Waterloo Road (series 8) | |
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Country of origin | United Kingdom |
No. of episodes | 30 |
Release | |
Original network | BBC One |
Original release | 23 August 2012 | – 4 July 2013
Series chronology | |
The eighth series of the British television drama series Waterloo Road began broadcasting on 23 August 2012, and ended on 4 July 2013 on BBC One. It consisted of thirty episodes. The series follows the lives of the faculty and pupils of the eponymous school. While a comprehensive school in all other series, Waterloo Road is a privately funded independent school for the majority of the eighth series. Production also relocated to Greenock, Scotland beginning with this series.
As the new Waterloo Road opens its doors in Scotland for the first time, the staff and students from Rochdale are still reeling from the accident that killed Denzil Kelly and left Tariq in a wheelchair. Meanwhile, a troubled young couple arrive at Waterloo Road, appealing to Lorraine's good nature for a chance to make a good future for themselves. However, Tom is concerned by their relationship and it is not long before tensions arise. New teachers Christine Mulgrew and Audrey McFall make themselves known to the original staff, but it soon becomes clear that Christine has a problem with alcohol.
Lula Tsibi's issues come to a head at Denzil's memorial service, and Tom faces a race against time to stop her overbearing uncle from performing an exorcism on her. Connor's desperation to end Christine's alcoholism leads him to try and shame her in front of the whole class, but his plan backfires. However, he finds an unlikely ally in Imogen. Grantly's car is vandalised by Havelock High students. Josh tries to reach out to Tariq, who is feeling down about being in a wheelchair.
It's Imogen's birthday, and she is upset when her attention-seeking mother Sally helps out with a new fitness regime at the school. She catches the eye with the male students, and embarrasses Imogen when she flirts with cocky student Gus. Later, feeling protected by Connor, Imogen reveals a long-held secret. Havelock's headmaster Gerard makes false accusations against Michael, while Sian reaches out to Michael's father Billy.
The feud between Michael and Havelock's headmaster Gerard comes to a dramatic head after Gerard's star student, Liberty, turns to Waterloo Road. Chalky is shocked when Janeece fails to notice that Cheryl has chicken pox, and questions her capabilities as a mother. Connor snubs his mother, believing she is faking illness, but when Christine collapses down the stairs, it becomes clear not all is as it seems.
At the end of his tether with Janeece, Chalky drops her in it with social services. Threatened with losing Cheryl, Janeece makes a big decision about her future at Waterloo Road. Rhiannon continues to bully Scout, and Maggie falls under Rhiannon's spell, much to Scout's despair. Christine learns that she has alcoholic hepatitis, and if she carries on drinking it will kill her. Determined to stop for Connor, she later experiences alarming withdrawal symptoms, witnessed by her entire class. Sian tries to make Michael go and see Billy.