A beloved Emmerdale star is preparing to return to the classroom after securing a role in the cast of Waterloo Road. The actor will be reunited with another soap legend in what promises to be a compelling on-screen partnership.

Karl Davies, renowned for his portrayal of Robert Sugden on ITV’s Emmerdale, is reportedly set to appear as Tony Walters in the upcoming sixteenth series of BBC’s Waterloo Road. It’s suggested that he will collaborate with pop sensation-turned-actress Kym Marsh in a gripping storyline.

Speculation indicates that Karl and Kym will portray a married couple on screen, with Tony resurfacing to reconnect with his separated spouse Nicky Walters, brought to life by the former Hear’Say member. The rumoured casting has already delighted devotees of both Emmerdale and Waterloo Road, who are eagerly anticipating Karl’s television comeback.

The casting revelation emerged through a fan account on social media, which announced alongside a photograph of the performer: “Former #Emmerdale actor Karl Davies is set to join #WaterlooRoad as Tony Walters. He will appear in the next series.”

Numerous supporters flocked to the comments to express their enthusiasm about the alleged casting, with one exclaiming: “When is the new series? I can’t b****y wait! ! ! !” Another responded with excitement: “Oooh, the second Robert Sugden.”, reports the Mirror.

BBC has been approached for comment. In the meantime, Waterloo Road enthusiasts can anticipate returning to the corridors of the fictional comprehensive school for at least another two years.

The programme originally ran from 2006 to 2015 before making a comeback in 2023. The BBC announced last month that it has secured at least two additional series.

Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, commented: “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.”

Cameron Roach, Waterloo Road executive producer, remarked: ‘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 performers have graced the programme – which celebrates its 20th anniversary next year. Jill Halfpenny, Adam Thomas and Neil Morrissey represent just a handful of the celebrities to traverse the school hallways throughout the years.

The return would be a delightful comeback for Karl, who has seen steady success since his departure from Emmerdale in 2005. He has appeared in prominent television programmes such as the critically acclaimed disaster drama Chernobyl, the popular crime drama Happy Valley, and the blockbuster fantasy series Game of Thrones.