Overview

• Welch confirmed she will reprise Steph in the next series, describing her as "15 years older, but certainly not wiser."
• Steph is set to cover a teacher shortage, returning in a supply role with responsibility for French.
• Executive producer Cameron Roach hailed Steph as a "Waterloo Road icon" and said her presence will shake up the staffroom.
• The new series is scheduled to debut on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in early 2026.
• Her comeback was teased in a new preview following the latest run’s finale, continuing the revival’s trend of bringing back original cast members.