Waterloo Road series 18 looks set to usher in some major changes, and it looks like Denise Welch will be returning as Steph Haydock – and she’ll be a fully-fledged teacher.
Welch reprised her role in the latest run of the BBC school drama, reuniting Steph with Jason Merrells’ Jack Rimmer and immediately stirring things up with her trademark bluntness and no-filter approach.
In the penultimate episode, Steph interviewed for a permanent English teaching position. Unsurprisingly, it did not go smoothly. Her relentless flirting with Neil put her in Coral’s bad books.
Still, episode 6 hinted that Steph’s story was far from finished. And now, following the end of Waterloo Road series 17, it appears fans are about to get exactly what they were hoping for.
***Warning: spoilers for Waterloo Road ahead***
Denise Welch’s Steph Haydock is a fan favourite (Credit: BBC)
Denise Welch hints at Steph’s return in Waterloo Road series 18
Earlier this month, Welch appeared in an Instagram post alongside actress Rachel Leskovac, standing outside Waterloo Road.
“It’s a snow day! Miss Haydock and Miss Walker demand that you stay in and binge-watch the new series of Waterloo Road,” producer Lindsay Williams wrote.
There are two key details worth noting. First, the pair appear to be outside a different building, suggesting series 18 will feature the long-teased merger with another school.
Second, the reference to a “snow day” indicates filming has been taking place over the winter. With series 18 already confirmed to be in production, it strongly suggests Steph will be back. And this time, likely for more than just a brief appearance.
Fans were quick to react. “It’s great to see you back Steph Haydock, it’s like you’ve never been away,” one wrote.
“Great to have Steph back and I can see her and Coral forming a friendship,” another speculated.
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