Waterloo Road Series 8 (***with spoiler*******)

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?

....

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 ...