Eastenders icon joins BBC's Waterloo Road as new headteacher after Jason Manford's dramatic exit

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Ex-EastEnders actress Lindsey Coulson is set to take the helm as the formidable new headteacher, Dame Stella Drake, in the upcoming series of hit drama Waterloo Road.

Coulson takes over from comedic actor Jason Manford's character Steve Savage, who was ousted by police for his involvement in concealing a murder at the close of the show's 14th series.

The 64 year old star expressed her excitement: "I’m delighted to be joining Waterloo Road as the new headteacher, Dame Stella Drake. " She added, "It’s a role I haven’t played before so I’m really enjoying peeling back the layers of who Stella is and seeing how the teachers and students react to her no-nonsense approach." Coulson praised the show, saying, "Waterloo Road tackles social issues head-on which is so important to see on television and this series will be no different." READ MORE: Perrie Edwards breaks silence on Liam Payne's tragic death with harrowing 'dark side' comment The production team teased that Dame Stella's arrival coincides with students becoming increasingly difficult to manage after last season's turmoil, with clashes arising as she finds her traditional methods at odds with the school's contemporary style.

In a teaser for the new series, she announces to her staff, "I know you’re probably still feeling battered and bruised following recent events, but we need to take a good honest look at what changes are needed to turn this school around." Waterloo Road, beloved for its portrayal of the challenges and triumphs at a state school in Greater Manchester, first aired from 2006 until 2015 and saw its revival in 2023.