Episode 6.4 (original airdate: 15th September 2010)
Tensions are running high at Waterloo Road as the Fishers struggle to stay united on the annual celebration of Bex's birthday, as the drama set in a Rochdale comprehensive school continues.
In addition, the arrival of a new, gay student sparks confrontation and unearths some difficult truths.
Reluctant to return Lauren's advances, an increasingly confused Josh directs his frustration towards new student Connor with a homophobic insult. But a much deeper issue is revealed when he tries to kiss Finn, who is disgusted with his friend's behaviour and quickly spreads word of it throughout the school. Following a fight, the two friends are forced to explain their actions to Tom and Charlie. However, Josh denies the kiss ever happened, much to Tom's relief, and later tries to prove everyone wrong by getting physical with Lauren.
Meanwhile, the Fishers have their annual celebration planned on the eve of Bex's birthday, an event that causes an explosive divide in the family. Jess finds the celebration morbid, despite Karen's insistence that it should continue, causing Charlie to reveal his true feelings and throwing his marriage with Karen into further turmoil.
Back at Waterloo Road, Vicki struggles both to care for her sick father and to keep up with her school work and resorts to blackmailing Chris with the knowledge of his relationship with Jess in order to get better grades. And Marcus receives a surprising offer from Karen, despite his continuing criticism of Ruth and Jonah's education at the school.
Elsewhere, Ruby and John are running out of options and turn to interviewing potential surrogate mothers – a fact that Janeece discovers, much to Ruby's dismay. However, the interviews are not a success and all seems lost until hope arrives in the form of an unexpected final applicant.
In addition, the arrival of a new, gay student sparks confrontation and unearths some difficult truths.
Reluctant to return Lauren's advances, an increasingly confused Josh directs his frustration towards new student Connor with a homophobic insult. But a much deeper issue is revealed when he tries to kiss Finn, who is disgusted with his friend's behaviour and quickly spreads word of it throughout the school. Following a fight, the two friends are forced to explain their actions to Tom and Charlie. However, Josh denies the kiss ever happened, much to Tom's relief, and later tries to prove everyone wrong by getting physical with Lauren.
Meanwhile, the Fishers have their annual celebration planned on the eve of Bex's birthday, an event that causes an explosive divide in the family. Jess finds the celebration morbid, despite Karen's insistence that it should continue, causing Charlie to reveal his true feelings and throwing his marriage with Karen into further turmoil.
Back at Waterloo Road, Vicki struggles both to care for her sick father and to keep up with her school work and resorts to blackmailing Chris with the knowledge of his relationship with Jess in order to get better grades. And Marcus receives a surprising offer from Karen, despite his continuing criticism of Ruth and Jonah's education at the school.
Elsewhere, Ruby and John are running out of options and turn to interviewing potential surrogate mothers – a fact that Janeece discovers, much to Ruby's dismay. However, the interviews are not a success and all seems lost until hope arrives in the form of an unexpected final applicant.