented: "Waterloo Road and playing Janeece has been a part of my life for six years and I'll be sad to leave the show.
"Working with the cast and crew has been the best time of my life. I'll miss it so much, but I can promise fans my exit will be unmissable - but my lips are sealed!"
Waterloo Road's executive producer Cameron Roach added: "Chelsee's journey with Waterloo Road comes to an end this autumn as we say farewell to Janeece Bryant.
"It's been an incredible experience watching Janeece grow from being a pupil to the school secretary, and we're currently shooting an emotional and engaging departure storyline which we're extremely excited about."
Waterloo Road bosses have announced that Zöe Lucker is joining the cast of the BBC show.
The former Footballers' Wives and EastEnders actress has signed up for the role of Carol Barry, the head of a Liverpudlian criminal family who have been tipped to cause mayhem in upcoming storylines.
As Carol's husband is in prison, she is the lone parent of three unruly children - bad boy Barry (Carl Au) and daughters Dynasty and Kacey (Abby Mavers and Brogan Ellis).
Viewers will see the kids arrive at Waterloo Road's new home in Scotland as the latest recruits for headmaster Michael Byrne's pupil referral unit. Michael (Alec Newman) hopes to turn them into model students, but it quickly becomes apparent that top grades are the last thing on their minds.
Lucker commented: "I'm delighted to join the cast of Waterloo Road and work with Shed and the BBC again. It's a show I've always enjoyed and I'm thrilled to be part of the outrageous Barry family.
"Carol and her kids are going to ruffle plenty of feathers in Waterloo Road - you can't trust them as far as you can throw them! They're a family of great characters - you just wouldn't want the Barrys in your neighbourhood!"
Waterloo Road is Lucker's first major project since bowing out as Vanessa Gold in EastEnders last year.
Cameron Roach, head of drama for Shed Productions and executive producer of Waterloo Road, said: "Zöe is a terrific addition to our ensemble cast. It is incredibly exciting to be working with her again after working together on Footballers' Wives. This time her character's not about the glamour but keeping the family together."
BBC Scotland's executive producer Gaynor Holmes added: "We'd like to extend a warm welcome to Zöe as she arrives in Scotland. It's very exciting to see Waterloo Road continue to attract such star casting as the show goes from strength to strength."
Waterloo Road fans will see the Barry family make their on-screen debut next year, in episodes currently being filmed at the programme's new base in Greenock, Scotland.
It would have been better if they had cast an actor as the head of a Glasgow crime family,with it now being filmed in Scotland.
Thursday 23 August
8.00-9.00pm
BBC ONE
As the new Waterloo Road school opens in Scotland headteacher Michael Byrne has his work cut out dealing with a couple of runaway teens and a burgeoning rivalry with a local headmaster.
On the run from a foster home, teenager Jade shares a squat with her controlling boyfriend Drew but dreams of a better life. She announces that she’s going to school at Waterloo Road and despite his fear the authorities will find out about them, Drew is persuaded to enroll too.
Michael and Sian arrive at the new Waterloo Road. The local press reaction to the school has been largely positive, except one story reporting discontent from Gerard Findlay, headmaster of rival school Havelock High, who claims Waterloo Road are stealing his pupils.
The school is buzzing as Jade and Drew arrive. Despite not being registered at Waterloo Road Drew uses his charisma to win Lorraine over - but it’s not long before Tom sees an angry side to the new boy.
When Michael offers Jade, but not Drew, accommodation in the school house, Drew reacts angrily, forcing his girlfriend to reveal a secret which will have far-reaching consequences for the pair.
In the staffroom, new teachers Christine Mulgrew and Audrey McFall introduce themselves to Waterloo Road’s familiar faces. Not everyone is enthusiastic about the new school and Tom bemoans Michael’s regime. But English teacher Christine doesn’t seem keen to be drawn into any staff discussions, keeping herself to herself. It’s only when Grantly suggests the teaching team go for a drink after school that Christine’s interest is spiked.
Elsewhere, Tariq struggles to adjust to his new life as a paraplegic and Rhiannon starts a bullying campaign against Scout.
Can't wait till the new series starts,especially with all the crap that's on just now.
Ex-EastEnders star Laurie Brett has revealed that her new Waterloo Road character will be an alcoholic.
The actress, who made her last appearance as Jane Beale in January, will play Scotland-born English teacher Christine Mulgrew on the school drama from this autumn.
"Drink doesn't affect Christine's life - unless she doesn't have any," Brett told the Daily Record. "She needs to keep a certain level of drink in her system in order to get through the day."
"In spite of being an alcoholic, Christine's a very good teacher. But she uses alcohol to function on a day-to-day level," Brett added.
Further explaining her decision to join Waterloo Road, she said: "I've always really loved the show and think it's amazing [that] it's now in its eighth series. It's incredibly popular and it's great to be part of it."
Brett, who hails from Scotland, added: "I've only used my own accent once before - in a commercial years ago.
"This time around, it's been a great tool to make a distinct departure from the role I'm best known for – Jane in EastEnders.
"The writers could have made Christine from anywhere in the UK, but the fact she was Scottish was a great draw for me.
"Playing in my own accent was quite funny and I hope no one tunes in and says, 'She's got a rubbish accent'."
Interview with Laurie Brett
Date: 06.08.2012Last updated: 06.08.2012 at 09.00
Category: BBC One; Drama
English teacher Christine Mulgrew is a woman with a secret – she’s a functioning alcoholic. Christine convincingly comes across as a woman very much in charge of her life. But this is because her alcoholism has made her a secretive, deceitful and persuasive liar – she even managed to convince Michael she’d be an asset to his new school. But Christine’s drinking not only threatens her teaching career, it has a negative impact on her son Connor with whom she has a difficult and testing relationship.
Tell us a little bit about Christine
In spite of being an alcoholic, Christine’s a very good teacher. But she uses alcohol to function on a normal day-to-day level because without it she wouldn’t know how to cope. And because she’s an addict she’s become an incredibly good liar – she needs to be, otherwise she’d lose her job.
What’s her relationship like with her son Connor?
She’s brought up her son, Connor, single-handedly and they have, shall we say, a ‘difficult’ relationship. Christine’s primary relationship is with alcohol and that is the most important thing to her. So, naturally, Connor suffers as a result.
They have a very co-dependant relationship. They love each other, hate each other but they need each other. And if anyone every tries to encroach on their relationship they both become defensive and closed.
What was it like for you returning home to Scotland?
It’s always lovely to come back and work for a wee while. I miss the people and humour you only get in Scotland!
I’ve never had the opportunity to spend as much time as this up in Scotland but, because of our filming schedules, I’ve not been able to see much of Scotland and get out and about.
But our location in Greenock is incredible and it’s quite lovely to look at the view we have every day. We’re very fortunate – it’s a great place to work.
Was it good using your own accent for the role of Christine?
I’ve only used my own accent once before in a commercial years ago. This time around, it’s been a great tool to make a distinct departure from the role I’m best known for – Jane in EastEnders. The writers could have made Christine from anywhere in the UK but the fact she was Scottish was a great draw for me.
Playing in my own accent was quite funny and I hope no one tunes into the new series and says “she’s got a rubbish accent!”
How was it playing a drunk?
Easy! No, in all seriousness, it’s probably one of the most difficult things to pull off convincingly as an actor. We’ve all been drunk at some point in our lives but playing it well can be tricky. There’s a fine line between getting it right and getting it horribly wrong. At the end of the day you just need to go for it.
How does drink affect her life? She’s described as a ‘functioning alcoholic’ – what does this mean for her?
Drink doesn’t affect Christine’s life - unless she doesn’t have any.
She needs to keep a certain level of drink in her system in order to get through the day - she requires to top up to avoid any serious withdrawals. Alcohol makes Christine feel safe – to her, it’s like a medicine.
Drinking isn’t the issue, having to lie to cover up her drinking is the trouble. Hiding her alcoholism means that Christine is something of an expert liar and that takes skill and effort.
Do you think Christine’s a good teacher?
Oh yes - her passion is English and the English language. Christine has a passion and commitment for teaching and can be a great motivator - as long as she’s not legless. If she was more focused and less dependent on drink she could be an incredible teacher.
What’s Christine’s relationship with the other teachers like?
Truth be told, she doesn’t really have any relationships with the rest of the Waterloo Road teachers – because of her drinking she isolates herself from everyone, keeping herself to herself. Drinking is her friend, that’s all she needs.
That being said, she does like Grantly but possibly because he likes going to the pub too! And she has a curious relationship with Audrey McFall because she knows she’s a little suspicious of her behaviour and suspects something’s going on.
Christine can be very convincing when she wants to be – after all she persuaded Michael to give her a job in his new school. She pretty much gets what she wants in life, she knows how to butter people up to get the right outcome for her.
What did you make of your new school?
I’ve seen pictures of how it was before the renovation and the art department have done an amazing job creating the new Waterloo Road. The great thing about filming in a real school is that you get such a good feeling and it makes acting, and becoming the character of a teacher, so much easier.
Were your school days the best days of your life?
Honestly? No! I really enjoyed school and loved learning but I can’t say they were 'the best'. I think any teacher is a saint! I wasn’t sad to leave school – I’d had enough by the time I did leave!
Things get better as you get older. I’m living the best days of my life now.
Before joining the show, were you a fan of Waterloo Road?
I’d watched Waterloo Road when my friend Jill Halfpenny was in the show and on and off over the years. I’ve always really loved the show and think it’s amazing it’s now in its eighth series – it’s so incredibly popular and it’s great to be part of it.
Interview with Alec Newman
Date: 06.08.2012Last updated: 06.08.2012 at 09.01
Category: BBC One; Drama
Career-aside, Michael’s been away from Scotland for a long time and his return home will see him face ghosts from his past. Michael has a really strong vision for his new school but, unfortunately, it seems to be at odds with what investor Lorraine Donegan (Daniela Denby-Ashe) wants from Waterloo Road and then there’s a difficult relationship with headteacher of rival local school, Gerard Findlay (Alex Norton), to deal with.
New school, new start… what challenges await Michael this term?
Michael is returning to Scotland and the area that he grew up in. He's kept his tensions about this buried but will face his past and family issues that remain unresolved and locked away.
It’s a journey into Michael as a man and reveals much about what makes him who he is today. But it’s a painful journey on a personal level.
And, professionally, tensions will rise as Michael battles Lorraine on how the school should be run in its infancy.
What is Michael’s vision for his new school?
Michael's vision for the new Waterloo Road is as a forward thinking modern comprehensive. As ever his priority is that the school is non-exclusive - no one pays fees (that's what Lorraine is for otherwise he wouldn't tolerate her!) and any child can be enrolled.
This is Michael's ever present ethos on education. Any child, no matter the ability or background, has potential that should be harnessed and encouraged.
How does he get on with school investor Lorraine?
There is tension with Lorraine over budgets and adjusting to new roles. Michael is forced to bite his tongue constantly as she tries to muscle in on control of running the school. But with Lorraine's money keeping the school open, he must make compromises.
What’s the situation with rival local school, Havelock High?
Havelock High are the local school in existence when Waterloo Road arrives. Their Head, Gerard Findlay, is up in arms as many of his students leave to join the new, shiny Waterloo Road! Little does Michael know that Findlay carries some secrets from Michael's past and isn’t afraid to use them to try and jeopardise the new venture.
What was it like for you returning ‘home’ to Scotland?
For me working in Scotland has been a welcome move. I really feel at home as my family are all from Glasgow - I was born here and am a proud Scot myself. I can feel like I live here while we film instead of wanting to return home to London all the time!
Anyway there is someone special in Glasgow to spend my time off the set with now, so London can wait until we have finished filming. I might yet end up living in Scotland half the time. Who knows?!
What did you make of your new school and your new headmasters office?
The new school was impressive from my first walk around it. The office set is of course my favourite. For me it’s the show piece of the set. It feels very cool and slick - Michael takes pride in his appearance and his interior decoration obviously. It’s a business-like, modern room that suggests power but humility too. And it’s much bigger than the Rochdale office so they can fit more crew into the room - everyone is happy!
Were your school days the best days of your life?
My school days were great but any adult who says they were the best has had a bad run of luck, surely?! I dont know - being a child was magical but being a teenager in a comprehensive with all those hormones? Forget it.
Any memorable moments from filming?
Jumping into a freezing loch from a speed boat was my favourite moment of filming so far. They used my dive instead of the stunt double. Proud! It was fun to get involved in a little bit of action when we spend so much time on set sat down in a chair.
Viewers should watch episode four just to see the look on my face when I come up from the dive! FREEZING.
I think we've taken the already successful formula of a show people love and expanded it. It’s the same show with some surprises, and whilst we never forget where we came from, it's the fact that we're in Scotland that makes me so excited and proud of this one.
Interview with Daniela Denby-Ashe
Date: 06.08.2012Last updated: 06.08.2012 at 09.01
Category: BBC One; Drama
Philanthropist and businesswoman, Lorraine is a former pupil of Michael’s and benefactor of the new Waterloo Road school. Lorraine first met Michael when he was starting out as a teacher. She was an educational no-hoper; Michael taught her to believe that she could achieve greatness which inspired her to go to night school and better herself. Super wealthy and extremely driven, Lorraine’s a dot.com millionaire who wholeheartedly believes in the power of education and headhunted Michael to make her Waterloo Road vision become a reality. But although she says he is in charge… can she really stop herself from interfering?
What’s Lorraine’s motivation for funding a school like Waterloo Road?
From a very early age Lorraine has always been driven and motivated to be the best. Aside from winning Business Woman of the Year, she has been recognised at many industry events for revolutionising the way call centres and telecommunication companies work. Her motivations for opening the new Waterloo Road is to give kids the opportunities she never had. She is a firm believer in working hard. On a personal and private level she is striving to fill a void in her life which has something to do with her past, and the school and her businesses are filling that void for the time being.
She’s meant to be a silent investor… do you think she’ll be able to stop interfering?
You're joking! Lorraine is extremely hands on. She trusts Michael but she needs the school to be a success. She's a very busy woman but not too busy to put new school initiatives in place, which ruffles more than a few feathers along the way.
What approach does Lorraine have towards education and how does it differ from Michael’s vision?
Their vision started out the same however they have completely different views as to how the school should be run. Lorraine is from a corporate background and the speed at which she works conflicts with Michael's. Michael is used to having a set budget and works within his set parameters, however Lorraine has a never ending pot of money which she can throw at new, creative and exciting projects within the school. Lorraine believes that education is very important however, and throwing a few cash incentives in to the mix is also a way for the kids to learn about the value of money. She's also aware that university isn't for everyone, so exposing the kids to a working environment gives them a taste of the future. The Business vs Education argument is ever present.
What was it about Michael that made him Lorraine’s first choice for headmaster of her new school?
It was a no brainer as far as Lorraine was concerned. Before she met Michael, Lorraine was extremely motivated and had already set up her own business at school, however Michael pushed her to the next level and inspired her to become who she is today. Lorraine knows that if anyone can turn a kid's life around, Michael can.
How have you enjoyed your time filming in your new Waterloo Road home in Scotland?
I LOVE Glasgow. The people, the city, it's all wonderful.
I'm trying to make the most of my time in Scotland during any down time I have. I have a list of things I want to tick off before I go home at the end of the year.
Without a doubt, Lorraine has the best wardrobe around – describe her style
Lorraine wears labels but isn't afraid to mix it up with a bit of high street. Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood are favourites of hers.
Up until now, we’ve only seen the business side of Lorraine – will we get to know what she’s like behind closed doors?
Even though Lorraine appears very confident she does have a vulnerable side which I hope we'll get to see later on in the series.
Were your school days the best days of your life?
I can honestly say that I loved school. I wasn't there an awful lot because I worked from an early age but I loved my teachers and the friends I made.
And finally, why should viewers tune in to the new series of Waterloo Road?
I think we've got a really exciting show this year. The Scottish cast are brilliant and add so much to the already strong, original cast members of the show.
The school looks incredible. It's huge and has so much detail in it - our production designer, Tina, has done an amazing job. I really hope that fans of Waterloo Road will embrace the move to Greenock and continue to watch the show.
Interview with Jason Done
Date: 06.08.2012Last updated: 06.08.2012 at 09.00
Category: BBC One; Drama
Following Josh’s schizophrenia diagnosis, overprotective dad Tom is terrified to let his son go knowing that he wants to look to a new future. Initially in two minds about the move to Scotland, Tom knows it’s an opportunity for a new life for him and Josh and soon starts to warm to his new surroundings and school.
How does Tom feel about the move to the new school in Scotland?
He’s actually more apprehensive than Josh. His son has embraced the move and if anything is encouraging his dad to see the positives. I don’t know whether Tom’s anxiousness stems from being nervous about fitting into his new life in Scotland or whether he’s just frightened of the unknown for him and Josh. Only time will tell.
You’re one of only two original cast members, how does that feel?
Well there’s a certain feeling of pride to have been involved with a show like Waterloo Road for so long.
There’s a strange dichotomy you need to be careful that comfort doesn’t breed laziness. I would definitely like to think that having the comfort of knowing the job so well allows you to be more creative.
But I never get complacent and always approach each new series like it’s a new job.
Without a doubt, moving to Scotland has given Waterloo Road new life. Part of the charm of this programme is its ability to reinvent itself. The move to Scotland has given Waterloo Road a welcome facelift.
Why do you think Michael selected Tom to become part of his new team in Scotland?
I think it’s clear that Tom absolutely has the best interests of the pupils and the school at heart. He’s dedicated and committed to the welfare of the pupils and gets on with the staff so he’s well qualified to do a good job.
How have you enjoyed the move?
I’m really enjoying Scotland - it’s an absolutely stunning country. The people have been wonderfully welcoming and courteous and the surroundings of our new school are amazing. It’s a pretty special location to film in. Whenever I’m not filming, my family and I jump in the car and go exploring. It’s an incredible country and I’m loving my time here.
Did you base your Waterloo Road character on anyone?
Tom’s a sort of hybrid of a couple of teachers I’ve been taught by. One was a history teacher at Walkden High Secondary School and also a teacher from primary school. Both were incredibly inspiring men.
What dramas does Tom face this term?
Amongst other things, Tom has to deal with his guilt surrounding Denzil’s death. He blames himself for encouraging Denzil to come – if he hadn’t talked him round he wouldn’t have travelled to Scotland and wouldn’t have died in the accident.
And on top of that, Tom explores his relationship with his son Josh, not least as he finds himself watching as Josh finds his independence.
Will there be a love interest for Tom in the future - he’s not had the best of luck in the past?
For the sake of the female cast members I hope not! I don’t think we could stand another death! We all joke about it but any female member of cast who joins the programme would flip if they read in the scritps they had a romantic involvement with Tom. To be blunt, love with Tom usually ends in death – Tom’s love interests rarely last long!
Any memorable moments from filming?
What I try to do is just have as much fun as possible. I like to have a laugh every day and some days are more stressful than others but generally we have fun. You can’t spend this amount of time with a cast and a crew and not enjoy yourself. I know it sounds terribly clichéd but we’ve become a little family in ourselves.
Were your school days the best days of your life?
No. These are the best days of my life.
And finally, why should viewers tune in to the new series of Waterloo Road?
For any fans of the show, I’m sure they’ll be intrigued to see the differences between the old and new Waterloo Road. But, above all else, it’s a drama full of interesting characters with a nice mix of charm, education and entertainment. What more could you want?
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Ep 2/10
Thursday 30 August
8.00-9.00pm
BBC ONE
As troublemaker Lula’s home life spills into school, Tom tries to get to the root of her disruptive behaviour. A desperate Connor tries to out Christine’s drinking, Josh helps Tariq face up to his disabilities and Grantly deals with a spate of graffiti at the school house.
Lula Tsibi’s homelife is far from happy. Distressed following another heated argument with her overbearing Uncle Lionel, Lulu runs to the sanctuary of her school - but her behaviour irks the other pupils and gives the teachers cause for concern.
Matters come to a head at Denzil’s commemorative ceremony when Lula lashes out at Imogen and Sian.
Far from being apologetic, Lula makes some unsettling comments about death. And later, she has a run in with Tariq, hurtfully suggesting his disability is a punishment from God.
Tom speaks to Lula’s uncle Lionel. But when Lula hears this she tells Tom that her uncle plans to perform an exorcism on her, as he believes she is possessed. Terrified, she begs Tom to help her.
Elsewhere Connor bugs his mother to lay off the alcohol but is met with Christine’s usual hostility. Playing up in class, Connor attempts to shame Christine - but it backfires and he’s humiliated in front of his classmates.
Concerned, Imogen tells Connor he can’t look after his mother forever - advice which spurs Connor to take drastic action.
Grantly is furious when his car is vandalised by Havelock kids but Michael wants to keep the peace and not involve the police. But while Michael attempts to build bridges with rival headteacher Gerard Findlay, Grantly can’t help but rock the boat.
Josh tries to convince Tariq that life is worth living, but Tariq isn’t interested and Sian receives an unexpected visitor at the gates of Waterloo Road.
Just curious,,, will we be treated with the AFTERMATH of the lorry running into them ...or are we gonna just have to IMAGINE what happened ????? I think it would be a good seaon opener,, then can say 6 months later,,, then the new series opens ????? I am just guessing here,,, I mean they could have made it horrific ...