Waterloo Road icon Chelsee Healey has revealed a first look at her character Janeece Bryant amid her soap return. The former Strictly star played Janeece in the show from 2006 to 2012, before a surprise cameo in 2023.
Janeece was at the centre of some of the show's biggest storylines, including the death of her best friend Maxine Barlow, coming to terms with motherhood, and her complex relationship with student Phoenix.
Chelsee is set to return to Waterloo Road as a full-time cast member as part of the soap's 20th anniversary celebrations, and she shared a first look at her character on Instagram.
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Posting a video on her page, Chelsee appeared in a purple velour tracksuit and Waterloo Road apron, donning her signature gold hoop earrings.
Over the clip, she wrote: "Truly blessed to be returning to where it all started."
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Signing promotional pictures of her character and holding them up to the camera, she continued: "I never thought I'd be signing her cast cards again.
"Janeece is back at Waterloo Road baby!!!"
In the caption, Chelsee added: "I never take my job for granted and feel truly blessed… Janeece is back baby!!! 🥹.
"You are not ready for this… I honestly never thought I’d be signing cast cards for this character again! Eternally grateful to be returning to where it all started @waterlooroad 🙏🏽."
Several fans shared their excitement in the comment section, with one writing: "Ahhh I’ve been rewatching the old series 1-4 with you in again lately. The nostalgia of being 13 and sitting down on a Thursday night to watch Waterloo Road were the best days 🥲🙌🏼 Can’t wait to see you in the new eps!."
Another added: "Best show on TV 👏🏽, never missed a season! Can’t wait to see you back darl ❤️🔥❤️🔥."
A third commented: "A girl I was absolutely obsessed with! I’m here for the return 😍."
Announcing her return earlier this year, Chelsee said in a statement: "I honestly feel like I’m coming home, stepping back into Waterloo Road as Janeece. She’s still as fierce and funny as ever, but now she’s Mummy Janeece - I can’t wait for everyone to see what she’s been up to."
Janeece returns to our screens alongside daughter Cheryl, a new student at Waterloo Road who is played by Lauren Hylton.
Waterloo Road airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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