Jo Lipsett brings a rush of excitement to the staffroom when she arrives at Waterloo Road with her forthright and fun approach to life. Passionate and dedicated, she's worked hard to become Head of Languages at a tender 31 years of age.
But behind the youthful veneer is an old style school teacher who exudes confidence and authority and is respected by staff and pupils alike. Steph found it difficult taking direction from her new boss thinking that she's barely older than the kids, but the two eventually form a close bond with Jo genuinely working to improve Steph's teaching skills.
Jo's entirely confident within herself and her sexuality is no secret to either staff or pupils, but this term she'll find that confidence can lead her into hot water as Ros gets a major crush on Jo and ends up kissing her. When the situation comes to a head, Jo has to concede that she's not without fault, and plans to leave the school. Chris Mead convinces her to stay.
Jo last appears in Series 5 Episode 20 at the school prom.
Quotes
- "Hello, Steph." (first line)
- "You can drop the act, Steph. I know exactly what you're playing at. And if you seriously think that you can flirt your way out of being in trouble with me, you're even more naïve than I thought you were."
- "Stop, stop. Stop. Okay. Uh..." (after Ros kissed her)
- Jo: "Uh...this is awkward, um...maybe I shouldn't even be talking about it."
- Rachel: "Jo?"
- Jo: "Ros McCain tried to kiss me."
- "Who the hell do you think you are? I have a reputation at this school, and I do not appreciate it being put at risk by some silly schoolgirl and her overactive imagination!"
- "Uh, ladies and gentlemen, I would like you to please give it up for Waterloo Road's first Prom King and Queen, Bolton and Sambuca!" (final line)