The new season of Waterloo Road includes a new, harrowing grooming storyline featuring a character played by former Emmerdale star Karl Davies.

Known to soap fans for portraying Robert Sugden between 2001 and 2009, Davies joined series 17 of Waterloo Road as Anthony Walters, Nicky’s (Kym Marsh) estranged husband.

He takes a job as the school’s football coach, but abuses his position of trust to exploit Portia Weever (Maisey Robinson) whilst she’s under his supervision.

The storyline, developed in collaboration with the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), is featured within two episodes of the new series.

“Waterloo Road has a strong tradition of highlighting difficult issues young people face,” Waterloo Road producer Cameron Roach said in a statement.

“Portia, played by Maisey Robinson, has proven to be one of our most popular new characters, and our writing team felt she could portray a truth around this very difficult subject matter.

“Working with the NSPCC and other experts in the field, we have been able to raise awareness of an important social issue, and demonstrate to young viewers that help, and support are always close at hand if needed.”

Helen Westerman, NSPCC Strategic Service Manager for Local Campaigns, added: “Child sexual abuse or exploitation can have lifelong effects on those who experience it, so it is vital that parents, carers and young people know how to identify when something might be wrong.

“Having topics like grooming explored sensitively in flagship shows like Waterloo Road helps share important information with viewers and signpost to essential resources, like the NSPCC Helpline and Childline services, which are available to offer support around the clock.”

Series 17 premiered its first episode on 6 January on BBC One, with all episodes available to watch on BBC iPlayer.