Waterloo Road icon announces return to BBC show and fans are delighted

Fans of Waterloo Road will be thrilled to discover that a beloved character is making a comeback to the programme. As the popular school-based drama marks two decades since its initial broadcast, original cast member Chelsee Healey is set to reprise her role as Janeece Bryant. The announcement was made during Monday's (March 9) instalment of The One Show.

Janeece made her debut in the second episode of series one back in 2006, and swiftly became a viewer favourite thanks to her distinctive combination of mayhem, humour and compassion. She frequently found herself in hot water, but her motives were always well-meaning.

The BBC has confirmed that Janeece's comeback will deliver "the same blend of humour and warmth that made her a fan favourite the first time around, offering a fresh chapter for one of the show's most recognisable and enduring characters".

Janeece's initial appearance on the programme spanned from series one to four, before she returned in series six as the school secretary. She subsequently departed Waterloo Road in series eight for a fresh start in Ibiza with her daughter, Cheryl, reports the Mirror.

The character made another appearance when the show returned in 2023, with Janeece attending her friend Chlo Thomas's (Katie Griffiths) funeral. Now, actress Chelsee is back as a permanent cast member, and is accompanied by newcomer Lauren Hylton, who portrays her on-screen daughter - a new pupil at Waterloo Road.

New students also include Leo Ashton (Liam Shaw), Callum Broome (Nathan Clark), Yousef Naseer (Ibrahim Azzi), Lewis Pemberton (Cane Morris), and Keelan Wright (Marshall Clark). The forthcoming series will also welcome a host of newly-qualified teachers, including Tashinga Bepete as Edward Connell, Cora Kirk as Leah Merchant, and Mollie Winnard as Gemma Tully.

Expressing her delight at returning, Chelsee said in a statement: "I honestly feel like I'm coming home, stepping back into Waterloo Road as Janeece. She's still as fierce and funny as ever, but now she's Mummy Janeece - I can't wait for everyone to see what she's been up to."

Cameron Roach, Founder of Rope Ladder Fiction and Executive Producer for Waterloo Road, added: "This is a real coming of age moment for Waterloo Road, a show that we believe can continue to refresh itself for a new generation.

"As we celebrate this twentieth anniversary, we're thrilled to announce that Chelsee Healey will be returning to the show as Janeece. Janeece truly reflects the spirit and humour of the show, and the common thread that unites the many generations of the show."

Waterloo Road fans are overjoyed at Janeece's comeback, with many expressing their excitement on X (formerly Twitter). "Yes Chelsee is returning," one individual posted.

Another commented: "Watched it in its early days #WaterlooRoad and @chelseehealey character Janece was brilliant and fun. Lovely news that Chelsee is going back to become a regular again," whilst a third remarked: "20 years on Janeece is still as iconic."

Waterloo Road is available to stream on BBC iPlayer

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