BBC One’s school-based drama Waterloo Road about a secondary school in Rochdale is moving to Scotland, with the broadcaster ordering at least a further 50 episodes to be screened over two years.
The seventh series, currently in production, will mark the last term at the Rochdale school.
Producers say a “dramatic and explosive storyline” will see a number of current teachers and pupils set up a new independent school in Scotland ready for the eighth and ninth runs which will go into production next April.
The series is produced by Scottish production company Shed.
Ben Stephenson, Controller, BBC Drama Commissioning, says: “As part of our ongoing commitment to establishing a drama base in Scotland I asked Shed whether they would be interested in relocating future series of Waterloo Road to their home country.
“Whilst sad to leave Rochdale they immediately saw the potential of the new stories they could tell, as well as being excited about putting down roots in their native Scotland. I am sure fans will love what Shed have planned – it will remain the show our audience love.”
Shed CEO Eileen Gallagher says: “Waterloo Road has had an incredibly happy six years in Rochdale working with one of the best TV crews in the country. But now we have outgrown our present site and we couldn’t resist the BBC offer to take the show to Scotland.
“Shed has a great relationship with BBC Scotland who have executive produced the show since its inception. The inspiration for Waterloo Road came from its creator, Ann McManus, who spent several years teaching in Glasgow secondary schools.
“It now seems fitting that Waterloo Road has come full circle to be made in Scotland. But the essence of the show will remain the same – a drama about the highly topical issue of how families and schools help children reach adulthood.”
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