The casting of new school staff on the highly anticipated BBC One school drama Waterloo Road has been revealed as filming for the new series begins on set in Greater Manchester.
Actress and presenter Kym Marsh (Coronation Street, The Syndicate, Morning Live) is joining the cast as Nicky Walters, a mother to two pupils and school canteen worker.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the fabulous cast of Waterloo Road, it’s such a joy to get the opportunity to film in Manchester again and I can’t wait to get going!” said Kym.
Jo Coffey (EastEnders, The Witcher: Blood Origin) joins the school as Wendy Whitwell, PA to Headteacher Kim Campbell, while Vincent Jerome (Wonder Woman 1984, Transformers: The Last Knight) will play Lindon King, joint Deputy Head with James Baxter (Still Open All Hours, Alma’s Not Normal) cast as Joe Casey – also Deputy Head.
Sonia Ibrahim (Coronation Street, Whisky Cavalier) joins as Jamilah Omar, the school’s social worker, with Shauna Shim (Biff, Chip & Kipper, The Worst Witch) playing music teacher Valerie Chambers.
Neil Fitzmaurice (Phoenix Nights, Peepshow) has been cast as Neil Guthrie, the school’s history teacher.
Head of English is Coral Walker, played by Rachel Leskovac (Coronation Street, Last Tango In Halifax) and Katherine Pearce (Rules of the Game, Three Girls) has been confirmed as Amy Spratt – an early career teacher.
The news follows the announcement of Waterloo Road’s returning cast members of Angela Griffin, playing headteacher Kim Campbell, Adam Thomas as Donte Charles, and Katie Griffiths returning as Chlo Charles, last month.
The young actors who will play the pupils in the school are yet to be announced and the upcoming series will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer later this year.
“We’re incredibly excited to announce our new cast, and we believe that alongside the return of Kim Campbell we’re creating some new iconic characters for the next generation of Waterloo Road,” said executive producer, Cameron Roach.
“We look forward to the audience joining them in the staff room.”