The name "Skelthwaite" (the fictitious town where the series is set) is an amalgamation of two real place names, "Skelmanthorpe" and "Slaithwaite", in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire--the principal filming locations used in the series.
Three different characters have been played by more than one actor: Stephen Snow, (William Ash and Jason Done); Jacqui Richards, (Marsha Thomason and Paulette P. Williams); and Cheryl Lampard, (Kathryn Hunt and Phillippa Wilson). This excludes child characters who were played by twins because of the restrictions on how long children can work during filming.
Brian Capron was offered the part of Mike Walters (Dennis Waterman) in the story called "Archangel".
The two actors who played Stephen Snow (William Ash and Jason Done) both starred in Waterloo Road as teachers. Wiliam played Christopher Mead and Jason played Tom Clarkson.
Vince Snow was considered the most difficult character to cast, with the creators determined to find an actor who could match the strength of Pam Ferris. Shakespearean actor Tony Haygarth won the role, with producers stating "he had all the qualities of strength and humour - as well as the potential to be a bit grumpy."