Waterloo Road fans couldn't contain their excitement when they heard that the BBC ’s school-based drama would be making a comeback in 2023 - and what was even more exciting was the news that some of the show’s original stars would also be returning.
Donte and Chlo, played by Adam Thomas and Katie Griffiths, were one of the show’s most memorable couples and in early 2022 it was announced that the pair would be coming back for the reboot - this time as a married couple with two children.
Adam, 34, and Katie, 33, both began their careers on Waterloo Road, appearing in the first ever series back in 2006 when they were just 17 years old. Donte and Chlo's roller-coaster relationship remained a staple of the programme until they departed in 2009.
Fans of the show will remember unforgettable scenes which saw Chlo and Donte get married at 16, and Chlo gave birth to their daughter Izzie in the school toilets, before their story ended with the pair moving into a house together to bring up their child.
But as Waterloo Road returned to BBC One tonight (January 3) for series 11 - viewers were shocked to discover the couple’s sweet reunion was very much short-lived.
Warning: Spoilers ahead…
The episode began with the fan favourite couple all loved up navigating life as adults with their daughter Izzie, played by Adam's real-life niece Scarlett Thomas, and their son Tommy, played by Adam's son Teddy.
Chlo appeared passionate about her future as she prepared a pitch for the school’s new headteacher Kim Campbell, played by original cast member Angela Griffin. But things soon came to a head on the first day of term when Chlo was taking her daughter Izzy to her new school.
The mum and daughter were caught up in the pupil’s protest about the school’s original name, William Beswick, named after a slave trader. What was supposed to be a peaceful protest quickly escalated into a full blown riot and whilst traffic piled up en route, Chlo was hit by a car in a crash caused by head of English, Coral Walker, played by former Corrie actress Rachel Leskovac.
Chlo fell to the floor but after what appeared to be a minor bump, she persisted to deliver her pitch to Kim about a new scheme for children. When she returned home later in the day, she revealed to Donte that she had decided she wanted to become a teaching assistant at the school.
The excitement soon kicked in for both Chlo and Donte and the couple appeared happier than ever as they enjoyed a takeaway with their son and daughter after an eventful day. But their world soon came crashing down as Chlo collapsed in the kitchen and was taken to hospital, and in a tragic shock ending, she was later pronounced dead.
Emotional scenes in the hospital saw a nurse deliver the heartbreaking news as Donte broke down and held his children tightly in his arms.
After what was an extremely short-lived return, with Katie Griffiths leaving the show after just one episode, the actress spoke exclusively to the Manchester Evening News about her emotional exit.
Katie, who joined the first series of Waterloo Road at just 17, said: "Waterloo Road has got a very big place in my heart and I think it's the same for anyone who has watched it and been a part of it. I started my career there and it is a show that lots of fans love, and it's got a new audience now, which is really exciting."
The actress admitted that it was difficult knowing she’d only be returning for one episode.
Katie revealed: “It’s been hard because there’s been a lot of excitement for the show, but I think that was the overriding thing, the excitement for the show coming back because it holds a special place in my heart.
“When I had the initial sit down meeting with the producers and they told me what would happen, I think the bigger picture was just isn’t it amazing that I get to go back into the character again and work with Adam again and be part of it.
“It is sad that I won’t have that again but I’m just very excited for the show and to see what comes of it.”
On reuniting with Adam and working with his family, Katie said: "We spent so much time together on set all those years ago doing those four seasons and then we hadn't seen each other for a very long period of time apart from a few pops here and there, but going back to working together again just felt so normal.
"It's been amazing working with the Thomas'. They are all so lovely. Clearly they are a very close family and I think what that does is make the scenes and the show even better because you see a real family dynamic.
"Teddy and Scarlett are absolutely fantastic and they are going to kill it, it's just really lovely that they're a part of it. I can't think of anyone else who this has actually happened to."
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