DENISE Welch is returning to Waterloo Road 15 years after last starring in the BBC drama.
The actress, 67, will reprise the role of former Head of French Steph Haydock, who has now been drafted in as a supply teacher.
Denise Welch is reprising her role as Steph Haydock in Waterloo RoadCredit: BBC
She is now a supply teacher helping to address a staffing crisisCredit: BBC
The hapless teacher’s strength was bonding with students, and she was always more than happy to dish out life advice – even if her own was a little chaotic.
, who was a cast regular for the first five series, says: “I’m thrilled to see the return of Steph to . 15 years older, but certainly not wiser.
“She’ll soon show that time has certainly not dulled her shine! Still unmarried but eternally hopeful, Steph is back as a supply teacher.
“What she is supplying remains to be seen, but I am having a great time stepping back into the shoes of a character I love. It’s also been great to reunite with some of my old castmates, like Jason Merrells.
“Steph and Jack go back a long way, but will they move forward?! You’ll have to wait and see.”
The Loose Women star is one of a handful of original show stars that have returned in recent years including Angela Griffin, , and Adam Thomas.
Cameron Roach, founder of Rope Ladder Fiction and executive producer for Waterloo Road, says: “Steph Haydock is a Waterloo Road icon, so we knew we had to find the right story if we were to see her back in our world.
“We were thrilled that Denise enjoyed our pitch and that the fans will get to see Steph once more – her one liners are just as sharp, her lip stick is fiercely drawn, and the staff room atmosphere is changed for good.
“Neil Guthrie has met his match. We can’t wait for the fans to see her episodes.'”
Haydock was popular with pupils and dished out life adviceCredit: BBC
Denise unveiled an edgy new style at the Attitude Awards recentlyCredit: Getty 
