© BBC Pictures / Shed Productions (WR)
Fans of the BBC One drama will next week see the final episode set in Rochdale. Cast and crew are already filming series eight at the programme's new base in Greenock, Inverclyde.
As announced last year, an upcoming storyline will see Newman's character Michael Byrne set up a new school in Scotland, which will also use the Waterloo Road name. Michael will be joined by existing pupils, who become boarders at the new Waterloo Road, as well as some of his staff.
Newman told TV Choice: "There's a lot more space here, but there was a certain charm to that Rochdale building, which was falling to bits.
"It's a fresh start, and it feels like it has gone back to what Waterloo Road does best - strong social issues and strong storylines about the pupils."
Defending the plausibility of the school's relocation, the actor said: "I've visited an independent school with a boarding facility. I sat down with the head and asked, 'Is this feasible?' And he replied, 'Everything there is possible'. It's not likely, but there are precedents for schools being relocated elsewhere."
Waterloo Road's final Rochdale episode airs next Wednesday (April 25). Series eight will launch on BBC One later this year.
> Waterloo Road finds new Scottish location
> Read more Waterloo Road news and spoilers
