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.
The Coronation Street Experience has launched a major recruitment drive for jobs on the cobbles
Daisy Jackson
Ever fancied a job working on the most famous street on television? Now’s your chance.
The Coronation Street Experience has launched a major recruitment drive for positions on the iconic cobbles.
They’re on the hunt for Corrie fans who can step into the roles of tour guides and guest services team members, leading members of the public on tours around the set of the nation’s favourite soap.
Successful applicants will be able to bring more than 65 years of TV history to life for all the visitors who flock from around the world to visit the ITV Studio’s production site.
Members of the public have been able to step onto the real filming location used in the long-running soap for more than a decade, popping into iconic locations like the Rovers Return, Roy’s Rolls, and Underworld.
The Coronation Street Experience has recently increased its tour capacity ahead of another busy summer season, and now needs extra hands who know their Platts from their Barlows.
They’re hoping to recruit passionate fans who can turn their love for the soap into a job, with duties including greeting visitors all the way to guiding them around the world-famous set.
Current tour guide Shaun Whitehouse said: “Working on the set is something most fans only dream about.
There are jobs up for grabs on the iconic Coronation Street cobbles. Credit: The Manc Group
“Every tour is different. One moment you’re sharing little-known behind-the-scenes stories and the next you’re helping guests have their photos taken outside the Rovers.
“Seeing people’s reactions when they step onto the set for the first time is magical – it really never gets old.”
Ashley Bolton-Burrows, General Manager of the Coronation Street Experience, said: “Coronation Street has been part of British life for generations and we welcome fans from all over the world who want to experience the magic of the show up close.
“We’re looking for people with energy, personality and a genuine passion for the show. Whether they’ve watched for decades or grown up with the programme, this is a fantastic opportunity to work somewhere truly unique and help create unforgettable memories for our guests.”
The Coronation Street Experience has become one of Greater Manchester’s most popular visitor attractions, giving fans exclusive access to the largest single TV production site in the world.
Applications are now open. For more information or to apply, head HERE.
You can win two VIP tickets to a Co-op Live show as part of a heartwarming Manc charity raffle
Danny Jones
Fancy bagging yourself the posh treatment at the biggest indoor gig and live entertainment venue in the city? Well, you can do just that by entering the latest Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity raffle, which is offering a pair of VIP tickets to a Co-op Live show.
All you have to do is simply do your bit for a crucial local cause.
It’s one that we’ve worked closely with in the past on many occasions: the ‘A Bed Every Night’ scheme, which helps house rough sleepers across the region.
Teaming up with The 24 Hour Run Against Homelessness – which was created specifically to generate funds for this ongoing crisis – as well as an upcoming community social, all you have to do to be in with a chance is put your name down for a cheap raffle ticket.
Writing in the caption of the post, the Mayor’s Charity has revealed that “Cross Club Social and The Manchester 24 Hour Run Against Homelessness are teaming up to raffle off 2x VIP Co-op Live tickets to a show of your choosing.”
That’s right, not just any random show – you get to pick which one you fancy going along to in style.
With the 2026 edition of the annual fundraising relay event, on behalf of Greater Manchester’s homeless community, taking place this November (find out more on the GMMC website and keep up to date with us here at The Manc for the latest) they’re hoping to get the donations going nice and early.
For anyone unaware, the Cross Club Social, or ‘XCS’, has been going for a few years now; it brings together runners from all over the 10 boroughs for a big post-race party, all whilst raising money for charitable organisations.
DJs, karaoke, quizzing, three full rooms, an entire beer garden to themselves, and MUCH more. 👀
The next edition will be taking place this Friday, 19 June, over at the award-winning Fairfield Social Club, where an all-day party will run, pardon the pun, well into the night.
Better still, entrants into the raffle don’t have to wait long to find out if they’re a winner, as the lucky recipient is set to be announced the following Saturday (20 Jun) after the big shindig over on the XCS Instagram page.
The Mayor’s Charity team signed off by adding, “Good luck and together, we will end homelessness” – a mission that many Manc groups, especially, have been working so hard to make possible in recent times.
For instance, last year alone, the aforementioned 24 Hour Run, whose team will be in attendance and taking donations for at XCS 2026, generated a whopping £70k, and the total tally has now reached truly life-changing sums.
As for the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity raffle, you can grab a ticket HERE for just a fiver to secure your chance to go along to a VIP night at Co-op Live. Fingers crossed!
Emily Sergeant -
11th January 2023 
