Emmerdale's Karl Davies 'joins Waterloo Road as Kym Marsh's on-screen husband

An Emmerdale icon is getting ready to go back to school by joining the cast of Waterloo Road. And there will be a soapy match made on screen as he's being paired up with a fellow soap favourite.

Karl Davies, best known for playing Robert Sugden on ITV's Emmerdale, is rumoured to have been cast as a character named Tony Walters in the forthcoming sixteenth of the BBC's Waterloo Road. It is claimed he will join forces with pop singer-turned small screen star Kym Marsh for an intense storyline.

It has been suggested that Karl and Kym will play an on-screen husband and wife due, as Tony emerges from the woodwork to get back into the life of estranged wife Nicky Walters, played by the former Hear'Say star. The rumours have already thrilled fans of both Emmerdale and Waterloo Road, who cannot wait to see Karl back on their screens.

READ MORE: Myleene Klass has launched the perfect ‘warm and fashionable’ trench coat for autumn

READ MORE: Frankie Bridge hits back at Loose Women drama after rolling eyes at co-star

The casting news was uncovered by a fan account on social media - which declared alongside an image of the star: “Former #Emmerdale actor Karl Davies is set to join #WaterlooRoad as Tony Walters. He will appear in the next series.”

Many fans took to the comments section to share their excitement about the apparent casting, with one writing: “When is the new series? I can’t b****y wait!!!!” And another gasped: “Oooh, the second Robert Sugden.”

The Mirror has contacted the BBC for comment. Meanwhile, fans of Waterloo Road can expect to return to the halls of the fictional comprehensive school for two more years at least.

The show first aired from 2006 until 2015, but was revived in 2023. And last month, the BBC revealed it had been recommissioned for at least two more seasons.

Lindsay Salt, director of BBC Drama, said: "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."

And Cameron Roach, Waterloo Road executive producer, said: '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."

Major stars have featured on the show - which will mark it's 20th anniversary next year. Jill Halfpenny, Adam Thomas and Neil Morrissey are just some of the stars to walk down the school corridors over the years.

And the move would be a welcome return to screens for Karl who has enjoyed consistent success since he quit Emmerdale in 2005. He has featured in major TV shows including the acclaimed disaster drama Chernobyl, the hit crime drama Happy Valley, and smash fantasy series Game of Thrones.

Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Threads.