Newlyweds Jez and Sian Diamond are thrown into turmoil when Jez's estranged children, Madi and Zack, are dumped on them by his spurned ex-wife. Meanwhile, Michael's A-Level recruitment drive puts him at loggerheads with Grantly, and Phoenix tries to scupper Michael's attempts to reunite him with his father.

Ronan and Vicki's relationship is plunged into crisis when Vicki gets a black eye and the finger of suspicion points towards Ronan. Elsewhere, the time has come for Waterloo Road's debut rugby match, but can Jez coach the boys to a victory? Meanwhile, Michael and Linda's working relationship becomes personal.