A Waterloo Road icon is set to return to the show as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations

Fans of Waterloo Road will be delighted to learn of an iconic character's return to the show.

As the hit school-based drama celebrates 20 years since it first arrived on screen, original star Chelsee Healey will be reprising her role as Janeece Bryant. The news was first announced on Monday's (March 9) episode of The One Show.

Janeece first appeared in the second episode of season one back in 2006, and quickly became a fan favourite due to her unique mix of chaos, comedy and heart. She often landed herself in trouble, but always led with good intentions.

The BBC has confirmed that Janeece's return will promise "the same blend of humour and warmth that made her a fan favourite the first time around, offering a fresh chapter for one of the show's most recognisable and enduring characters".

Janeece's first stint on the show lasted from seasons one to four, before she returned in season six as the school secretary. She then left Waterloo Road in season eight for a new life in Ibiza with her daughter, Cheryl.

The character returned again when the show made its comeback in 2023, with Janeece attending her friend Chlo Thomas's (Katie Griffiths) funeral. Now, actor Chelsee is back as a regular cast member, and is joined by newcomer Lauren Hylton, who plays her on-screen daughter - a new student at Waterloo Road.

New students also include Leo Ashton (Liam Shaw), Callum Broome (Nathan Clark), Yousef Naseer (Ibrahim Azzi), Lewis Pemberton (Cane Morris), and Keelan Wright (Marshall Clark).

The upcoming series will also introduce a wave of newly-qualified teachers, including Tashinga Bepete as Edward Connell, Cora Kirk as Leah Merchant, and Mollie Winnard as Gemma Tully.

Speaking about her return in a statement, Chelsee said: "I honestly feel like I'm coming home, stepping back into Waterloo Road as Janeece. She's still as fierce and funny as ever, but now she's Mummy Janeece - I can't wait for everyone to see what she's been up to."

Cameron Roach, Founder of Rope Ladder Fiction and Executive Producer for Waterloo Road, added: "This is a real coming of age moment for Waterloo Road, a show that we believe can continue to refresh itself for a new generation.

"As we celebrate this twentieth anniversary, we're thrilled to announce that Chelsee Healey will be returning to the show as Janeece. Janeece truly reflects the spirit and humour of the show, and the common thread that unites the many generations of the show."

Waterloo Road fans are delighted to see Janeece return, with many sharing their excitement on X (formerly Twitter). "Yes Chelsee is returning," one person wrote.

Another added: "Watched it in its early days #WaterlooRoad and @chelseehealey character Janece was brilliant and fun. Lovely news that Chelsee is going back to become a regular again," while a third said: "20 years on Janeece is still as iconic."

Waterloo Road is available to stream on BBC iPlayer

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