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DENISE WELCH on returning to the classroom after 15 years

- IAN MACEWAN, VICTORIA WILSON PHOTOS: BBC

WATERLOO ROAD NEW TUE, 9PM & 10.40PM (TIMES VARY), BBC1 DRAMA (BOX SET, BBC IPLAYER)

A member of Waterloo Road's original line-up, chaotic but caring French teacher Steph Haydock ruled the staffroom from 2006 to 2010.

Now, as the gates open on a 17th run of BBC1's schoolset saga, actor and Loose Women panellist Denise Welch is making a muchanticipated return in a storyline that sees her fan-favourite character drafted in as a supply teacher.

TV Times caught up with Denise, 67, to get her report...

It’s 15 years since you last played Steph. What can we expect?