As all episodes of the new series of hit school-set drama Waterloo Road arrive on BBC iPlayer this morning (Tuesday September 10), Waterloo Road continues to make significant contributions to the local economy, as well as on and off-screen representation.
From casting choices to storylines addressing real-life issues affecting teens, families, and school staff today, all told with Waterloo Road’s trademark mix of sharp writing, warmth, and wit, the show’s writers have ensured that the series authentically portrays lives seen less often on screen.
Reaching and authentically portraying underrepresented audiences continues to be an industry-wide challenge that the BBC is seeking to address.
Waterloo Road has established itself as a firm favourite among viewers under 35 years old and particularly those from low socio-economic groups, who made up nearly half of the audience for the first three new series to air since the programme returned in January 2023. The title remains one of the top brands on BBC iPlayer for viewers under 35.
Filmed and set in Greater Manchester, Waterloo Road has also brought significant economic and cultural benefits to the region.
The production of the first three new series generated at least £6.5 million for Greater Manchester and over £9.5 million for the broader North West area, based on spend on crew and suppliers in the region.
These figures reflect more than just a financial boost; they underscore the show’s role in contributing to a thriving local creative industry, as part of the BBC’s commitment to back the best of homegrown storytelling.
Beyond its on-screen representation, the production team launched several initiatives to foster creative talent and provide vital industry experience, such as working with a broad range of writers, directors and producers, many of whom were new to hour-long drama. Initiatives include:
- Training 35 aspiring professionals in key craft areas, with many securing further industry roles and some continuing with the production
- Providing hands-on experience to 30 young people, from a diverse range of backgrounds, in TV and film
- Reaching over 300 students from Greater Manchester schools and youth groups, igniting interest in TV and film careers, via outreach sessions held across the region
Charlotte Moore, BBC’s chief content officer, said: “Waterloo Road is a brilliant example of the BBC’s commitment to back the best homegrown storytelling right across the UK. It’s a series that helps nurture and champion local talent and directly supports the economy in the North West. It’s also part of a much bigger story. The BBC now invests more than 60% of its TV budget outside of London, supporting hundreds of production companies and suppliers.”
Executive Producer for Rope Ladder Fiction, Cameron Roach added: “Manchester is in the lifeblood of Waterloo Road, the sense of pride the cast and crew have for the show is absolutely connected to its Greater Manchester base. The production of Waterloo Road in the region has not only made a significant impact on the local economy, but it has also helped energise a vibrant creative sector in a region where the screen industries are flourishing.”
Audiences can stream all episodes of Waterloo Road so far on BBC iPlayer. All eight episodes of the new series launched on BBC iPlayer from 6am today, and the first episode will broadcast at 9pm on BBC One tonight.
It was announced that the programme was commissioned for two further series last month. The double order means that new episodes of Waterloo Road will continue to premiere on BBC iPlayer and BBC One until at least 2026.
Waterloo Road is set and made in Greater Manchester and produced by the award-winning Wall to Wall in co-production with Rope Ladder Fiction. Lindsay Williams is the Series Producer. Waterloo Road is executive produced by Cameron Roach for Rope Ladder Fiction, Leanne Klein for Wall to Wall, and Gaynor Holmes and Jo McClellan for the BBC.
