Waterloo Road
Jill Halfpenny plays Izzie Redpath
What happened to Izzie at the end of last series?
"Izzie and Tom finally got together after a very turbulent time, so she's starting the new series with a renewed enthusiasm and happiness. She feels completely content and is excited about her future with Tom ... though it might not last."
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How do Izzie's daughters, Chlo and Mika, get on with Tom?
"They get on with him very well, although they don't see him as a father figure until much later on."
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How does Izzie feel now about Lorna?
"Izzie is wracked with guilt and allows Lorna to manipulate her because of this. Lorna is devastated about Izzie's pregnancy but never allows her to see this."
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Bullying is an issue this series. Does Izzie become involved?
"Izzie's daughter, Mika, has trouble with a girl in school and it has some extreme consequences. Izzie has to deal with this on top of everything else and feels terribly guilty for having neglected Mika."
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What is your favourite storyline this series?
"I'm enjoying the Tom/Izzie/Lorna storyline. It has so many twists and turns that even I can't keep up with it. I have to keep reminding myself what's happened..."
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What goes through your mind when you think back to your own school days?
"I'm glad I'm not back at school! The highlight of my school day was always dinnertime. I never truly enjoyed school until my A-levels, although I loved doing the school plays."
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What was your favourite subject?
"English Lit and Music – I loved reading new books and plays and really enjoyed learning about music and listening to different instruments. I thought Geography was boring but, looking back, I realise this must have been my teacher... "
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What were your school reports like?
"Pretty good, actually. I wasn't really a problematic kid. I was well-behaved, did as I was told and managed to get good grades. However, I know I definitely talked too much."
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Did you have any inspiring teachers?
"I had a primary school teacher called Mr Nesbitt. He used to get us to read books and poetry out loud and he would say: "Taste the words!" I loved his enthusiasm and his love of drama. I think it is wonderful to be taught by someone inspirational as it makes all the difference and can affect your whole life."
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Is Waterloo Road anything like the school you attended?
"There are a few similarities. I went to an inner-city comprehensive where there was a cross-section of backgrounds, like Waterloo Road.
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"When I first arrived on the set, it felt very strange being back in school but feeling no sense of anxiousness or worry or fear of it."
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