BBC recommissions 'Waterloo Road'

The BBC has announced that Waterloo Road will return for a fifth series.

The drama, which tackles issues affecting young people, is expected to introduce a host of new teachers and pupils for the new series.

"Waterloo Road consistently delivers an entertaining mix of bold characters, powerful issues and compelling stories to a mainstream audience and plays a vital role delivering younger, more diverse audiences to the BBC," said BBC One controller Jay Hunt. "I look forward to it returning for a fifth series later this year."

The new series will see Waterloo Road merge with a local school, causing problems in both the playground and the staffroom.

Series five of the drama will see Eva Pope, Angela Griffin, and Denise Welch reprise their roles.