BBC1 shuts down Waterloo Road

BBC1’s school drama, Waterloo Road has been axed by the BBC after 10 series in a bid to “refresh the channel’s output.”

In a joint statement, BBC1 controller Charlotte Moore and drama boss Ben Stephenson said they were “incredibly proud” of the series but it has “reached the end of its lifecycle”.

“On BBC1 it’s important to make room for new drama and we are committed to commissioning new drama series for 8pm.  There are some really exciting ideas currently in development but nothing to confirm yet,” the BBC commissioners added.

The series – which first launched in 2006 – was originally filmed in Rochdale but later moved to be produced in Scotland. Made by Shed Productions and created by Ann McManus, Waterloo Road attracted audiences of 6 million at its peak. However, recent series ratings have dropped to an average of 3.8m viewers.

Nick Southgate, chief executive of Shed Media Group said: “Waterloo Road has been a brilliant experience for everyone here at Shed. We’re really proud of the show, and its ten-series legacy. I’d like to thank the thousands of cast and crew who have made it such a special show. We are already developing more popular drama with the BBC and we are particularly focused on delivering a new long-running series for Scotland.”

The first part of Waterloo Road’s 10th series has already been filmed and will air autumn 2014 . The remaining 10 episodes are yet to be produced in Greenock and will be broadcast in 2015.

BBC1 has begun the search for a new long-running 8pm drama.