Adam Thomas has shared a video showing the moment his young son burst into tears after finding out he’d landed a role on Waterloo Road.
And it’s a pretty emotional one.
In case you hadn’t heard, the first episode of the long-awaited revival of Waterloo Road finally hit our screens last week, 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.
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One of the young stars forming the cast of the reboot is Adam Thomas’ six-year-old son Teddy.
While the Stockport-born actor may be best-known for starring in the ITV soap Emmerdale, he of course made his name on Waterloo Road as the memorable Donte Charles – a role he has reprised in the new reboot.
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In the reboot, Adam’s character is now the caretaker at the school, and is married to his high school sweetheart from the original series, Chlo Grainger, with their two children, Izzy – played by his real-life niece Scarlett, who is making her acting debut – and Tommy, who is played by his real-life son Teddy, also in his acting debut.
Adam Thomas and his real-life son Teddy Thomas as Donte and Tommy Charles / Credit: BBC
Ahead of the second episode in the series last night, Adam took to social media to share a video of the moment Teddy found out he’d be cast in the show alongside his dad.
The young lad is seen bursting into tears the minute he finds out.
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Adam also shared the story of Teddy’s unlikely journey to being cast in the show, explaining in the Instagram post: “Teddy auditioned for the role of Tommy and got down to the last two actors, but they went with the other actor.
“I remember telling Ted, and he burst out crying bless him, but that’s an actors life, some parts you get, some you don’t… a lesson he learnt early in his career. However a few weeks later I got a call saying they have had to recast the part of Tommy, and would love to give it to Teddy.
The actor also spoke of how “special” it is to share the screen with his son.
He continued: “Can’t tell you how special it’s been sharing the screen with not only Teddy, but with Scarlett Thomas, who is quite frankly one of the best actresses I’ve ever worked with – well done guys, a proud dad and uncle.
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“Thank you for all the lovely messages, and so happy you’re all enjoying Waterloo Road.”
Adam also spoke of his pride ahead of his niece and son’s acting debuts in an interview with the MEN earlier this month, calling it a “full circle moment” and saying he hopes that it kickstarts the young stars’ careers.
Channel 4’s The Dog House is looking for people who want to adopt dogs in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
If you’ve always wanted to rescue a dog and provide a forever home to an animal in need, this might be your sign – Channel 4 is looking for Mancs to take part in the next series of The Dog House.
The programme is looking for local applicants who may be thinking of adopting a rescue dog, with rescue centres around Greater Manchester feeling the strain.
Rehoming charities have said they’re facing an unprecedented surge in demand.
So now the BAFTA-nominated show The Dog House is keen to hear from people in Manchester who are interested in rehoming a dog, particularly individuals and families with touching, heartfelt reasons for wanting to rehome.
Whether you’re a first-time dog owner, a family looking for a new companion, or looking for a new furry friend for your existing pets, The Dog House and its chosen rescue shelter can help.
The show launched in 2019 and is filmed at Woodgreen Pets Charity, shining a light and raising awareness for the joys and realities of rescuing dogs.
Channel 4’s The Dog House is looking for people to adopt dogs in Manchester
Around 90% of dog owners say their pet improves their life, 86% report being physically healthier, and 88% say it benefits their mental wellbeing, according to data shared by Channel 4.
Channel 4 has said that more than 47,000 people contacted Dogs Trust about giving up their dogs last year alone, with the RSPCA reporting that the number of dogs in their care has doubled since 2020.
The Dog House team is now seeking people in Manchester who may be thinking about adopting a rescue dog – whether for companionship, support, wellbeing, or simply the joy of bringing a four-legged friend into their life.
If you or someone you know is considering adopting a dog, you can apply HERE or email [email protected].
The full lineup for the Strictly Live tour has been revealed
Danny Jones
Yes, ballroom lovers, it’s here: the full lineup of dancers for the ‘Strictly Come Dancing Live’ tour has finally and officially been revealed.
It feels like fans have been waiting ages to find out the entire roster for the Strictly Live tour next year, with only limited waves having been released thus far.
However, the patience has paid off, and we now know who’ll be starring both on the stage and on down on the floors of some of Britain’s most beloved venues, including our very own AO Arena.
You can see the latest raft of additions down below.
As you can see, the final four couples who complete the next Strictly Live tour lineup for 2026 are social media personality George Clarke, Emmerdale face Lewis Cope, former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, and another actor in Layton Williams.
This quality quartet will be paired up with Alexis Warr, Katya Jones, Lauren Oakley and Nikita Kuzmin, respectively; it has already been confirmed that much-loved trio Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood will be returning as judges, with Janette Manrara remaining as host.
Strictly‘s still ongoing season – the 23rd in the show’s history – is due to conclude this weekend, following the final on Saturday night (20 December), and it remains to be seen which of the current cast will be crowned champion, with several of those above and below now signed up for the live tour.
The rest of the Strictly Live dancers for 2026 here:
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey aka ‘Nitro’
Alex Kingston
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Balvinder Sopal
George Clarke
La Voix
Chris Robshaw
Ellie Goldstein
Thomas Skinner
Vicky Pattison
Stefan Dennis
Ross King
Karen Carney
Lewis Cope
Amber Davies
It isn’t guaranteed that each of these contestants will be taking part in EVERY single one of the tour dates, but either way, you’ve still got ‘The Professionals’ to come next spring, too.
The annual Strictly Come Dancing UK tour has become a firm fan favourite, not only among die-hard viewers of the BBC show but lovers of live entertainment in general.
Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield and others confirmed the dates for their live shows earlier this year, with the AO set to host the two days’ worth of moves across Saturday, 31 January and Sunday, 1 February.
Hosting both normal evening shows as well as matinee slots, it’s simply up to you at what time of day you fancy panto-booing Craig…
If you’re interested in securing tickets for the typically fabulous festivals, you can grab yours HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
11th January 2023 
