[Jarrod]

GREENOCK-BASED TV school drama Waterloo Road could be saved from the axe.

A deal with the BBC is due to run out soon, but it is believed Channel 5 may be interested in taking over the popular series and carrying on at the former Greenock Academy, where it has been filmed for two years.

The news was welcomed by Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil, who initially lobbied for the show to be made here.
Filming is currently under way for the final series, which is due for transmission early next year.

Mr McNeil said: “If Channel 5 take over it would be great news for Inverclyde and for the millions of Waterloo Road fans who were distraught when it was announced that production was stopping.

“The programme has a real association with Inverclyde and has enjoyed great facilities and a warm welcome from the public, so it would be tremendous if filming continued here.”

Channel 5 has previously taken on Neighbours from the BBC and Big Brother from Channel 4, so it has a track record of picking up popular shows.

MSP Mr McNeil said: “There’s no doubt that people are excited about Waterloo Road and want to see it continuing here.

“The opportunity to continue promoting the area in a positive light can only be welcomed.

“Inverclyde has shown it can do the business when it comes to TV and film production.

“Our public services have worked very effectively and efficiently with film and TV productions.”

Waterloo Road is made by Headstrong Pictures for the BBC through BBC Scotland.

Headstrong executive producer, John Griffin, said this week that this will be the last series of Waterloo Road and added: “We plan to give our incredible fanbase a final term they will never forget.”

The Tele asked Waterloo Road to comment on the Channel 5 link, and they said it wasn’t surprising there was speculation about another series.

A spokesperson said: “The last series will finish filming in late August. We are incredibly proud of the show and we can promise fans that it will go out in style with a brilliant 10 episodes this autumn and a final 10 in the new year.”

She added: “There are currently no plans to make any more. It’s not surprising, however, given the show’s huge and loyal fanbase, that there would be speculation that another broadcaster might want to pick it up.

“The show will be missed by many people.”

http://www.greenocktelegraph.co.uk/n...el-5-interest/