Denise Welch Returns to Waterloo Road as the Iconic Steph Haydock

Denise Welch is set to return to Waterloo Road, reprising her beloved role as the unforgettable Steph Haydock in the next series, arriving on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in early 2026.

Originally appearing from the show’s very first series in 2006 through to series five in 2010, Denise’s character Steph Haydock was the school’s flamboyant and rule-bending Head of French. While teaching may not have been her greatest strength, Steph was always there for her students — ready with a listening ear and plenty of advice on life and love (even if she didn’t always take it herself). A true original, Steph remains one of Waterloo Road’s most iconic characters.

Denise’s comeback follows that of several other original cast members — including Angela Griffin, Chelsee Healey, Jamie Glover, Katie Griffiths, Lauren Drummond, and Zeriozha Annika — who have all returned to the series since its 2023 revival.

Fellow Waterloo Road alumni Adam Thomas and Jason Merrells also appeared in the most recent series, which concluded on BBC One on 14 October. Long-time fans will remember the fiery dynamic between Steph and Jack Rimmer (played by Merrells) — but whether sparks will fly again remains to be seen…

Denise Welch says: "I'm thrilled to see the return of Steph to Waterloo Road. 15 years older, but certainly not wiser.  She’ll soon show that time has certainly not dulled her shine! Still unmarried but eternally hopeful, Steph is back as a supply teacher. What she is supplying remains to be seen, but I am having a great time stepping back into the shoes of a character I love. It’s also been great to reunite with some of my old castmates, like Jason Merrells. Steph and Jack go back a long way, but will they move forward?! You'll have to wait and see."Cameron Roach, Founder of Rope Ladder Fiction and Exec Producer for Waterloo Road says: "Steph Haydock is a Waterloo Road icon, so we knew we had to find the right story if we were to see her back in our world. We were thrilled that Denise enjoyed our pitch and that the fans will get to see Steph once more - her one liners are just as sharp, her lip stick is fiercely drawn, and the staff room atmosphere is changed for good. Neil Guthrie has met his match. We can't wait for the fans to see her episodes."

When the school faces a teacher shortage, Steph Haydock is called back as a supply teacher. Her teaching methods may still be questionable, but her ability to navigate school chaos is as sharp as ever.