'Waterloo Road' cast updates: Show exits and returns

Following some reader questions about various Waterloo Road cast members and characters, we can confirm some more departures and other updates after getting the official word from the BBC.

Reports on Twitter that Sian Diamond will leave the school are correct. Former Holby City star Jaye Jacobs bows out from the role in the second part of series eight, meaning that her on-screen exit will air in 2013.



Katie McGlynn (Jodie 'Scout' Allen) and Paige Meade (Jade Fleming) are also on the leavers' list, while yesterday it was confirmed that Mark Benton is bowing out as Chalky.

Those moving on are doing so in storylines which air next year, so with Waterloo Road filming episodes so far in advance, they will remain on screen for quite some time yet.

Meanwhile, it's already well-known among fans that Will Rush has left his role as Josh Stevenson, but a future guest appearance has already been confirmed for him which will air later in series eight.

Next year, viewers can also look forward to the return of Heather Pearce as Nicki Boston, while former Footballers' Wives and EastEnders actress Zöe Lucker will be heading up the troublesome new Barry family as previously announced.

Characters sticking around for the foreseeable future include Imogen, Connor, Rhiannon, Harley, Liberty and many others - along with upcoming new arrival Kevin, played by Tommy Lawrence Knight.

Waterloo Road airs Thursdays at 8pm on BBC One.