Emmerdale star ‘lands role in Waterloo Road’ alongside Coronation Street icon

A former Emmerdale star is rumoured to have landed a role in Waterloo Road alongside a Coronation Street icon

Emmerdale legend Karl Davies is reportedly set to join the cast of Waterloo Road, where he’ll be paired up with another soap favourite.

Best known for his role as Robert Sugden in Emmerdale, Karl is rumoured to have been cast as a character named Tony Walters in the upcoming sixteenth series of BBC’s Waterloo Road. He’s expected to team up with pop singer-turned-actress Kym Marsh for an intense storyline.

Speculation suggests that Karl and Kym will portray an on-screen husband and wife duo, as Tony re-enters the life of his estranged wife Nicky Walters, played by the former Hear’Say star. The rumours have already excited fans of both Emmerdale and Waterloo Road, who are eager to see Karl back on their screens.

The casting news was revealed by a fan account on social media, which posted an image of the actor with the caption: “Former #Emmerdale actor Karl Davies is set to join #WaterlooRoad as Tony Walters. He will appear in the next series.”

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Fans expressed their excitement about the apparent casting in the comments section, with one writing: “When is the new series? I can’t b****y wait! ! ! !” Another commented: “Oooh, the second Robert Sugden.”, reports the Mirror.

BBC has been approached for comment. Meanwhile, fans of Waterloo Road can look forward to at least two more years of drama from the fictional comprehensive school.

The programme initially broadcast from 2006 until 2015, but made a comeback in 2023. And last month, the BBC announced it had been recommissioned for at least two more series.

Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, said: “I’m delighted that Waterloo Road will be opening its corridors once again, with two more series of the hit drama about to start filming.

“The show continues to entertain the audience who love to follow both the staff and pupils, and, with a new series heading to BBC iPlayer and BBC One next month, they don’t have long to wait.”

And Cameron Roach, Waterloo Road executive producer, said: ‘When the BBC commissioned the reboot of Waterloo Road, we had hoped it might run for a few seasons.

“But to be commissioned for further series, bringing the total episodes since relaunch to 70 hours, is a huge achievement and a reflection of the incredible creative teams in front of and behind the camera. As well as continuing to celebrate emerging talent, the show is fast gaining a reputation for working with the best comedy talent, as Jon Richardson joins the cast this season.”

Notable stars have appeared on the programme – which will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year. Jill Halfpenny, Adam Thomas and Neil Morrissey are just some of the celebrities to walk down the school corridors over the years.

The move would mark a welcome return to the small screen for Karl, who has enjoyed consistent success since his departure from Emmerdale in 2005. His impressive television credits include the critically acclaimed disaster drama Chernobyl, the popular crime series Happy Valley, and the blockbuster fantasy series Game of Thrones.

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays.