Waterloo Road

[Perdita]

Wednesday 18 November
8.00-9.00pm BBC ONE
www.bbc.co.uk/drama

Spoiler:

The truth about Year 10 pupil Luke Pendle's home background becomes public knowledge, as the school drama continues.

Luke has kept the fact that he lives in a care home a secret from everyone, including his girlfriend Siobhan – who finds out the truth when she follows him home. Confused at his deceit, she confides in her best friend, Amy, who quickly spreads Luke's secret around school. After a day of snide and nasty comments, Luke snaps – only to have the full force of Max Tyler's authoritarian rule descend on him.

Steph, meanwhile, arrives for the first day of her teaching course but bunks off before lunchtime – sick of feeling professionally inadequate. Back at the school, Kim's day is spent organising the Waterloo Road Garden Project. She aims to create a quiet place for the students to retreat to – something that she can appreciate herself after getting caught up in Max and Rachel's increasing animosity. Elsewhere, Rose puts in a good word for Tom with Josh, who starts to believe his dad might be worth getting to know after all.

Rachel continues trying to reach out to Lindsay and encourages her to apologise for her recent treatment of Karla. However, after school, Rachel and deputy head Chris Mead manage to break up another confrontation between the Waterloo Road and ex-John Fosters girls just before it turns violent – the tension between the two factions is showing no signs of cooling off.

Richie Jeeves plays Luke Pendle, Siobhan Dynevor plays Siobhan, Ayesha Gwilt plays Amy, Tom Chambers plays Max Tyler, Denise Welch plays Steph, Angela Griffin plays Kim, Eva Pope plays Rachel, Elaine Symons plays Rose, Jason Done plays Tom, William Rush plays Josh, Jenna Louise Coleman plays Lindsay and Jessica Baglow plays Karla.

[Perdita]

Wednesday 25 November
8.00-9.00pm BBC ONE
www.bbc.co.uk/drama Press pack

Spoiler:

It's Open Day at Waterloo Road and the school is buzzing with preparations, as the drama continues. Max and Rachel are determined to show that the merger with John Fosters is a success and set out to wow the parents and governors with a united school.

Ruby, meanwhile, has taken it upon herself to upgrade the school's buffet menu and puts caviar and other pricey sundries on her husband, John's, company credit card. When Ruby sneaks home to pick up some forgotten ingredients, however, she is confronted with bailiffs and John is forced to admit that his company is bankrupt. She's hurt, betrayed and terrified about losing the luxurious lifestyle she prizes so highly. When Ruby returns to school, Max is unsympathetic and she has a total meltdown in front of the pupils and an LEA representative.

On top of everything else, a nervous and twitchy Max spends the day trying desperately to keep the women in his life apart. Above all, he is keen to make sure that the floundering Helen is kept out of the spotlight and that his clandestine affair with Kim remains a secret. But when Rachel walks in on a private moment between Kim and Max, Kim is mortified – leading Rachel to frostily confirm that she's known about them for some time and that Kim's personal life is none of her business. Clearly Rachel does not approve.

Max presses on, taking over the Open Day and leading the new parents around the school on a tour. Rachel fears Max is using the Open Day to show her up in front of the governors and is about to approach one of them, Jen, to complain about Max. Christopher, however, stops her in her tracks and explains it wouldn't be a good idea given that Jen is Max's wife. Rachel is left shocked and wonders what to do about Kim.

Tom Chambers plays Max Tyler, Eva Pope plays Rachel, Elizabeth Berrington plays Ruby Fry and Angela Griffin plays Kim.

[Perdita]

Wednesday 2 December
8.00-9.00pm BBC ONE
www.bbc.co.uk/drama Press pack

Spoiler:

Christopher Mead (William Ash) is the focus of unwanted attention. New deputy head Christopher Mead becomes the focus of unwelcome romantic attention when his Year 10 fan club become increasingly brazen, as Waterloo Road continues. Christopher becomes concerned that one of his best students, Vicki MacDonald, is acting strangely, missing classes and handing work in late.

When he discovers that Vicki has been sneaking off during school hours to work as an exotic dancer, he visits the club to talk her out of it, inadvertently putting himself in a vulnerable position. Vicki won't give up work and threatens to accuse Christopher of sexual harassment if he tells anyone. When Rachel gives Christopher a warning about not letting his female pupils behave so inappropriately towards him, he doesn't feel able to ask her advice about Vicki, and attempts to deal with the situation himself, putting his professional reputation at risk.

Marion James's lawyer informs Lindsay that, as a witness in the case of her father's murder, she won't be able to see her mother until the trial and that acquittal does not seem likely. Lindsay confesses to Rachel that her father had been sexually abusing her for years and that she had told her mother about the abuse on the day that her father was stabbed; Marion killed him to protect her daughters.

Elsewhere, Ros sets up a Waterloo Road comedy club to showcase Philip's stand-up talents and, against all odds, is impressed by the result. After school, Josh is delighted to see his mother and Tom getting along over dinner, but when Georgia reveals the truth about Josh's unconventional conception, sparks fly. The tension between Rachel and Max continues but Kim's growing relationship with Max means that Rachel has to find a new confidant.

Christopher Mead is played by William Ash, Vicki MacDonald by Rebecca Ryan, Rachel by Eva Pope, Lindsay by Jenna Louise Coleman, Ros by Sophie McShera, Josh by William Rush, Tom by Jason Done, Georgia by Fiona Allen, Max by Tom Chambers and Kim by Angela Griffin.

[Perdita]

Wednesday 9 December
8.00-9.00pm BBC ONE
www.bbc.co.uk/drama Press pack

Spoiler:

When quiet Year 10 student Cassie Turner accuses Amy, Siobhan and, later, Michaela of bullying her, it looks like the girl gang problem has returned to Waterloo Road, as the school drama continues. Despite the protests of innocence from the accused girls, however, Cassie's recent detached behaviour, along with her falling grades, is enough for Kim to haul the suspected offenders off to the Cooler. Cassie's best friends, Lauren and Sam, are hurt that she didn't go to them for help, but also believe she is being bullied.

Cassie's mother has a meeting with Kim and seems relieved to find that bullying is the cause of Cassie's recent strange behaviour. During one of Ruby's lessons, Cassie flees the room terrified – grabbing Karla and harming herself while cowering in the boiler room. Cassie is rushed to hospital and, although she is physically fine, the doctors suspect the onset of a psychological disorder.

Helen's management of the pupils' behaviour, meanwhile, is more lax than ever. When Michaela discovers Helen's address via a social networking site, a gang of Waterloo Road teens turn up and wreck her flat. Desperate for help, Helen rings Tom, who rushes to her aid but leaves Helen seriously considering her future at the school.

Meanwhile, Rachel struggles to keep Max's marriage a secret from Kim. When Rachel finally tells her the truth, Kim dumps him on the spot. Later, Max storms round to Rachel's flat, furious that she told Kim he was married. When Rachel tries to shut him out, Max pushes her and only relents when Rachel threatens to call the police.

Cassie is played by Charlotte Wakefield, Siobhan by Phoebe Dynevor, Michaela by Zarrah Abrahams, Kim by Angela Griffin, Lauren by Darcy Isa, Ruby by Elizabeth Berrington, Karla by Jessica Baglow, Helen by Vinette Robinson, Tom by Jason Done, Rachel by Eva Pope and Max by Tom Chambers.

[Perdita]

A group of teenage school pupils have been hospitalised with ethanol poisoning after reportedly copying a storyline from Wednesday night's episode of Waterloo Road.

According to BBC News, five girls and a boy consumed the pure alcohol while on the premises of Aldridge School in Walsall, West Midlands yesterday.

It is thought that they later told their head teacher they had been inspired by the latest instalment of BBC One's school drama, which featured a plotline involving pupils mixing ethanol cocktails. The episode in question saw the characters being warned by a nurse that their actions had been "very dangerous".

A spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: ''Crews arrived to find five teenage girls and a teenage boy, all between the ages of 14 and 15, who had reportedly consumed ethanol.

''Due to the potentially serious nature of the incident, crews immediately assessed the six pupils on scene before transferring them by land ambulance to Walsall Manor Hospital for further assessment and treatment. Medics were pre-alerted to the arrival of the six pupils, who were all in a stable condition.''

Meanwhile, a representative for the BBC commented: "Waterloo Road has always tackled serious issues of the day in a responsible manner. [The] episode clearly showed the dangers of using ethanol and did not glamorise it in any way. Each storyline is thoroughly researched using experts within their respective fields."

The six teenagers are expected to make a full recovery, though experts have warned that they had a "lucky escape" as ethanol has the potential to kill even in small amounts due to its strength.

FFS, people attack actors because they confuse them with real characters in a film/tv series. Do they not take notice of storylines that will actually explain what can happen if one has too much cake, alcohold, drugs ....

[Katy]

Why on earth would anyone do that. Are they completly stupid. I thought it was really well done and we saw how serious it was

[Abbie]

SO did I


Kids are stupid

[Perdita]

Wednesday 16 December
8.00-9.00pm BBC ONE

From bbc website

Spoiler:

It's the day of Helen's first official inspection and she is desperate to impress, as the drama about a comprehensive school continues. Having just spent the night with Max, she now believes their romance might be reignited.

Never one to miss an opportunity, Amy offers to keep the entire class under control – if Helen pays her for the favour. Terrified about losing her job, Helen agrees and can't help but think it's £20 well spent when the inspector is obviously impressed with her "teaching ability". It's only when Helen refuses to give further bribes that Amy runs to Rachel and confesses all.

Max has been defending Helen all day but, upon learning that gossip surrounds their relationship, he attempts to sink Helen's career. Helen is forced to face the harsh truth that she's a terrible teacher and decides to leave Waterloo Road for good – although not before leaving a compromising video of her and Max for Rachel to find.

Chris learns of Max's threatening behaviour towards Rachel and is horrified. He nails his colours firmly to Rachel's flag – it's another ally Max has lost. Meanwhile, Lindsay washes her hands of the girl gangs and tries to rekindle her friendship with Ros and, after one day too many of being bullied by Amy, Siobhan ditches her best mate for boyfriend Luke.

Rachel is disgusted by the video of Max and Helen and realises how low Max will stoop – sleeping with a trainee teacher, then ousting Helen from her position to hide it. Unfortunately, Kim is oblivious to the day's drama and, learning that Max has filed for divorce, is persuaded to give him and their relationship another chance.

Helen is played by Vinette Robinson, Max by Tom Chambers, Amy by Ayesha Gwilt, Rachel by Eva Pope, Chris by William Ash, Lindsay by Jenna Louise Coleman, Ros by Sophie McShera, Siobhan by Phoebe Dynevor and Luke by Richie Reeves.

[Perdita]

Wednesday 23 December
BBC ONE
www.bbc.co.uk/drama Press pack

Spoiler:

Rachel accompanies Lindsay to court for her mother's trial, as the school drama continues, but Marion's case isn't going well.

In the observation gallery Michaela and Ros are horrified to learn about Lindsay's sexual abuse. After a grilling from the prosecution, Lindsay breaks down in the witness box and finally confesses to Rachel the real events of that fateful day.

Back at school, Steph warns Kim to be wary of men like Max Tyler. Hearing about the criticism, Max begins a campaign to have Steph sacked, while insinuating that it's actually Jo who wants her out. When Jo is nominated for an Outstanding Teacher Award she assumes it's down to Max. He accepts her gratitude, despite the fact that he had nothing to do with it.

Jo then discovers that Max lied about her nomination as part of a ruthless plan to bring about Steph's downfall. Infuriated by his deception, she backs Steph, even walking out in sympathy after Max has fired her. Max then tries to enlist Philip's help to spy on Steph in a desperate attempt to gather evidence of her incompetence. When Phillip refuses, events get out of control and a furious Max grabs Phillip and causes him to fall and hurt himself on a filing cabinet.

Elsewhere, Rose ends her relationship with Tom, realising that, as Head of Department with a new son to take care of, she can't fight to be one of his priorities any more. Rachel returns to school and, furious with Max, she reinstates both Steph and Jo. Max then trashes Rachel's desk – he's obviously starting to lose control.

BBC ONE
www.bbc.co.uk/drama Press pack

Spoiler:

The governors have arrived at Waterloo Road to inspect the merger as the drama series set in a comprehensive school continues. Little does Rachel realise that Max intends to spend the day convincing them to fire her.

Rachel and Max have a showdown in front of the governors, each blaming the other for the merger's failings; it's clear that they're not capable of working together. Sick of fighting a turf war with Max, a defeated Rachel hands in her resignation, believing her departure will at least provide some stability at Waterloo Road.

Elsewhere, there's a carnival atmosphere as the pupils enjoy the last day of term and prepare for the Waterloo Road Has Talent contest. Denzil break dances, Josh and Luke play guitar and Philip's controversial comedy act hints at Max's temper.

Grantly reaches his 25th anniversary as a teacher but, upon learning that there is no planned celebration, is morose all day. Steph persuades Bolton to write a street poem about Grantly and his performance impresses the entire school.

After his act, Philip is dragged to the cooler where Max bullies him into keeping quiet about the physical assault. Kim is suspicious about Philip's behaviour and questions him until he reveals the truth – Max hit him. As Max smugly announces Rachel's departure, Kim storms into the staff room to reveal Max's methods. Could this be the end of Max's teaching career?

The second half of this series can be seen in the New Year.

[Perdita]

Does anybody else get the feeling that Josh is not Tom Clarkson's son? I wish he would get a DNA test to establish whether he really is or not. Poor Ruby throwing the food around Very enjoyable episode.