Former EastEnders actress Lindsey Coulson is set to make a dramatic entrance as the new headteacher Dame Stella Drake in the upcoming series of Waterloo Road. Taking over from the previous head, Steve Savage, portrayed by Jason Manford, who was carted off by the police for his involvement in a murder cover-up at the end of series 14, Coulson's character is poised to shake things up. At 64, Coulson expressed her excitement: "I’m delighted to be joining Waterloo Road as the new headteacher, Dame Stella Drake.
" She's relishing the challenge of a fresh role, saying, "It’s a role I haven’t played before so I’m really enjoying peeling back the layers of who Stella is and seeing how the teachers and students react to her no-nonsense approach." Coulson praised the show's commitment to addressing social issues: "Waterloo Road tackles social issues head-on which is so important to see on television and this series will be no different." The producers hint at turmoil as Dame Stella steps into a school where students have grown increasingly unruly, with her traditional methods clashing with contemporary educational approaches.
In a sneak peek, she addresses the staff with a call to action: "I know you’re probably still feeling battered and bruised following recent events, but we need to take a good honest look at what changes are needed to turn this school around." Waterloo Road, which delves into the lives of those at a state school in Greater Manchester, enjoyed a successful.