Denise is back in the classroom

Denise Welch believes many schools could benefit from having a teacher like Waterloo Road’s Steph Haydock.

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Welch, 67, portrayed the French teacher on the BBC One series of the same name from 2006 to 2010, and her character’s ability to speak her mind is one of the reasons the actor was keen to reprise the role, 15 years after departing the school-based drama series.

"It'll be more interesting," said Welch, who also portrayed Natalie Barnes in Coronation Street.