Waterloo Road Series 10 Spoilers

Waterloo Road's deputy head Simon Lowsley is left devastated in tonight's episode (December 10) as he discovers that his wife Sue has been cheating on him with their colleague and friend Hector Reid.

Viewers can expect an angry reaction from Simon after the truth is revealed and the dramatic situation that follows leads to him leaving the school for good.

Digital Spy recently caught up with Richard Mylan, who plays Simon, to hear more about the fireworks to come.

Was this an enjoyable episode for you to film?
"It was, because there was so much for me to get my teeth into. It's quite a dramatic episode, so I enjoyed filming it a lot.

"It's one of those things where Simon just has no idea of what's about to unfold. He knows there are cracks in his marriage, but he has no idea that Sue has been having an affair with his best mate. When the truth comes out, Simon's world comes crashing down - and his reaction is quite out of character for him."

Who does Simon feel most betrayed by?
"I think he feels let down by both of them, but his immediate reaction is one of anger. I enjoyed showing a different side to him as I love it when you can flip it for the audience. They think they know a character and think they know the limits of that character, so it's really good fun when you can challenge that and push the boundaries."

Simon often advises the students about reacting to situations in the right way, but now he's the one making a scene! Is he in a tricky spot?
"I think it puts him in a compromised position. Simon shows a side of himself that the audience saw a little bit of with the Barry Barry story not so long ago.

"We know that Simon does have this side to him where he won't be pushed, but he really goes too far this time. There's an element of conscience-clearing to be done after an event like this. Simon definitely puts himself in uncharted territory…"

What kind of a reaction have you seen to the storyline?
"Everyone seems to be really digging the storyline. The fans have already seen a little preview clip of Simon holding a baseball bat above Hector and saying, 'Give me one good reason why I shouldn't!' The reaction to that was brilliant. Twitter blew up, and I had tweets from people saying, 'Smash him!'

"It was quite a violent reaction but I think it's because the audience had had enough of Simon being treated like that. He's a good guy and he doesn't deserve it, so he's going to get his revenge in some way!"

We know that this is your final episode, so how did you feel about leaving the show at this point?
"I was sad to leave, because I'd had such a great time and such a great experience on the show. It had been a really positive experience for me. I really loved playing the character but I felt that Simon didn't really have anywhere else to go.

"Simon had been in the running for the headship against Christine Mulgrew, he'd conceded because he thought she was the better person for the job, and then a new head was brought in. I think it was for the best that he went out with a bang."

Was there part of you that was sad your on-screen marriage didn't work out?
"In a storyline sense, there wasn't one part of me that was sad it didn't work out! As an actor, you want the drama, the conflict and that's why I do it. I was really, really pleased when I read this episode because it was really good stuff."

What was your last day on set like?
"Well, there's one scene in particular in the episode with Simon and Christine and I knew that would be the last scene I'd shoot with Laurie Brett. That was an emotional time and we added a couple of things to that scene which I hope they've kept in it.

"That scene in particular was a sad time for me, because so much of my stuff in the show had been with Laurie and I knew that was the end of that. I'd enjoyed working with Laurie so much."

Have you kept in touch with many people from the cast?
"I've kept in touch with Laurie, Angus Deayton, Carl Au, Rebecca Craven and Max Bowden. I keep in touch with a lot of people - it's a family and it's sad that it's come to an end!"

What have you been up to since leaving?
"I did a theatre tour in a play called The Believers and I've also shot a film called Marked with Kiefer Sutherland and Stephen Fry. That was great and it comes out at Christmas on Sky Arts.

"In the New Year I'm shooting a film called Canaries in Wales and I'll also be doing some work with the Royal Court in London, so there's lots to look forward to!"

Would you be interested in another long-running drama or soap role?
"Yeah, I'd love to do another long-running family drama or a soap. I'm open to anything. As an actor, I don't think you should be closed to any opportunities because you're lucky to work. I'd be more than happy to do another one, so bring it on!"

Will you be watching Waterloo Road's final series next year even with no Simon on screen?
"Yeah, I've become a massive fan of Waterloo Road and I'll definitely watch the final series. It's an iconic series, it's got a massive following and I think it's brilliant, well-made drama. It's family drama at its finest and even though it's sad that it's going to be over, I'm still glad to have been part of such an iconic series."

Waterloo Road will lose its primetime BBC One slot next year, Digital Spy can confirm.

The show has traditionally aired at 8pm on BBC One, but its premiere airings will switch to BBC Three in January for the final ten episodes.

Waterloo Road takes a short break from screens next Wednesday, before returning on Monday, January 5 at 8pm on BBC Three.

Monday will be the new night for the long-running drama, which will also have a repeat screening at the later time of 10.35pm on BBC One.

A BBC spokesperson told Digital Spy: "In order to create space in the schedule for new shows at 8pm, the final series of Waterloo Road will transmit on BBC Three in peak on Monday nights, with a repeat at 10.35pm on BBC One. It will also be available on BBC iPlayer."

Waterloo Road has dipped to an overnight average of 2.63m in the ratings with its current set of episodes, although the show still has a loyal following and is a strong performer on iPlayer.

Justin's impulsive actions will have far-reaching consequences that will undoubtedly change the course of the family's future forever.

We recently caught up with Nicola Stephenson, who plays Allie, to chat about her exit from the show and what the future holds.

How would you sum up your time on Waterloo Road?
"It went by in a flash, really. I was there for three months and we finished filming it a year ago now, weirdly. It has just taken a long time to come on screen. It was a really intense three months of lots and lots of filming. They double bank the episodes and there are two units on the set all the time, so if you are not on one unit, you will be on the other one. I wouldn't say it was hard work because I don't think my job is ever hard work as it is essentially just pretending for a living, but it was long hours, intensive and challenging, but also really good fun.

"My character has a real journey throughout the series. She starts off by being really capable, confident, kind and accommodating, but she ends up getting really worn down by the situation she is in and loses her grip by the end."

Fans will be quite surprised that you're only in these 10 episodes. Was that all you wanted to do, or was that just the way the storyline turned out?
"That was the way it panned out really and I had other commitments. It just worked out like that with my availability and also the storyline."

The Allie and Justin storyline has been great to watch. How did you feel about filming so many intense scenes with Max Bowden?
"It was really good fun. He is a really good, young actor and very confident. All the young actors and actresses in the show are really professional, confident and fun to work with. It was good from that point of view and we had some good stuff to do, especially in this episode - the conflict really comes to a head. Justin's behaviour really spirals in this episode and there will be far-reaching changes for the whole dynamic of the family."

Can you understand why Allie has been so against the relationship between Justin and Tiffany? Is it because Tiffany is only 15, or is it because Allie doesn't trust Justin?
"I think Allie uses the fact that Tiffany is only 15 as an excuse really. I don't think she genuinely thinks that people don't have sex until they are 16 and I think she knows that these things happen when you are teenagers. I think her real problem is that she doesn't trust Justin and she thinks that Justin will chew Tiffany up and spit her out. All he really wants to do is come between Allie and Vaughan. From day one, Justin has been violent - he slammed the door in her face, he has been threatening and he has generally just been trouble! She just doesn't trust him and out of everybody that Tiffany could confided in her about sleeping with, the fact that it is Justin is the worst thing."

Does Allie think Justin is only with Tiffany to cause trouble and split the family up then?
"Yes absolutely. She doesn't trust that he has got any feelings for Tiffany whatsoever."

What kind of reaction have you seen on Twitter? Are the fans backing Justin and Tiffany or do they see Allie's point of view?
"I think generally the reaction has been a bit like "Mum's a bitch" because she is coming between them. I think people are probably all behind them because everybody likes a romance, don't they?"

Do you think other mums will be able to see Allie's point of view?
"Yes I do. I think it is all very well to be liberal and "down with the kids" but when it is your own daughter, you would do anything to protect her."

At the start of the series, Allie was determined that Justin couldn't come between her and Vaughan, but now she's starting to doubt their future. Why would you say she's starting to give up?
"I think the whole thing gradually over the series has just worn her down. Not just Justin's behaviour but the whole situation like finding out that Vaughan was paying thousands for Olga's treatment in the clinic. She has kind of lost faith in him and in their relationship as well."

We know that this week's episode will see the storyline come to a head in a dramatic fashion. Can you give us any hints on what we can expect
"Some really outrageous behaviour from Justin! And Allie being put in a really difficult position."

Justin has obviously been violent before, but how far does he go this time?
"It's quite shocking - there is definitely a real shock. I won't say much more than that."

Can you say whether it's a sad ending for your character or does she leave on a high?
"I think it's quite sad, but you will have to wait and see. The viewers will hopefully like the ending. I think it comes to a good climax and hopefully everyone will enjoy it."

Is there a part of you that's sad over Allie and Vaughan's relationship seemingly not working out?
"It makes good drama, doesn't it? I suppose it is sad and these things do happen, but if it was happy families all the way through then there wouldn't have been any drama. I think it is played out really well and what the writers have done with it has been really good and really juicy."

Did you enjoy working with the younger cast and did they ever approach you for advice?
"No, they don't need any advice from us! [laughs] I think young actors these days are so clued up - I am in awe of them. I think it is a much more competitive industry than it was when I was that age and starting out. You've got to be so much more disciplined now and able to sell yourself on social media and through your showreel and agent etc. They just seem so much more on it nowadays and much more professional and hard-working than I remember being when I was younger. It's really impressive."

Who did you most enjoy working with?
"Neil and I got on very well because obviously we had most of our stuff together and like I say it was a really intensive shooting schedule. I would spend 12 hours a day with this man so we had a good laugh, worked hard and it was good fun."

How do you feel about still being associated with Brookside (and the lesbian kiss) after all the other work you've done?
"People really remember Brookside fondly, don't they? They always want to talk about it and it was a really loved show. I had a real gift of a part on it and it was the first big thing that I did. People do always talk about it and I don't mind at all. I think it's really nice that people remember it and I am really flattered."

What does the future hold for you? Would you like to do another soap in the future?
"Not at the moment I don't think. I am really enjoying doing lots of different kinds of work. I obviously did Waterloo Road which is an ongoing series and then this summer I did a children's show which was a a really high energy, slapstick comedy for CBBC. That was so much fun because it was really over the top mucking about. I have also just been in the Lake District doing a four-part thriller for ITV and that was really heavy, gritty drama. I am really enjoying doing a real varied mix of work at the moment and so unless a really amazing part came along, I am enjoying having those opportunities. I think I would feel a bit sad if I was doing a soap and I was in it for a few years and I was missing those opportunities. I am really lucky to have them."

Angus Deayton returns to Waterloo Road in tonight's episode (December 17) as his character George Windsor returns to drop a bombshell.

George pays a visit to the school with the excuse that he was in the area and wanted to drop by, but Christine Mulgrew can sense that there is more to his unexpected appearance than meets the eye.

With the school facing another chaotic day, George quickly finds himself roped into the last-minute preparations for the end-of-term dance party, which will be taking place that evening.

George is surprisingly happy to help out, but when he hears about another angry outburst from Justin Fitzgerald, how will he react to being proved right about the troubled teenager?

Later, the true reasons for George's return become clear as he approaches headteacher Vaughan Fitzgerald to make a surprising offer - and share some shocking news about the school's future.

Could George's revelation cast a shadow over the pupils' party?

Waterloo Road airs tonight at 8pm on BBC One.

Waterloo Road returns to screens for its final ten episodes in January as the long-running show goes out with a bang.

Some new characters will be joining the show to shake things up in the last series, while there are also big storylines planned for the existing regulars.

For some early gossip on what to expect from the 2015 episodes, Digital Spy recently chatted to series producer Huw Kennair-Jones. Read on to find out what he had to say!
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Waterloo Road's teaching staff in 2015
© BBC / Headstrong Pictures (WR) Ltd/Laurence Cendrowicz
Waterloo Road's teaching staff in 2015

How would you sum up Waterloo Road's final ten episodes?
"I think they are classic Waterloo Road. Because we knew the show was ending, we absolutely wanted to go back and make sure that we told stories that the fans and viewers will relate to.

"What's brilliant about Waterloo Road is that it's a family viewing experience. It's the kind of programme that young people can watch with their parents, but still at its very heart is complete entertainment.

"While planning the final episodes, we were looking for lots of drama and lots of laughs so people could have fun too. We also have some cracking new characters coming in, as well as the returning cast who are fantastic, so hopefully there's something for everyone."

How did you approach the task of ending such a long-running show? Will it be an explosive conclusion or something more low-key?
"We wanted to make sure that we finished the show with a big, proper ending. When you know that something is finishing, you do have the opportunity to do it properly. As we knew this would be the final series, we were thinking of how we were going to end the show when we started right at the beginning. We were able to then design the stories to fit that ending.

"I don't think people will be disappointed. The story coming up is something that threatens the very being of Waterloo Road, so that's quite explosive in itself! I'm really proud of it and I think it's going to be a great series."

What can we expect from newcomer Lorna Hutchinson, played by Laura Aikman?
"Lorna comes in as the school's new deputy head. She's quite young but she doesn't pull her punches! Lorna is not afraid of saying what she thinks, but as you can imagine, that might put some people's noses out of joint. I can say that Lorna and Christine together will be an interesting combination!

"Everything isn't quite as it seems with her, which we'll find out as the series goes on."
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Laura Aikman as Lorna Hutchinson in Waterloo Road
© BBC / Headstrong Pictures (WR) Ltd/Laurence Cendrowicz
Laura Aikman as Lorna Hutchinson

Can you tell us a bit about the new pupils?
"We've got some great new pupils joining. Kenzie Calhoun is played by Charlotte Beaumont, who viewers may also know from Broadchurch as she plays Chloe, the sister of the boy who was murdered.

"Kenzie turns up with a secret and she's also in a last-chance saloon as far as her education goes. Kenzie and Scott Fairchild, played by Andrew Still, have both been thrown out of every other school so they've got to make this work. Unfortunately, they don't get along, so there's going to be fireworks between those two all the way through the series!

"Bonnie Kincaid is another new character arriving, played by Holly Jack. She's fantastic. Bonnie is an existing pupil who surprises everyone on the first day of term, as she's undergone a big makeover during the holidays!"

What's coming up for the familiar faces among the cast?
"We've still obviously got Darren and Rhiannon being brilliant along with Shaznay. There's good stuff for both Lisa and Lenny in this series too.

"We'll also see more of Justin. Justin has got a big role to play in this series, and Leo does too. The Fitzgerald family are still dealing with everything they've been through in the last series, but they've got even more to do in the series coming up! It's going to be fun to see how that family unit works.

"There'll also be a surprise for Vaughan in the very first episode that will slightly put the cat among the pigeons…"
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Waterloo Road's Bonnie, Kenzie, Justin, Darren, Rhiannon and Scott
© BBC / Headstrong Pictures (WR) Ltd/Laurence Cendrowicz
Bonnie, Kenzie, Justin, Darren, Rhiannon and Scott

How does Vaughan cope with the threat of the school being closed?
"In typical Vaughan style, he's absolutely got the interests of the school and the young people at heart. What you'll see is that he starts to do the wrong thing for the right reasons. Fundamentally he's desperate to save the school, and that can be at the detriment to Justin and Leo sometimes.

"Vaughan is dealing with the situation in his way, but his methods are quite unusual, so some of the teachers are right behind him and some of them aren't. He brings Lorna in as his appointment to shake things up a bit.

"You'll see that Vaughan has got a plan which some people like and some people don't. What he has planned is a high-risk strategy!"

Which of the pupils will have the biggest stories?
"What we wanted to do this time was make sure that all of the characters have got stories, so they've all got some good stuff running through.

"Leo's got a decent story, Justin has too and certainly through the latter half, Lenny and Lisa come into their own as well. There's lots for fans of the existing cast to enjoy, but hopefully lots involving the newer characters as well. The newcomers all settle in really quickly and it all becomes one happy family - well, maybe it's not always happy!"

Is there anyone from the younger cast who you'd tip to go far?
"We were so lucky because we've got such a brilliant cast, but there's a new actor Armin Karima who plays Abdul in the new series. I wouldn't want to single anyone out, but he's very new and I think he's a bit of a find!"
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Armin Karima as Abdul Bukhari in Waterloo Road
© BBC / Headstrong Pictures (WR) Ltd/Laurence Cendrowicz
Armin Karima as Abdul Bukhari

Did any of your plans have to change when you found out the show was ending, or were you given enough time to plan everything?
"We found out that it was going to be the final series pretty early on, so we were able to approach the final half of the series certainly knowing that it was going to be the last one ever.

"If I'd had all the money and time in the world, I can honestly say that I don't think we would have done it any differently. The story we told was the right one for the series but also the right one for the end of the show. We were desperate to make it a good Waterloo Road ending and I think we've done that, so we're all really pleased."

Does anyone return for the final episodes?
"You'll have to wait and see for what happens at the very end! That's all I'll say at the moment because I don't want to give too much away!"

Waterloo Road introduces a troublesome new student to the school in early January as former Hollyoaks star Andrew Still takes on the role of Scott Fairchild.

Scott has been expelled from several other schools, but is given a chance by headteacher Vaughan Fitzgerald along with a handful of other new pupils with difficult backgrounds.

Digital Spy recently caught up with Andrew to hear more about his new character and his memories of playing Joel Dexter on Hollyoaks.
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Andrew Still as Scott Fairchild in Waterloo Road
© BBC / Headstrong Pictures (WR) Ltd/Laurence Cendrowicz
Andrew Still as Scott Fairchild

How did your new role come about?
"I originally auditioned for a character for the Waterloo Road series that has just gone out. It went really well, but with different things happening, we were unable to go for it.

"When we came back around for this series, all of the producers had changed so it wasn't like they'd already seen me and wanted me to play Scott - I still had to go in for a regular audition process. It ended up working out really well for me and I can't thank the guys enough for giving me the opportunity."

How was it to join for the show's final series?
"Waterloo Road has been on screen for ten series now and it was a fantastic place to work. The atmosphere in the place was electric. Everyone knew the show was winding down, but they really wanted to go out with a bang. I think that showed in the writing and in everyone's performances."

What can we expect from Scott?
"Scott first appears to be quite a self-assured and arrogant smart-****! (Laughs.) But as the series goes on, one of the most interesting things about Scott is that he's a really three-dimensional character.

"The great thing was that, because everyone knew this was the final series, there was a real character arc for Scott from beginning to end. He really changes as the series progresses and you'll see a lot of different sides to him. It was definitely the most challenging role I've had to do so far."
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Waterloo Road actors Andrew Still, Charlotte Beaumont, Max Bowden, Holly Jack
© BBC / Headstrong Pictures (WR) Ltd/Laurence Cendrowicz
Scott, Kenzie, Justin and Bonnie

Scott has been expelled from many other schools! Is it fair to describe him as a troublemaker?
"He is! Scott is a troublemaker but he's so blasé about it. He thinks however he falls, he's going to land on his feet. Scott doesn't quite realise that Waterloo Road is his last chance. He's been kicked out of seven schools before this, but he doesn't seem to care. Over the course of the series, though, he finally discovers some things about himself and has a bit of a realisation."

We've heard that Scott has a history with Kenzie, one of the new female pupils…
"Yeah, straight off the bat in the first episode, Scott and Kenzie cross paths in the playground. You can already feel that there's a tension there and a bit of history. They've definitely met before! At first you're not quite sure what's happened, but that will play out and you'll see there's definitely something there. You'll have to wait and see what that could be, though!"

There's also an interesting dynamic between Scott and another new character called Bonnie…
"Yeah, Scott's a bit of a ladies' man, I'll give him that! He's a bit of a dirty dog! Scott has got a lot of things going on with a lot of different people and you'll see how he tries to worm his way out of different situations - sometimes a lot more successfully than others! He sometimes backs himself into a corner!"

Does Scott clash with the show's current bad boy Justin?
"Yeah, he does. Max Bowden who plays Justin was a real pleasure to work with. He'd just come off the back of doing his first series, which has just been on TV, and he totally knocked it out the park in that.

"Max really stepped it up a gear for this final series and me and him had a really, really good working relationship. I haven't seen anything yet so I'm excited to see how it plays out!"
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Waterloo Road's Bonnie, Kenzie, Justin, Darren, Rhiannon and Scott
© BBC / Headstrong Pictures (WR) Ltd/Laurence Cendrowicz
Bonnie, Kenzie, Justin, Darren, Rhiannon and Scott

What was the atmosphere like on set when Waterloo Road shut down production for the final time?
"It was really bittersweet because we all knew that we'd done a really good job and really pushed ourselves, but of course it's sad when you're saying goodbye to all of these people who you've been working with.

"A lot of them had been working with each other for a lot longer than me. I was there for three months, but some of them had been working together for years and years! I think we're all happy with how it's all turned out and how it's going to look, though."

Have you kept in touch with the cast since then?
"Yeah I've met up with a couple of them. I really like the guys and me and Max keep in contact. It's nice because a lot of times you can come out of a job and lose contact with people, but I can't be more complimentary of the people I was working with. They're such good guys."

You seemed to take some time out from acting after Hollyoaks. Was it a conscious choice to take a break for a while?
"I came out of Hollyoaks and I was still really young. I was pretty homesick so I just wanted to get back to Glasgow. When I got back, I was still acting and still loved acting but I think I needed a bit of time to look at myself and figure out what was going on with me, which is what I did and I'm a lot happier now.

"After doing Waterloo Road, I've got a lot more confidence in myself and I think that's really important for any actor. You have the down times and then you have the up times and it's learning to deal with both of them."

Do you look back fondly on your time playing Joel on the show?
"I do! I look back and go, 'Oh God, I was young and I made a lot of mistakes' but I think the essence of the character was there. I'm very proud of the work that I did in Hollyoaks Later. When I look back on my time, I see a very young guy who wasn't sure what he was doing, but I do look back fondly. Actors like Emmett [J Scanlan] and Rachel [Shenton] were fantastic to work with and they really taught me a lot."
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Joel follows Walker in Hollyoaks
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Andrew as Joel in Hollyoaks

Do you keep in touch with any of the Hollyoaks gang?
"Everybody's so busy and a lot of the people that I worked with have gone away and they're doing crazy things! I saw Emmett in Guardians of the Galaxy and I thought, 'Jeez, he's done well for himself!' Of course he was always going to do well for himself!

"Everybody is so busy and it's hard to keep in touch, but they'll always have a place in my heart. They were my family for a year and a half."

You did some music work in a band called Peppermint Fiction after Hollyoaks - are you still involved with that?
"Yeah, I'm still doing music stuff. I've been doing that for a good while now. We're releasing our first EP in the New Year. That should come out January, February time so I'm really excited about that."

What else is coming up next for you?
"I've been doing some filming for a BBC Three comedy that'll be coming out in the summer. I'm just trying to keep working away. Like I said, Waterloo Road has given me that confidence back, so I'm ready to throw myself into the acting world again and see what happens."

Waterloo Road introduces a troubled new student in early January as Kenzie Calhoun joins the school.

Kenzie enrols at Waterloo Road following a number of previous expulsions at other schools, but it is clear she hasn't learned many lessons when her bad temper results in her accidentally hitting new deputy head Lorna Hutchinson.

We recently caught up with Charlotte Beaumont to hear more about what is in store for her new character.

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Charlotte Beaumont as Kenzie Calhoun

What was it like to join Waterloo Road for the final series?
"It was great. There was such a lovely feeling surrounding it and it was nice because it felt like this would really be the series that went out with a bang. There was a nice atmosphere, it was fun to do and there were some really nice storylines. There was a great energy as well and there was no negativity on set."

What was the audition process like and how did you feel when you got the part?
"I was so chuffed! I went to TGI Friday's and had a cocktail - it was great! I realised I needed a tie on the morning of the audition so I went to Primark and bought one and had to ask a shop assistant to tie it for me. I then ran in all flustered and did the audition. I gave it my best shot but I never thought I would get it. They auditioned quite a few people and there was no-one else there that looked anything like me - they all looked completely different.

"I went in on the Friday to audition and then the following Friday - a week later - my agent called me and said they wanted me to do it. There wasn't a recall or anything and it happened really fast. Before I know it, I was in Glasgow! Initially, they weren't sure if they were going to be able to make it work because I was also filming series two of Broadchurch at the same time, but luckily they did. It was great and I was so happy. I like to go out and celebrate getting a nice job."

How would you describe the character of Kenzie and what can the viewers expect from her when she joins?
"Her heart is always in the right place and she is very defiant, very, very strong and always stands up for what she believes in. She has this secret and because of that, she never wants to look like a fool and she never wants to look stupid which is a constant fear of hers. Whenever she is backed into a corner, or if she feels someone is getting on her nerves, she is intolerant. If someone is teasing her, she won't have it and sometimes she can be a bit violent as you will see in episode one.

"That isn't actually who she is, but violence is always a last resort. She never wants to be violent but when she is backed into a corner, she will do anything to get out of it.

"Saying that, when she sees other people who have been wronged or are hard done-by, she will stand up for them. I think it's easy to think she is a bully but she really isn't. She cares about people and her relationship with her mum also makes her a very caring person, but she puts up this front."

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Bonnie, Kenzie, Justin, Darren, Rhiannon and Scott

Why does she put up a front?
"It is because she has this secret. She has a secret and she doesn't want anyone to know. The reason for that is that she believes people will think less of her if they knew, so she just puts up this big front to hide it. You find out what her secret is in episode one and it explains a lot about her. Kenzie is a character that has moved from school to school and that is because she has it in engrained in her that she needs to kick off all the time. It is the only way she knows how to respond to things and she doesn't respond well to authority. She can't handle teachers telling her what to do."

Is that why she has been expelled from so many previous schools?
"Yes. She has been expelled from these other schools because she never wants people to find out who she really is. She does that on purpose. She kicks off, lashes out and is loud and aggressive to teachers. These are all reasons that she has been expelled before and I think she has a stigma attached to teachers as they all say they can help her and never do. She is quite guarded and also very closed. After she meets Luara Aikman's character Lorna, things start to change for her."

We've heard that she's hiding some deeper issues – is that to do with her secret?
"Yes, there is her secret and also something else on top of that which has made her into the person she is. "

Can you tell us about the history between Kenzie and fellow newcomer Scott, played by Andrew Still?
"They used to date. You do find that out but I don't want to ruin it for anyone by saying more. There is a history there and in the first episode, you don't quite know what it is but know there is something going on. I think they are similar people in a way but Kenzie catches onto things quicker than him and is generally nicer."

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© BBC / Headstrong Pictures (WR) Ltd/Laurence Cendrowicz
Andrew Still as Scott Fairchild

We know that there's a bit of a love triangle brewing between Kenzie, Scott and Justin - what can you tell us about that?
"There is a sort of love triangle but it is almost a love square as another character Bonnie is involved somewhere as well. That was an exciting plot to play. We didn't know where it was going to go or who was going to end up with who. They all end up with each other at some point I think!"

Do you think she's better suited to Scott or Justin?
"Probably Scott. They annoy the hell out of each other but they are similar and they do know each other very well. I think her relationship with Justin does work as well though. I am not sure how much you will see but obviously he has been very aggressive in his previous storyline and things do begin to calm down for him. I think Kenzie is well suited to both of them really."

Can you tell us about the scenes where Kenzie accidentally hits the new deputy head Lorna?
"It was a fun scene to do and it was quite funny. It was a very nice introduction for my character as well. Scott keeps trying talk to Kenzie and for whatever reason, she is not having it. She keeps walking away but he ends up pushing her over the edge. Kenzie gives him a big push, he pushes her back but she tries to punch him in the face and he ducks. Unfortunately, Lorna is standing directly behind him and gets hit. It was a fun scene to play."

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© BBC / Headstrong Pictures (WR) Ltd/Laurence Cendrowicz
Laura Aikman as Lorna Hutchinson

How did you feel about getting such an explosive entrance and having to hit the ground running?
"It was really exciting but also a really big challenge. It was quite nice not to know anyone that well when filming those big scenes for my first episode and I think that helped. It was really good to have something to get my teeth into and experiment with."

Will Kenzie calm down over the course of the series or does she cause fireworks all the way through?
"She varies I think. At the beginning she is very much a troublemaker but I think she will get easier. She goes on a journey while at the school and throughout the series. I think there will always be an element of her that will want to lash out but she does change a lot and Waterloo Road helps her do this."

Do you think Waterloo Road's final series will see the show go out on a high?
"I hope so! It was so much fun filming it. Everyone was in very high spirits and I had such a good time there. I hope that translates onto camera and everyone feels satisfied with the ending."

In the storyline, there's a real danger that the school will close down in this series. What kind of impact does that possibility have on the staff and pupils?
"Quite a big one. I don't think I can say that much but it does have a big impact and it is the driving force for quite a few storylines. I think it's a really good plot."

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© BBC / Headstrong Pictures (WR) Ltd/Laurence Cendrowicz
Waterloo Road's teaching staff in 2015

Who did you make friends with most while working in Greenock?
"Everyone was lovely and everyone had their own character and position with the group. I was sharing a flat with Rebecca Craven who plays Rhiannon and that was really lovely and she was great to live with. It worked well and it was very easy and relaxed. I shared a dressing room with Holly Jack and we would dance and do yoga and just have a giggle. We had a really good time together.

"Lots of my scenes were with Andrew Still and we got to know each other very well and very quickly as we were together all the time. It is really nice getting to know someone like that but also quite odd because when it finishes you don't see them much anymore, but I am hoping we will all get together soon. I also got on really well with Neil Pearson. I think he's great. "

Do you have any plans to watch your first episode as it goes out?
"I would like to watch it with a glass of prosecco in my hand with my family. It has become a tradition that when I am in something new on the telly, we will watch it together. I might be working that night so I might have to to record it and then watch on the planner, but I am really excited to see it all. There are some lovely scenes further along in the series where we all go on a school trip. They are really worth looking out for."

What was it like to go back to Broadchurch for the second series?
"It was great! It was so nice to see everyone again and create more of what went down so well the first time. I am really excited about that coming out and I am excited to see what kind of response it will get. I think it is going to be good and it was great fun to go back."

What is next for you?
"I am doing a play at the National Theatre in London until February. Other than that, I am just putting myself on tape and going to meetings and seeing if I can get myself another job."

Waterloo Road returns to screens for its final series tonight (January 5) and along with the show's old favourites, there are some new faces being introduced to help the BBC drama go out with a bang.

Here, Digital Spy takes a look at the newbies and shares some teasers on what to expect from them over the next ten episodes.

Lorna Hutchinson (played by Laura Aikman)
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Laura Aikman as Lorna Hutchinson in Waterloo Road
© BBC / Headstrong Pictures (WR) Ltd/Laurence Cendrowicz

Lorna is Waterloo Road's new deputy headteacher, who is brought on board by Vaughan Fitzgerald as a strong ally for his fight to save the school from closure.

The idealistic new recruit shares Vaughan's vision of helping children with problems and making Waterloo Road the best school it can be, but she can be tactless and immediately causes friction with Christine and the older members of staff!

Olga Fitzgerald (played by Pooky Quesnel)
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Pooky Quesnel as Olga Fitzgerald in Waterloo Road
© BBC / Headstrong Pictures (WR) Ltd/Laurence Cendrowicz

We first met Olga briefly in the last series when she made an emotional appearance as Vaughan's ex, but the new set of episodes will see her return with a whole different attitude.

Having turned her life around following a breakdown, Olga now works as a supply teacher for Waterloo Road and its local rival Havelock High. Her history with Vaughan means that she knows exactly how to push his buttons, but she is popular with the other staff members and her youngest son Leo is delighted to have her back in his life again.

Guy Braxton (played by Regé-Jean Page)
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Rege Jean Page as Guy Braxton in Waterloo Road
© BBC / Headstrong Pictures (WR) Ltd/Laurence Cendrowicz

Guy is brought into Waterloo Road as a new science teacher as part of the government's new School Direct teacher training scheme. His lack of experience annoys some of the others in the staff room, including fellow new recruit Marco.

Little more is known about Guy's character but he does share a history with new pupil Carrie, which will cause a major chain of events for the school…

Marco D'Olivera (played by Stefano Braschi)
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Stefano Braschi as Marco D'Olivera in Waterloo Road
© BBC / Headstrong Pictures (WR) Ltd/Laurence Cendrowicz

Marco is another of Vaughan's new recruits for the teaching staff. Although he has only just graduated, he certainly isn't lacking in self-confidence and is very serious about the job at hand.

Marco takes an immediate dislike to Guy and it looks like there could be some tension between them as their opposing personalities are bound to clash.

Kenzie Calhoun (played by Charlotte Beaumont)
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Charlotte Beaumont as Kenzie Calhoun in Waterloo Road
© BBC / Headstrong Pictures (WR) Ltd/Laurence Cendrowicz

Kenzie is one of a handful of new pupils welcomed into the school by Vaughan, as he wants Waterloo Road to increase its reputation for successfully redeeming 'no-hopers' who aren't welcome elsewhere.

It's obvious to most that Kenzie will be a real challenge as she was expelled from her last school for bad behaviour, including stealing. However, when Lorna realises that there is much more going on behind the scenes for Kenzie, she tries her best to help her.

Scott Fairchild (played by Andrew Still)
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Andrew Still as Scott Fairchild in Waterloo Road
© BBC / Headstrong Pictures (WR) Ltd/Laurence Cendrowicz

Scott has also been expelled from other schools, but Vaughan has high hopes of getting him back on the right track.

Billed as confident and charming, Scott becomes an instant hit with the female pupils but his attitude is seen as arrogant by the boys. Scott also has a history with Kenzie, which leads to trouble on their very first day!

While Bonnie is a new character, she has always been a pupil at Waterloo Road but hasn't stood out from the crowd until now.

Bonnie used to be a swotty and shy student nicknamed 'Boring Bonnie' by her classmates, but she immediately turns heads when she returns from the school holidays with a major makeover! Scott is particularly drawn to Bonnie, but it seems that there may be a price to pay for her new look when nasty texts start arriving on her phone…


Dale is a talented cyclist, who moves to Waterloo Road after Vaughan promises that the school can help him to progress further with his talent for the sport.

Dale becomes a new friend for existing pupil Lenny Brown and seems to be settling in well, but could there be trouble when he starts to put unrealistic pressures on himself with his cycling ambitions?

Abdul Bukhari (played by Armin Karim)
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Armin Karima as Abdul Bukhari in Waterloo Road
© BBC / Headstrong Pictures (WR) Ltd/Laurence Cendrowicz

One of the younger new pupils, Abdul is polite, organised, caring and will look out for his fellow students in the episodes to come.

Abdul has a close bond with his father Faisal, who also has a role to play on screen as he runs a bike shop which supplies the school when Vaughan sets up a new bike hub scheme.

Carrie Norton (played by Tahirah Sharif)
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Tahira Sharif as Carrie Norton in Waterloo Road
© BBC / Headstrong Pictures (WR) Ltd/Laurence Cendrowicz

Carrie is an intelligent new girl, but faces huge pressure as her mother is very pushy and is determined to ensure that her daughter achieves academic success.

Carrie's clever nature doesn't go unnoticed by troublesome Lisa and Shaznay, who start bullying her to do their work. Fans should also keep their eyes peeled to see what the history is between her and new teacher Guy.

Waterloo Road introduces another new character in tonight's episode (January 19) as Guy Braxton joins the school.

Guy is a graduate teacher who arrives as a new recruit for the science department, but he has a terrible first day as he struggles to win the respect of the students and develops an instant rivalry with one of his colleagues.

Digital Spy recently caught up with Regé-Jean Page, who plays Guy, to hear some gossip on what to expect from his character.

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© BBC / Headstrong Pictures (WR) Ltd/Laurence Cendrowicz
Rege Jean Page as Guy Braxton

How would you sum up your time on Waterloo Road?
"I really enjoyed it. It was a bit strange to jump on board with a show that people have invested in for so long. There have been so many series before this, so to know that you're going to close that book is quite a big responsibility but also really exciting. It was loads of fun to be part of it.

"This job was also a huge learning experience for me, because it was the longest I've worked on anything on television. Being away for so long, going to work every day and having to deliver is quite a big deal. But it's the same as any other job - the more you do it, the better you are at it."

How did the role come about?
"The audition process was super-quick! I remember that I had about three auditions that day, so I was running on instinct and was barely aware of where I was! (Laughs.)

"I stumbled into the room carrying a massive bag with different clothes for different characters. I forgot the lines a couple of times before I finally got through it, but it was a lot of fun as well. When you're running on instinct, you tend not to think about things too much. That's a lot like my character Guy, so maybe that helped a lot!"

What can we expect from Guy?
"Expect the unexpected from Guy! He's still young, so he's stuck between being a kid and being an adult. I was right in the middle of the show's younger cast and the adult cast. Guy finds himself in this weird 'in between' world, so it's slightly confusing for him. He does his best, but he also makes a couple of pretty costly mistakes."

We've heard that his first day doesn't go very well…
"Not going very well is an understatement! (Laughs.) It probably couldn't go any worse! There are a couple of surprises in there and nobody knows quite what to make of Guy. He doesn't help himself either, because he keeps his cards close to his chest a lot of the time. That shoots him in the foot pretty badly."

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Guy with his fellow teachers

Guy doesn't have much teaching experience. Does he feel nervous or confident?
"I'd say it's definitely a bit of both. Guy has no idea what he's doing, but he is a smart kid and he has the capability. He's just not so big on the planning! Guy will jump in knowing that he can do it, but he's not quite sure how he's going to do it. That recklessness can get you in trouble, and it does!"

Guy is being fast-tracked into the school as part of the government's School Direct teacher training scheme, which is a relevant issue in real-life schools…
"Absolutely, and I think that's one of the things that Waterloo Road has always been so good at. The show is a very accessible way into dealing with issues that are happening in the real world. It focuses on really important issues like education, how we teach kids and how we get top quality teachers into schools.

"Guy gets fast-tracked because he is a smart kid and the best way to learn is by doing the job. Guy certainly learns a lot very quickly. He is a good teacher for the kids, but because he's gone through the process so quickly, he needs support and it takes a while for people to work out how to support him to get the best out of him."

Not all of the teachers warm to Guy! Is there anyone in particular he has problems with?
"I think everyone goes through periods of not quite knowing what to make of Guy. I can't give much away, but there's a pretty big twist on Guy's entrance and the mistakes he makes at the beginning take a while to get undone.

"Guy and Marco, another new teacher at the school, are the classic case of chalk and cheese. They were never going to be best buddies as they come from completely opposite ends of the spectrum. While Guy wings it and tries to talk to kids like he's on the same level as them, Marco is from the complete opposite school of thought. Marco has a stick so far up that place where the sun doesn't shine! (Laughs.)

"They butt heads a little bit over how you approach this job - partly because it's a competitive world, like any other job. They're both new guys, so each of them wants to be better than the other."

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Stefano Braschi as Marco - Guy's big rival

Whose side do you think the viewers will be on?
"I couldn't possibly speculate! Guy and Marco both have their own charms, but they're very different charms…"

Will the students respect Guy for trying to act like he's one of them, as you mentioned?
"I think Guy definitely hopes so, but there are also dangers in him trying to talk to them like he's one of them, because he's not! Once you're a teacher and you're in a position of responsibility, there is only so far you can go with trying to be on the same level as them. It takes Guy a while to figure out that he's not a student anymore and there is a difference when you're on the other side of the desk."

We'll also learn that Guy has a prior connection with one of the students. Will that be a big story for him?
"Yeah, there are consequences to Guy's first day at the school and how he deals with his past coming back and suddenly blowing up in his face! That will affect him for the rest of the series. There's never really a full recovery from that and it's a big deal."

What's next for you?
"There's no rest for the wicked! I'm back in London bouncing between auditions, which I quite enjoy. After you play one character steadily for a while, I find it quite refreshing to then be a bunch of different people each week and get your head out of that one place. I do this job because I like pretending to be other people so I get a bit restless if I'm stuck in one place for too long!"


Waterloo Road continues tonight (January 19) at 8.30pm on BBC Three. The episode is repeated at 10.35pm on BBC One.

9th February


Dale’s dreams of pro-cycling are thrown into disarray when the pressure of mock exams take over.

Abdul is shocked when a deeply-buried family secret is revealed and Kenzie’s relationship with her mother falls apart.

It’s the day that Dale’s been waiting for: his once-in-a-lifetime try out for a professional cycling team. The whole school is behind him but with mock exams interrupting his stringent training routine, Dale is feeling the pressure. Lenny is suspicious over how little his friend is eating and as the day draws on it’s not long before Dale’s pushed to breaking point.

Abdul is baffled by his father’s reaction to his genetics science project. Worried Hassan is keeping the risk of a genetic disorder from him, Adbul pushes his father for answers - but the truth is more devastating than anything he could imagine.

Unable to reconcile with her mother, Kenzie moves out but hasn’t banked on where she might now live. Bonnie looks to Leo for support when the school finds it difficult to track down her cyber bully.