Interviews
Below you can find interviews given by various cast members. They share their opinion son the show, it's characters and storylines. Keep checking back, as we update regularly! Also, look out for our EXCLUSIVE interviews, that have never been seen before!
If you're looking for news about the cast i.e.new members or filming pictures and information then visit our 'News' section.
If you're looking for news about the cast i.e.new members or filming pictures and information then visit our 'News' section.
Philip Martin Brown: "Epilepsy nearly stopped my career." (24th April 2012)
Waterloo Road's Philip Martin Brown, 55, plays cantankerous Grantly Budgen and has overcome epilepsy.
Once this series ends, Waterloo Road will be relocating to Scotland. Where you happy about the move?
"At first I wasn't sure whether or not it would be a good idea. But the more I thought about it, the more I thought it was fine. If the series stayed the same, it would get pretty boring."
What are you looking forward to about being based there?
"It's a change of scenery; it will be a new city to explore and it means when my wife visits me we'll jump in a car and head off to the Isle of Skye."
Will you move there permanently?
"I will be filming for nine months at a time, so I'll rent a flat but won't move permanently. My wife works at a school so she'll come and visit in school holidays, and I'll go home as often as I can."
The BBC has committed to at least two more series. Will you be involved in both?
"I have signed on for the next one, but after that I'll have to wait and see if they still want me. You can never take things for granted as an actor."
This series has seen Grantly become close to new dinner lady Maggie Croft. Was it strange to have him involved in a romantic story-line?
"The will they/won't they romance with Maggie has been very interesting. Grantly was so devoted to his wife Fleur [who suffered from Alzheimer's and died in a recent episode] that he was horrified at the idea that he was even looking at someone else while Fleur was still alive."
Is it true you are also a supply teacher in real life?
"I trained as a teacher in drama and English. I've never been a full-time teacher but I have been a supply teacher."
Do pupils and other teachers recognize you?
"There have been a few double takes. I've taught at a school near my house on and off since 1993. A lot of the kids know me because it's a very small town. Then there are always members of staff who say. 'Do you know that you've got a double?"
Do they give you insider tips for the show?
"Teachers can't resist saying things like 'That would never happen in my school!', but I say if you watched a drama about what really happened in a school or a police station it would be boring - you'd just be watching them fill out forms."
You were diagnosed with epilepsy aged 19. How did that affect your acting ambitions?
"I think it did take its toll on me. Looking back, it didn't help my memory. Thankfully, my verbal memory is good so I can learn lines. I had surgery in 1990 which helped enotmously and I've been seizure free since 1993."
What was life like before you had the surgery?
"I couldn't do any stage work because I once had a seizure whilst I was on stage. The other members of the cast were amazing and managed to cover for me. But it completely knocked my confidence about going on stage again. It wasn't until 1991 that I went back on stage and did a panto."
What advice would you give to aspiring actors with epilepsy?
"Epilepsy has a huge impact on the confidence of teenagers; they don't understand whats going on and everyone is telling them what they can't do. You've got to try and not let it interfere with your life. Take precautions, obviously, but sometimes people can take it too far."
Once this series ends, Waterloo Road will be relocating to Scotland. Where you happy about the move?
"At first I wasn't sure whether or not it would be a good idea. But the more I thought about it, the more I thought it was fine. If the series stayed the same, it would get pretty boring."
What are you looking forward to about being based there?
"It's a change of scenery; it will be a new city to explore and it means when my wife visits me we'll jump in a car and head off to the Isle of Skye."
Will you move there permanently?
"I will be filming for nine months at a time, so I'll rent a flat but won't move permanently. My wife works at a school so she'll come and visit in school holidays, and I'll go home as often as I can."
The BBC has committed to at least two more series. Will you be involved in both?
"I have signed on for the next one, but after that I'll have to wait and see if they still want me. You can never take things for granted as an actor."
This series has seen Grantly become close to new dinner lady Maggie Croft. Was it strange to have him involved in a romantic story-line?
"The will they/won't they romance with Maggie has been very interesting. Grantly was so devoted to his wife Fleur [who suffered from Alzheimer's and died in a recent episode] that he was horrified at the idea that he was even looking at someone else while Fleur was still alive."
Is it true you are also a supply teacher in real life?
"I trained as a teacher in drama and English. I've never been a full-time teacher but I have been a supply teacher."
Do pupils and other teachers recognize you?
"There have been a few double takes. I've taught at a school near my house on and off since 1993. A lot of the kids know me because it's a very small town. Then there are always members of staff who say. 'Do you know that you've got a double?"
Do they give you insider tips for the show?
"Teachers can't resist saying things like 'That would never happen in my school!', but I say if you watched a drama about what really happened in a school or a police station it would be boring - you'd just be watching them fill out forms."
You were diagnosed with epilepsy aged 19. How did that affect your acting ambitions?
"I think it did take its toll on me. Looking back, it didn't help my memory. Thankfully, my verbal memory is good so I can learn lines. I had surgery in 1990 which helped enotmously and I've been seizure free since 1993."
What was life like before you had the surgery?
"I couldn't do any stage work because I once had a seizure whilst I was on stage. The other members of the cast were amazing and managed to cover for me. But it completely knocked my confidence about going on stage again. It wasn't until 1991 that I went back on stage and did a panto."
What advice would you give to aspiring actors with epilepsy?
"Epilepsy has a huge impact on the confidence of teenagers; they don't understand whats going on and everyone is telling them what they can't do. You've got to try and not let it interfere with your life. Take precautions, obviously, but sometimes people can take it too far."
George Sampson: "I've had the best time!" (22nd April 2012)
Kyle's been a memorable character, have you enjoyed playing him?
"I've absolutely loved it. Kyle's very different from me. At school I was a very good boy and got my head down a lot. I always wondered what it would be like to be a bad boy and I got to discover that from Waterloo Road. They say 'action' and I get to trash the school. It's been wicked and I've had the best time!"
This week Kyle orders Tariq to shoot rival gang member Finn with a crossbow he bought online. What can you tell us about this shocking storyline?
"Kyle has had enough! He's been banned from school again and again, and he's got this idea that he's going to go all out to finish off one of his enemies for good!"
How do they get the crossbow into school?
"Security at the school is pretty tight, with metal detectors, but Kyle is very cunning and he sneaks the crossbow on to the back of Ronan's catering van."
We discover Kyle's homeless this week. He's a very troubled character...
"Kyle's got a heart underneath, you just don't see it any more. He is a caring person with feelings, but people forget that because of how bad he has become."
Why has he targeted Finn?
"Kyle and Finn have never liked each other. They've had numerous occasions where they’ve gone for each other and this is the big finish between them both! The fans love the rivalry between them and Jack McMullen and I loved filming it. He's one of my best friends."
Did that make filming more difficult or more fun?
"It was hard trying to be angry at someone you like so much. But we knew we had to hate each other on screen so we got on with it!"
Does Kyle have a sort of power over Tariq?
"He does. Tariq is a great character and Naveed Choudhry plays him really well. Tariq is big hearted and very family orientated. He's not really into all the gang stuff, but he's someone who goes with the flow whether he wants to or not. Kyle's got a big impact on him and Tariq would never confront him."
What does Kyle do when Tariq gets cold feet and hides the crossbow?
"Tariq is very scared of Kyle. He wants to show that he's in with big boys, but he hasn't the heart to go through with it. Kyle sneaks into the school and finds the crossbow. Then he slyly sneaks backstage at the end of year prom and goes for his shot..."
What's next for you after Waterloo Road?
"At the moment I’m in Manchester filming Mount Pleasant for Sky1. I am here till July and I love it. I play a character called Gary. He's a 15-year-old schoolboy who loves his football. He's a big Man City fan, which is a pain for me as I'm a United fan! I had to wear a City shirt and it was horrible!"
So you're suffering for your art?
"This is the biggest sacrifice I've ever made in any acting job! I'm really enjoying playing Gary, he's very different to Kyle. He also has some big storylines coming up."
"I've absolutely loved it. Kyle's very different from me. At school I was a very good boy and got my head down a lot. I always wondered what it would be like to be a bad boy and I got to discover that from Waterloo Road. They say 'action' and I get to trash the school. It's been wicked and I've had the best time!"
This week Kyle orders Tariq to shoot rival gang member Finn with a crossbow he bought online. What can you tell us about this shocking storyline?
"Kyle has had enough! He's been banned from school again and again, and he's got this idea that he's going to go all out to finish off one of his enemies for good!"
How do they get the crossbow into school?
"Security at the school is pretty tight, with metal detectors, but Kyle is very cunning and he sneaks the crossbow on to the back of Ronan's catering van."
We discover Kyle's homeless this week. He's a very troubled character...
"Kyle's got a heart underneath, you just don't see it any more. He is a caring person with feelings, but people forget that because of how bad he has become."
Why has he targeted Finn?
"Kyle and Finn have never liked each other. They've had numerous occasions where they’ve gone for each other and this is the big finish between them both! The fans love the rivalry between them and Jack McMullen and I loved filming it. He's one of my best friends."
Did that make filming more difficult or more fun?
"It was hard trying to be angry at someone you like so much. But we knew we had to hate each other on screen so we got on with it!"
Does Kyle have a sort of power over Tariq?
"He does. Tariq is a great character and Naveed Choudhry plays him really well. Tariq is big hearted and very family orientated. He's not really into all the gang stuff, but he's someone who goes with the flow whether he wants to or not. Kyle's got a big impact on him and Tariq would never confront him."
What does Kyle do when Tariq gets cold feet and hides the crossbow?
"Tariq is very scared of Kyle. He wants to show that he's in with big boys, but he hasn't the heart to go through with it. Kyle sneaks into the school and finds the crossbow. Then he slyly sneaks backstage at the end of year prom and goes for his shot..."
What's next for you after Waterloo Road?
"At the moment I’m in Manchester filming Mount Pleasant for Sky1. I am here till July and I love it. I play a character called Gary. He's a 15-year-old schoolboy who loves his football. He's a big Man City fan, which is a pain for me as I'm a United fan! I had to wear a City shirt and it was horrible!"
So you're suffering for your art?
"This is the biggest sacrifice I've ever made in any acting job! I'm really enjoying playing Gary, he's very different to Kyle. He also has some big storylines coming up."
Alec Newman on the Scotland Move
What does Michael think about the suggestion of starting a new school in Scotland?
His initial answer is no but he eventually says, ‘I’ll agree, but I have conditions.’ And the conditions are that he brings his selection of staff, and is allowed to appoint who he wants. But he also says, ‘We can do it but we need to set up some sort of boarding facility. So some of the kids from the existing Waterloo Road are allowed to attend.’
What will the new school be like?
What’s important for Michael is that it’s not a private school. It’s not exclusive, you do not need X amount of exam results to get in. As long as you live in the local area and you’re keen to learn, that gets you in.
When was the cast told that the drama would be moving its location from Rochdale to Scotland?
We were told pretty late in the day. We were told when they had to tell us, and I think it was the day before the press were told – because it’s obviously a big announcement to make.
So how did you feel about the news?
Part of me was delighted. I was born in Glasgow, and I’m staying just two minutes walk away from where my mum and dad grew up. But having said that, for me, I live in London and so whether we’re shooting in Rochdale or Glasgow, or on the moon, I’m still away from home. So, for me, logistically, it’s similar. But obviously I have a lot of family up here. I’m looking forward to being here. I’m very proud to be here.
Where exactly are you shooting the new series of Waterloo Road?
It’s the old Greenock Academy, which I think was a school that only closed about two years ago. In fact, I bumped into someone in the city centre who said, ‘My friend is a former deputy of the Greenock Academy, so good luck.’ I felt like saying, ‘I’m not really a teacher.’ But it’s a brilliant building. In fact, when I walk around, I think what a shame it’s not a school.
Does it feel like you’re making a different show?
No, it doesn’t. It might even feel like a better show, who knows?
His initial answer is no but he eventually says, ‘I’ll agree, but I have conditions.’ And the conditions are that he brings his selection of staff, and is allowed to appoint who he wants. But he also says, ‘We can do it but we need to set up some sort of boarding facility. So some of the kids from the existing Waterloo Road are allowed to attend.’
What will the new school be like?
What’s important for Michael is that it’s not a private school. It’s not exclusive, you do not need X amount of exam results to get in. As long as you live in the local area and you’re keen to learn, that gets you in.
When was the cast told that the drama would be moving its location from Rochdale to Scotland?
We were told pretty late in the day. We were told when they had to tell us, and I think it was the day before the press were told – because it’s obviously a big announcement to make.
So how did you feel about the news?
Part of me was delighted. I was born in Glasgow, and I’m staying just two minutes walk away from where my mum and dad grew up. But having said that, for me, I live in London and so whether we’re shooting in Rochdale or Glasgow, or on the moon, I’m still away from home. So, for me, logistically, it’s similar. But obviously I have a lot of family up here. I’m looking forward to being here. I’m very proud to be here.
Where exactly are you shooting the new series of Waterloo Road?
It’s the old Greenock Academy, which I think was a school that only closed about two years ago. In fact, I bumped into someone in the city centre who said, ‘My friend is a former deputy of the Greenock Academy, so good luck.’ I felt like saying, ‘I’m not really a teacher.’ But it’s a brilliant building. In fact, when I walk around, I think what a shame it’s not a school.
Does it feel like you’re making a different show?
No, it doesn’t. It might even feel like a better show, who knows?
'Waterloo Road' Scout actress reveals marriage scam, mum betrayal' (17th April 2012)
Waterloo Road's Katie McGlynn has teased her character's secret wedding to Danilo in tomorrow's episode of the BBC school drama.
Speaking to What's on TV, the actress revealed that Scout is heartbroken after she realises her mum is financially benefiting from a credit card scam.
McGlynn explained: "Scout thinks she's in love with Danilo and wants to marry him, but he's only using her for a visa!
"Scout's mum is encouraging her to marry Danilo, and Scout thinks it's because her mum wants to help him stay in the country.
"She thinks her mum's encouraging her because she loves her, but it's just not the case - she's actually trying to make money out of her."
The star added: "It is really sad. Scout actually thinks her life is going pretty well, her mum seems to care for her and she believes she's in love with Danilo. In the end Scout's whole world comes crashing down.
"In the end Scout realises what her mum is like and gets some justice. It's a real turning point for her. She's growing up, which is good!"
Praising Waterloo Road's scriptwriters, McGlynn added: "I sometimes get taken aback when I look at the scripts; they're often quite emotional."
Speaking to What's on TV, the actress revealed that Scout is heartbroken after she realises her mum is financially benefiting from a credit card scam.
McGlynn explained: "Scout thinks she's in love with Danilo and wants to marry him, but he's only using her for a visa!
"Scout's mum is encouraging her to marry Danilo, and Scout thinks it's because her mum wants to help him stay in the country.
"She thinks her mum's encouraging her because she loves her, but it's just not the case - she's actually trying to make money out of her."
The star added: "It is really sad. Scout actually thinks her life is going pretty well, her mum seems to care for her and she believes she's in love with Danilo. In the end Scout's whole world comes crashing down.
"In the end Scout realises what her mum is like and gets some justice. It's a real turning point for her. She's growing up, which is good!"
Praising Waterloo Road's scriptwriters, McGlynn added: "I sometimes get taken aback when I look at the scripts; they're often quite emotional."
'Waterloo Road' stars launch new Scotland school (29th March 2012)
Waterloo Road stars Jaye Jacobs and Alec Newman have launched the drama's move to Scotland.
The upcoming eighth series of the school drama has been relocated from Rochdale to Greenock's former Academy, and Jacobs said that she is looking forward to begin filming.
"It's incredibly exciting," the former Holby City actress told The Scottish Sun. "We've just had our first tour of the new school and it looks fantastic.
"There's a real buzz about the place and I just can't wait to start shooting next week."
Jacobs - who plays deputy head Sian Diamond - explained that she instantly agreed to join several other cast members for the move to Scotland, and is excited about the changes that will improve the series.
"I jumped at the chance. To get to travel and explore new places is so exciting. I can't wait to get to know Greenock and Glasgow.
"And in terms of the show, I've read the first two scripts and they are incredibly powerful. They really are Waterloo Road at its very best and the viewers are in for some real surprises. They're very exciting, especially the youth stories."
On her character Sian's upcoming storylines, she added: "Sian has been through a really tough time in her personal life - and once her marriage breaks down she has no hesitation in making the move to Scotland. It'll be a really fresh start for her."
The soap's move to Scotland will occur after new character Lorraine Donnegan - (My Family's Daniela Denby-Ashe) - convinces headteacher Michael Byrne (Alec Newman) to run a new independent school.
Eileen Gallagher, CEO of Shed Productions, explained: "Michael comes up to Scotland with a lot of passion. His vision for the school is that he wants every kid to be able to come in and give them a quality education.
"So we won't find the tone of the children changing. We won't suddenly find they become a lot of posh kids. It will feel like a comprehensive, it's a non-fee paying school."
She added: "Michael has to convince key staff to come to Scotland. But he also doesn't want to abandon pupils who are about to sit exams. So he offers to bring about half a dozen of them with him and puts them up in a boarding house next to the school. Therefore we maintain the continuity."
The upcoming eighth series of the school drama has been relocated from Rochdale to Greenock's former Academy, and Jacobs said that she is looking forward to begin filming.
"It's incredibly exciting," the former Holby City actress told The Scottish Sun. "We've just had our first tour of the new school and it looks fantastic.
"There's a real buzz about the place and I just can't wait to start shooting next week."
Jacobs - who plays deputy head Sian Diamond - explained that she instantly agreed to join several other cast members for the move to Scotland, and is excited about the changes that will improve the series.
"I jumped at the chance. To get to travel and explore new places is so exciting. I can't wait to get to know Greenock and Glasgow.
"And in terms of the show, I've read the first two scripts and they are incredibly powerful. They really are Waterloo Road at its very best and the viewers are in for some real surprises. They're very exciting, especially the youth stories."
On her character Sian's upcoming storylines, she added: "Sian has been through a really tough time in her personal life - and once her marriage breaks down she has no hesitation in making the move to Scotland. It'll be a really fresh start for her."
The soap's move to Scotland will occur after new character Lorraine Donnegan - (My Family's Daniela Denby-Ashe) - convinces headteacher Michael Byrne (Alec Newman) to run a new independent school.
Eileen Gallagher, CEO of Shed Productions, explained: "Michael comes up to Scotland with a lot of passion. His vision for the school is that he wants every kid to be able to come in and give them a quality education.
"So we won't find the tone of the children changing. We won't suddenly find they become a lot of posh kids. It will feel like a comprehensive, it's a non-fee paying school."
She added: "Michael has to convince key staff to come to Scotland. But he also doesn't want to abandon pupils who are about to sit exams. So he offers to bring about half a dozen of them with him and puts them up in a boarding house next to the school. Therefore we maintain the continuity."
