The BBC has announced that hit show Waterloo Road is returning to BBC One with a brand new series.

The award-winning drama set in a comprehensive school will be returning with new episodes for the first time since coming to an end in 2015.

Originally airing between 2006 and 2015, Waterloo Road is one of the longest-running TV dramas.

The show gained popularity for its hard-hitting storylines, so much show that it has drawn both loyal and new, young and diverse audiences since it dropped as a boxset on BBC iPlayer in September 2019, consistently among the top five most-watched shows for young audiences on BBC iPlayer.

The BBC said: “The spotlight on education in the UK is more intense now than ever before, with awareness of the challenges that teachers, parents and pupils face even more pronounced amidst the ongoing pandemic.

“Waterloo Road will use its rich history of telling entertaining and gripping human stories while tackling the important issues of the day.”

Waterloo Road’s revival will boost drama production in the North of England

The new series of Waterloo Road will be set and made in Greater Manchester and produced by award-winning Wall To Wall, the company behind shows like The Windermere Children, Man In Room 301, New Tricks.

Rope Ladder Fiction, the new Manchester-based label from Cameron Roach, who executive produced the previous series of Waterloo Road in both Rochdale and Greenock will co-produce the new series.

The BBC said: “The revival of Waterloo Road will boost drama production skills in the North of England and help to reshape the BBC's drama slate to better reflect, represent and serve all parts of the country.

“The series will provide a training ground for new and diverse writers, which is of significant importance to both the BBC and Cameron Roach.

“Roach is renowned for his passion for long-running drama series and the power they have to develop and encourage emerging talent.”

Waterloo Road ‘perfect’ show to explore post-Covid Britain

Piers Wenger, Director of BBC Drama, said: “Waterloo Road is the perfect lens through which to explore post-Covid Britain, from the perspective of those who have arguably been affected most: young people in education.

“We are thrilled to be returning to this brilliant format - its thrills and spills, unmissable characters and high drama - at a time when audiences across Britain need it most - and to be collaborating with the brilliant Cameron Roach and Wall To Wall on its return.”

Cameron Roach, Executive Producer, said: "I’m really thrilled to be working with the BBC and Wall To Wall, in re-igniting the iconic brand of Waterloo Road.

“The vital and urgent stories that are playing out in schools across the UK provide incredible and emotionally powerful themes, that we’re excited to bring to a new generation of fans.

“Waterloo Road will continue its reputation for kickstarting, supporting and enabling careers both in front of and behind the camera, in a truly inclusive way, from our base in Greater Manchester."