A Soap Icon Heads Back to Class

Soap fans are buzzing with excitement after reports revealed that Emmerdale alum Karl Davies is heading to Waterloo Road. The actor, beloved for his portrayal of Robert Sugden, is rumored to be stepping into the role of Tony Walters in the BBC school drama’s upcoming sixteenth season.

This casting news has delighted long-time soap watchers, who are thrilled to see Karl return to screens in a high-profile role. Even better, he will share the spotlight with another soap favorite — Coronation Street and Hear’Say star Kym Marsh.

Karl and Kym: A Dramatic On-Screen Reunion

If reports prove true, Karl will play Tony, the estranged husband of Kym Marsh’s character, Nicky Walters. Fans of the show already know Nicky as a dedicated teacher and mother, but her personal life is about to get complicated.

Tony’s sudden return promises tension, heartbreak, and a chance for explosive drama. The pair’s rocky relationship could become one of the season’s central storylines, testing loyalties and exposing secrets as Tony re-enters Nicky’s life.

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

Within hours, fans were flooding the comments section. One wrote: “When is the new series? I can’t b**y wait!!!!” Another quipped: “Oooh, the second Robert Sugden.”

Karl Davies became a household name in the early 2000s when he played Robert Sugden on Emmerdale. Since his departure in 2005, Karl has carved out an impressive career. His credits include HBO’s Game of Thrones, the award-winning BBC drama Happy Valley, and the globally acclaimed miniseries Chernobyl.

For Karl, joining Waterloo Road feels like a full-circle moment — returning to a beloved UK drama format with a role that demands emotional depth and complexity.

Waterloo Road’s Revival Goes Strong

Waterloo Road originally aired from 2006 to 2015 before being rebooted in 2023. Since its revival, the series has gone from strength to strength. Just last month, the BBC announced it had recommissioned the show for at least two more seasons, ensuring the halls of the fictional school will stay open through its upcoming 20th anniversary in 2026.

Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, expressed her enthusiasm:
“I’m delighted that Waterloo Road will be opening its corridors once again. The show continues to entertain audiences who love to follow both the staff and pupils, and with a new series heading to BBC iPlayer and BBC One next month, fans don’t have long to wait.”

Meanwhile, executive producer Cameron Roach praised the creative teams, saying:
“To be commissioned for further series, bringing the total episodes since relaunch to 70 hours, is a huge achievement. Waterloo Road is gaining a reputation for celebrating emerging talent while also attracting the best established stars.”

Fans Brace for a Soapy Storyline

Pairing Karl Davies with Kym Marsh is a move that has already captured fan imagination. Kym, who has been part of Waterloo Road since its revival, has won praise for her role as Nicky Walters — a strong, flawed, and relatable character. Introducing Tony into her story could stir up family drama, rekindle old wounds, and push Nicky in unexpected directions.

For fans, this isn’t just a casting update; it’s the promise of juicy soap-style twists inside one of Britain’s most beloved dramas.

The Bottom Line

With Karl Davies joining Waterloo Road as Tony Walters, the stage is set for a dramatic shake-up in the next season. His pairing with Kym Marsh guarantees sparks, whether those sparks reignite romance or set off fireworks of conflict.

Fans can look forward to seeing Karl bring his trademark intensity back to primetime TV. And with Waterloo Road celebrating its legacy while pushing fresh stories, Tony’s arrival could mark one of the show’s most memorable plotlines yet.