Ryan Thomas has shared his reaction after his daughter made her acting debut in the new Waterloo Road reboot last night.
In case you hadn’t heard, the first episode of the long-awaited revival of Waterloo Road hit our screens last night, and viewers nationwide tuned in to watch some of the original cast members step into the shoes of their beloved characters once again, alongside a new crop of new young acting talent taking the reins.
Waterloo Road originally aired from 2006 to 2015, and was one of the UK’s longest-running TV contemporary dramas, going on to show award-winning and highly-publicised storylines, draw in millions of viewers each week, and amass a cult-following of fans.
It also famously launched the careers of many young and emerging actors, and it could very much be set to do this same this time around.
One of the young stars forming the cast of the reboot is 14-year-old Scarlett Thomas.
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Scarlett Thomas in last night’s episode of BBC’s Waterloo Road reboot / Credit: BBC
Scarlett is the daughter of Coronation Street stars Ryan Thomas and Tina O’Brien, and the niece of Waterloo Road veteran Adam Thomas – who is known for playing the character of Donte Charles on the show from 2006-2009, and reprising the role in the 2023 reboot as the school’s caretaker.
In the new reboot series, Scarlett plays Izzy Charles, who is the daughter of her off-screen uncle’s character Donte, and other fan-favourite from the original series run, Chlo Grainger.
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Viewers of the show’s original run will remember following the storyline of Donte and Chlo’s rocky relationship that saw them get married at just 16 years old, and, in what was probably one of the show’s most memorable moments, saw Chlo give birth to Izzy in the school toilets.
Ahead of his daughter’s acting debut on last night’s episode, Ryan Thomas took to Instagram to share how proud he is of her, and his nephew Teddy – Adam’s real-life son, who is also playing his character’s on-screen son.
“Waterloo Road, my little brother Adam, my little nephew Teddy and eldest daughter Scarlett take over the TV screen together as a family. Talk about a proud moment for the Thomases. I can’t wait for you guys to see it.”
He revealed that the Thomases watched the episode all together as a family, and added that it’s “beyond beautiful” and “so well shot”.
Adam Thomas also spoke of his pride ahead of his niece and son’s acting debuts in an interview with the MEN, calling it a “full circle moment” and hoping that it kickstarts the young stars’ careers.
Adam said: ‘It’s just a dream come true the fact that Scarlett and Teddy get to start their career off on the same show that I did many moons ago.
“It’s just unbelievable, it’s full circle – it’s magic how life works out.”
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Waterloo Road is currently airing every Tuesday at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Featured Image – Ryan Thomas (via Instagram)
TV & Showbiz
Channel 4 needs adult virgins with ‘intimacy issues’ for next series of hit reality show
Emily Sergeant
Channel 4 is back looking for more adult virgins to take part in the potential next series of its hit reality show Virgin Island.
If you’re unfamiliar with Virgin Island, it’s unlike anything ever seen on TV before.
First hitting screens back in 2024 and having run for two successful seasons now, Virgin Island follows the journey of a group of adult virgins who are whisked off to a Mediterranean island retreat to learn life-changing skills in the art of intimacy.
Working with leading international therapists, the aim is to help the young people overcome their fears and insecurities when it comes to intimacy and sex.
Channel 4 said it chose to commission the show after a recent study into intimacy found out that one in eight British 26-year-olds is, apparently, still a virgin.
A casting call for the new series on the Channel 4 website reads: “Are you a virgin and do you need help and guidance with your fears and insecurities around intimacy and sex? Double Act Productions is casting adults for a potential second series of Virgin Island.”
You just need to be over 21 years of age to take part in the show.
Fancy it then? Or know someone who may be up for the ride? Applications for the potential next series of Virgin Island are now open, and there’s still plenty of time left to put your name down.
You can find out more and register your interest here.
Featured Image – Channel 4
TV & Showbiz
Aitch wells up in trailer for inspiring Netflix documentary about Kilimanjaro charity climb
Danny Jones
Mancunian musician Aitch has shared a brand-new trailer for his upcoming Netflix documentary charting his inspiring charity climb of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Tissues at the ready.
In case you missed it, the Manchester rapper took on the incredible challenge of summiting the highest peak in Africa last year, all on behalf of the Down’s Syndrome Association.
Sharing the first true glimpse at his moving mountain voyage, the Moston-born artist looks to reveal all in this candid chronicling of his fundraising feat.
Writing in the caption, the 26-year-old said: “Gracie, this is for you and the 40,000 other beautiful people just like you. Don’t Be Afraid!”
For anyone unaware of the context, a couple of years back, Aitch – Harrison James Armstrong, to give the Manc his full given name – announced that he would be embarking on the difficult journey that only 40-60% of trekkers ever successfully reach the top.
Beloved by upwards of 3.1 million followers across his various social media platforms, Grace has become a bit of a community icon and hero all of her own.
Here he is video calling her before his most recent challenge:
They have such a lovely bond.
The inspiration for the 2022 track ‘My G’ with Ed Sheeran on his debut album, Close to Home, the song itself also ended up serving as a significant fundraiser, going on to complete a skydive over Old Sarum airfield with his dad, Mike.
A few clips have been shared on Aitch’s YouTube channel since he first confirmed he would be taking on ‘Kili’, such as his altitude training and other glimpses behind the scenes, but until now, we’ve seen very little footage from the infamous trail itself.
Set to drop later this month, Aitch’s Kilimanjaro doc, entitled Don’t Be Afraid, is releasing on Netflix on Sunday, 26 July – which also just so happens to be ‘Manchester Day‘; we’ll be making sure we don’t miss either of them.
He’s not the only local lad taking on huge obstacles for a good cause.
Emily Sergeant -
4th January 2023 
