A familiar face is heading back to the corridors of Waterloo Road, and this time, it sounds like he’s sticking around.
Jason Merrells has confirmed he’ll be returning to the long-running school drama as Jack Rimmer on a full-time basis, just as the show gears up to celebrate a major milestone, its 20th anniversary.
Jason’s character was there right from the very beginning when Waterloo Road first launched in 2006, serving as the school’s headteacher during the early days of the series. Over the years, Jack has popped back in and out of the storyline, making occasional returns that have delighted long-time fans.
Now, though, the actor says viewers will be seeing a lot more of him again.
Speaking to Inside Soap about stepping back into Jack’s shoes, Jason admitted the role holds a special place in his career.
‘Jack is a character that I love to play, perhaps my favourite character on telly that I’ve ever played. So, it’s just been a real gift to come back,’ he said while discussing the upcoming season.
After originally leaving the school to take up a job in Dubai, Jack later made a brief guest appearance during the show’s third series before eventually returning for a longer stint last year.
That comeback saw him working as the school counsellor, but things didn’t end smoothly. Jack ultimately stepped away from the role after struggling with alcohol addiction, a storyline that highlighted a darker chapter in the character’s life.
But things are looking brighter this time around.
According to Jason, Jack is now sober and returning to the school with a fresh start, and a brand new job title.
‘He’s back as an English teacher! It wasn’t important to me that he should return to the headteacher role, though I think he’s got it in him to do that job again if he stays long enough!’
While Jack may not be running the school anymore, he’s still very much part of the inner circle.
Teasing what fans can expect this time around, Jason revealed that his character will have a strong working relationship with the current headteacher.
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‘He has a very good relationship with the current head Stella, they’re on the same page, and she’s totally got his support.’
Of course, this is Waterloo Road, and things rarely stay calm for long.
Jason hinted that Jack won’t always play by the rulebook as the new series unfolds.
‘But it’s Waterloo Road, and it’s still a drama, so Jack still puts his foot in it here and there, and maybe sometimes does things that are unconventional or not by the book.’
Plenty of surprises expected
His return couldn’t come at a more fitting moment for the show, which is marking two decades since it first hit screens.
The upcoming series promises plenty of surprises as part of the anniversary celebrations, with several familiar faces making appearances.
Among them is Chelsee Healey, who originally became a fan favourite playing outspoken student Janeece Bryant in the show’s early years.
Chelsee briefly reprised the role in 2023 following the death of Janeece’s friend Chlo Charles, but she’s now set to appear again as part of the anniversary storylines.
Insiders previously revealed that the cast and crew were thrilled to have her back, with excitement building around the nostalgic returns.
With Jack Rimmer settling back into school life, a milestone anniversary on the horizon and familiar characters returning to stir things up, it looks like Waterloo Road is preparing to celebrate its 20th birthday in true dramatic fashion.