Sharon Hughff
Producer's Notes (Series 4)
What is in store for series 3?
A host of new characters as well as the return of some old favourites which will be put through collective wringer of drama, entertainment, pathos and all round mayhem.
Has it been good having 20 episodes this series?
Yes. It's enabled us to broaden the scope of storytelling both in terms of one off guest stories per episode and stories for our regular characters. We've been able to expand the type of personal stories for our regular characters (relationships and personal lives) as well as show their professional lives within the school and the impact on their characters from more school based stories.
Will we see any differences in this series compared to series three?
The biggest difference is the arrival of the new family, the Kelly’s. They manage to have far reaching influence across the school and there isn’t anyone who escapes the impact they make. We still concentrate on old favourites though and Rachel and Eddie are very much at the centre of things.
Waterloo Road is embracing ‘inclusion’ at the school what does this mean?
This is Rachel’s initiative after series 3. She wants the school to welcome both kids and adults alike – no-one will be turned away. Of course this brings with it many social issues and the school is nearly brought to its knees by episode 8 and Rachel is left questioning her own logic.
Do you think Waterloo Road is realistic?
Yes and no! Yes – because it does reflect the issues and attitudes in an ordinary comprehensive school. No - because we are dealing with drama and so we distil events down and show a slice of life at a school and some of it’s quite heightened.
What is your favourite storyline this series? Why do you think it works?
I think the Kelly family arrival is really good. It is well storylined and has a real feel of the clock ticking about the character of Earl. You just know it won’t end well – and it doesn’t! Also, the will they, won’t they of Eddie and Rachel – it’s very gripping.
What are you most proud of?
Probably the consistency of the scripts and stories and quality of the series has been good Also, the 90 minutes special pretty good!
Has Waterloo Road reminded you of your own school days?
Definitely! I went to a comprehensive school and there was a real cross section of society there. I think my school was similar in that there were some bad kids and bad teachers and it certainly wasn’t posh!
What was your favourite school dinner?
Chicken supreme! Don’t really know what it was – kind of a pie with lots of creamy sauce – delicious!
What was the Waterloo Road School catering like – what was your favourite dish?
OK! I liked their fish and chips on a Friday
You are a successful television producer – but could you teach?
I don’t know. If I did it would have to be English or Drama because those are the subjects I got a degree in. I think teachers are saints!