© BBC / Shed Productions (WR)
As the troubling situation with Connor's alcoholic mother Christine is getting worse instead of better, he and Imogen decide to run away from their families by hiding out in the schoolhouse together over the holidays.
The pair's plans are foiled, however, when Christine finds out what they're up to - which leads to an explosive situation as Connor is pushed to breaking point…
Digital Spy recently chatted to Kirstie Steele, who plays Imogen, to hear more about the storyline.
How have you found your time on Waterloo Road so far?
"I've loved absolutely every minute of being part of this show. It's a fantastic experience to be working with all these different actors. It's great fun, and every day is a school day where I'm learning lots of different things as I go along!"
The Imogen and Connor storylines appear to have had a big reaction from fans. Did you expect that when you first started filming?
"I probably didn't expect the fan reaction to be as big as it has been. It's great that the viewers have liked Imogen and Connor so much already, and hopefully that means that it's come across as a good, strong relationship. The reaction has been great - I didn't expect it at all. I don't think you ever do expect these things, you just have to take it as it comes along."
Have you been recognised by fans much when you're out and about?
"Yeah, I've been recognised a few times, which is a bit surreal! It's especially weird when I'm out shopping with my mum and people follow me around the shops! It's definitely a new experience for me, but it's an exciting one too. Every person I've met has been lovely and it's been great to hear their feedback as well."
What kind of a reaction have you seen from the online fans?
"I've had some really great feedback, especially after the deaf storyline. I had a few Twitter followers who are deaf saying that I'm doing a great job, and that's really nice to hear. It's nice that people can relate to it, and I'm thrilled that they've messaged me personally.
"I've also had some fan letters recently, which has been really sweet and I'm trying to reply to them as much as I can, as they're our audience at the end of the day."
What is Shane O'Meara, who plays Connor, like to work with?
"Shane is great to work with - he's such a nice, friendly guy. We have a lot of fun on set, and he does try to wind me up sometimes! But that's always funny and we get on really well."
Why do you think Imogen and Connor have become such a good match?
"I think they've just had an instant chemistry, and they can relate to each other really well. They've had similar experiences with their mothers, and that means they have a bond. It's an instant reaction and now they both have somebody they can talk to.
"Normally their characters are very isolated from everyone else, but when they're together there's a really strong bond."
© BBC / Shed Productions (WR)
What can we expect from episode ten this week?
"Imogen and Connor are still together, but they've decided that it's best to make sure that Connor's mother doesn't know that, because she's not very fond of Imogen taking her son away. Now they're planning to get Connor away from Christine, so they're going to run away over the school holiday.
"Their plan is to hide out in the empty schoolhouse over the holidays, just until they can sort something else out. They think it's their best plan to escape, get their heads together and see what they can plan after that. They hope to get a happy ending!"
What happens when Christine finds out?
"Christine catches them when they're both at the schoolhouse together. She's shocked, but at the same time I think she knew it was coming. Christine is so angry over the situation, but she comes across as quite calm and she doesn't physically shout at them. It's terrible for the two of them, though, because their plans have been ruined.
"Imogen and Connor are both upset and annoyed - there's loads of emotions when Christine catches them. Connor is hurt the most, because he thought that escaping was the best option for his future. He's so upset that his mum has ruined it, and you'll see another side to him as he just snaps."
We know that Connor starts another fire at the school with big consequences. What can we expect to happen next?
"Well, it's definitely a big dramatic, finale! Without giving too much away, Imogen is basically stuck in a crossfire between Connor and his mother. It is a dangerous episode and definitely one to watch. It's been great to be part of this episode, and it's so exciting. I can't say anything else without giving it away!"
Whatever happens, do you think there's any chance of a strong future for Imogen and Connor?
"I think their relationship will always be tested. They're like the Romeo and Juliet of Waterloo Road - they're meant to be together, but they're always going to be doomed!
"No matter how perfect they are together, there's always going to be something in the way that stops them from actually being together. I think that's the best way to put our relationship. But that's always great for us to play as actors."
How have you found working with Laurie Brett?
"Laurie is such a great actress, and she's brilliant at giving advice. She's taken us under her wing - I think I'm like her adopted daughter in real life! Laurie has been really great and supportive, and we know that she knows this industry really well.
"It's great to get feedback from her and she's coached me through some of the scenes. That's brilliant because she didn't have to do that - it's not part of her job, but it's been really handy for me to get little tips as we've been going along."
© BBC / Shed Productions (WR)
Who else are your best friends on set?
"I'd have to say Becky Craven who plays Rhiannon - she's been a great friend of mine. I also love Adiza who plays Liberty, as she always makes me laugh. And Katie who played Scout was a great friend as well."
Episodes one to ten have been busy for Imogen. Does it stay that way, or do things quieten down in certain episodes next year?
"It doesn't really quieten down. When new characters come in, the story focuses mainly on them for a while, but you'll see Imogen will still be a part of it. Then some episodes will be more focused on Imogen's relationship with Connor and Christine. She's got some good episodes coming up, some great stories to look forward to - and some twists and turns along the way!"
Did you know Imogen was deaf when you signed up for the role?
"I didn't know at all when I first signed up. I only found out when I did the script read-through for episode one. But what a great role to play, and hopefully I'm doing it justice by making it believable. It can be difficult to do such a sensitive subject, but it's been a great learning experience for me."
How long have you been acting for?
"I've been acting from quite an early age. I was part of the Scottish Youth Theatre when I was younger and was involved in local classes. I've done lots of production tours and lots of musical theatre, some from when I was three or four!
"I also did a few programmes for the BBC and CITV when I was 11 or 12, so I was a child actor. I've just graduated from college and obviously now have this major role here at Waterloo Road."
Does acting run in the family?
"My brother has always been into the theatre and stage, so he's the other actor in the family. But my mum and dad are the opposite to me and my brother - they're quite shy compared to us and they're not into the theatre. They do support us, though, and they love to come and watch us. They get excited about it, but they're not ones to go and do it themselves!"
What are your future acting ambitions?
"I'd love to do some more television, more dramas and explore different roles. I'm really enjoying watching Doctor Who and Sherlock at the moment. It'd be great to do another serious drama, but I'm also into comedy so I'd also love to change it up a bit and do some of that in the future."
> Read our spoiler for the next episode of 'Waterloo Road'
> Read more 'Waterloo Road' spoilers and news
Waterloo Road continues on Thursday (October 25) at 8pm on BBC One.
