Former pupils Bolton Smilie and Kyle Stack will return to Waterloo Road for guest storylines.

Bolton – whose return was previously speculated, will return for a guest appearance. Bolton’s appearance will be in Episode 16 of the current series.

Bolton – as announced by Digital Spy – will return in his Army Uniform to visit Tom Clarkson. It’s not long until the school hails Bolton as a success story – but with a secret kept firmly to his chest, Bolton will soon cause chaos once more.

Kyle Stack, meanwhile, will return later in the series for an episode when he is reportedly released from prison.

George Sampson, who plays the troublesome teen said, “It’s great to be back, especially for such an exciting new adventure and an incredible storyline – but I’m not saying what happens! I’m looking forward to getting going – new cast, new crew, new set – it’s going to be great!”

Angus Deayton, who has also acted in comedies such as One Foot In The Grave and Nighty Night, will play George Windsor, a modern languages teacher who returns to the profession after travelling for a quieter life.

Described as having a similar, cynical attitude as Grantly Budgen, Deayton’s character willl appear from Episode 27 of the eighth series.

The second block of episodes will begin on January 3rd, 2013, with the third block – which will feature Angus Deayton – expected to be shown in the latter half of 2013.

Alec Newman has tweeted that Waterloo Road will return on January 3rd, 2013, and already the Retweets and Tweetering of excitement has begun!

The new part of the eighth series will see Zoe Lucker join the cast as Carol Barry, bringing along with her three troublesome kids.

Will Michael be in hot water over his dad’s death? How will Christine, Connor and Imogen cope after the fire? And what’s Nicki’s reasons for her sudden reappearance (or disappearance) to (from) the school?

If you can’t wait much longer, read a few spoilers here.

Here at Shed-Insider.net, we’ll be working doubly hard to ensure the all-informative Wiki is available, so you can catch up and find out as much as you need to know about your favourite BBC drama!

Welch, who played Steph Haydock in the first five series of Waterloo Road, became engaged to Townley follow the breakup of her marriage to Tim Healy earlier this year.

She already has two sons, Matthew and Louis, aged 22 and 11 respectively, while Townley himself has a twenty year old son.

According to reports, the Celebrity Big Brother winner visited a Manchester Fertility Services clinic to discuss IVF treatment with Townley.

A friend of Welch told the Sunday Mirror: ”Denise has told me the only problem with the age difference between her and Lincoln is that they can’t have kids… I know Denise would love to be able to give Lincoln a baby and the challenge of coping with a newborn at her age wouldn’t faze her at all.

But there are all sorts of ways they might be able to do that to make their happiness complete – through IVF, adoption or even surrogacy. I know she has a cousin who works in an IVF clinic in Liverpool and it is something she has thought about. Den and Lincoln have a very special bond and are both great parents. So it would be lovely if it happened for them.”

The former Footballers Wives actor – who played Bruno Milligan in Series 4 & 5 of the series, will be playing Franklin Hart, a sexist, egotistical bigot in the musical based on the film of the same name.

Featuring music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, the show is set to tour the UK, with Richards in the role until February 2013.

Speaking to The Sentinel, Richards said: ”I love playing baddies… Playing Bruno in Footballers’ Wives and roles like that are just so fun to do.

“Dolly’s written loads of new songs. The film wasn’t a musical so she’s put together a new score. We’re hoping that she’s going to come and watch us. We’ve got great leading ladies. I’m the hate figure in the middle of it all.

“Our audience is mixed. Obviously a large part of it is all about girl power but everyone who comes along loves it.

“It’s funny for guys as well. It’s not just for ladies.”

Earlier this year, Richards was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer, for which he is receiving treatment. Far from letting it beat him, Richards is also planning on going to Los Angeles to try and secure a career in America.

I’m off to LA to try out for auditions, which is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time… I was meant to go to the States last year but unfortunately cancer got in the way of that.”

For more information on the musical, visit the website.

Following on from our previous report about the actor, Andrew Lancel has issued a statement, saying: “I will absolutely contest the charges against me. I am not able to say any more at the moment.”

His lawyer, Stuart Nolan is quoted as saying, “”Mr Lancel was invited by police to co-operate with an inquiry by one complainant about events that allegedly took place over 20 years ago… He is confident his innocence will be established.”

Andrew Lancel – who is recognisable to Bad Girls fans as the abusive prison officer Barry Pearce during Bad Girls fourth series, is facing five counts of indecent assault against a child under sixteen.

The alleged crime took place over twenty years ago, when Lancel was in his early twenties. He will appear in court later this month, after being charged and bailed yesterday by Merseyside police.

Lancel’s solicitor has said that the actor “strenuously denies the allegations”.

Andrew Lancel had a three episode stint in Bad Girls fourth series as abusive control freak Barry Pearce – the new love interest for dopey prison officer Di Barker.

Nardini has joined Waterloo Road as Science Teacher Esther Fairclough, who will appear in the third part of the show’s eighth series (Episodes 21 – 30).

Described as “passionate, driven but maverick”, the character has also been described as having an unconventional approach to inspiring her pupils.

“Esther is mildly dangerous with the potential to get more so. She is passionate about her cause, but unfortunately doesn’t know how to encourage and promote her views without getting carried away.” said Nardini upon her casting.

Daniela Nardini previously played Anna Forbes in This Life.

Executive Producer Cameron Roach said: “We’re very excited to welcome Daniela to the ensemble of Waterloo Road. Daniela has earned a terrific reputation for playing memorable characters, and we’re looking forward to her breathing life into Esther.”

Many thanks to long term news-submitter and Shed Fan Calvin Saxton for informing us that the Complete Collection of Bad Girls DVDs are on sale for a low £69.99.

All eight series are collected on the package, which comprises of the re-released Bad Girls DVDs by Acorn Media.

Most of the DVDs feature the special features that were included on the original releases by Contender (Series 1-4) and 2Entertain/VCI (Series 5-8).

Get in quick, as the offer ends on December 6th!

The news follows the announcement that Daniel Chalk will leave.

Sian will leave during the second part of Series 8 (Episodes 11-20).  Also leaving are Scout Allen and Jade Fleming.  Josh Stevenson, already announced to leave will film a guest appearance.

Meanwhile, Nikki Boston will return to the show during the second part of Series 8.

Jaye Jacobs, who plays Sian Diamond, originally joined in the second part of Series 7.