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A talented musician, boyishly good-looking Matthew "Matt" Wilding was a Music and Drama teacher at Waterloo Road. He was enthusiastic and worked round the clock at things that really interested him, such as the production of a school musical. He had a good rapport with the kids and as a result found himself helping out with some of the school's more difficult pupils as they embarked on vocational training and life skills.

Matt became the school's music and drama teacher following the tragic death of Izzie Redpath. He first appears in Series 3 Episode 1 and leaves to teach in the private sector in Series 4 Episode 20. He later returns to the school in Series 7 Episode 11 having been headhunted by Michael Byrne, and leaves again in Series 7 Episode 30 following the closure of the school and the school's move to Scotland.

He was close friends with Steph Haydock, Jasmine Koreshi and Daniel Chalk.

Personality

A talented musician, boyishly good-looking Matt is keen to impress and will work round the clock at things that really interest him, such as the first musical production at Waterloo Road last year, but he'll do anything to avoid the bore chores of teaching.

Matt was with his boyfriend Colin Scott for three years, but the fact that he was unwilling to live openly as a gay man was a source of constant rows between them and meant their relationship was doomed to failure. By Series 4 Episode 1 Matt found himself newly single and buried his grief in a partying lifestyle. However, the party had to end when he found himself foster parent to a troubled young girl, Sambuca Kelly, and the target of hate from her brother Earl Kelly and her estranged father Reynold.

Matt returned to Waterloo Road following a spell at an independent school, handpicked by Michael to once again head up the Music and Drama departments and oversee the introduction of a school orchestra.

Series 3

Matt was first introduced in Series 3 as the schools new drama and music teacher. Presumably the replacement for Izzie Redpath, who was fatally stabbed at the end of Series 2. Matt's enthusiastic and wants the school to put on a musical. Steph Haydock is immediately eager and offers to help. Attracted to Matt, Steph tries flirting only to discover in Series 3 Episode 4 that Matt is in fact gay, following his potential brush with HIV after getting Ben McNulty's blood on him. Despite this the two of them stay firm friends throughout their time at Waterloo Road. Matt jokes that if he ever turned straight Steph would be the first woman he would go for.

In Series 3 Episode 10 the school musical 'Park Side Story' is performed. Matt, frustrated and panicked that the musical is going wrong, is locked away by the rest of the cast until the show is finished. In the end the show is a hit and Matt takes a bow.

In Series 3 Episode 15 Matt's mother comes to visit. Having not told her that he is gay, Matt moves his boyfriend Colin Scott's stuff out. Colin angrily breaks up with Matt but the two of them reconcile at the end of the episode. Matt's mother is furious when she finds out that Matt's gay and promptly leaves his flat. Before the car drives away she waves at him indicating perhaps a touch of acceptance. At school Maxine Barlow spreads the news that Matt is gay. Dominic Hammond, a student who is confused about his own sexuality confides in Matt, telling him that he thinks he's also gay.

Matt is seen in Series 3 Episode 20 standing outside with the rest of the school after the fire. He pulls Eddie Lawson away after he tries to re-enter the building to rescue Rachel Mason.

Series 4

In Series 4 it is revealed that Matt and Colin are no longer together. Steph tells Matt to stop moping around following his break-up.

In Series 4 Episode 6 Matt fosters Sambuca Kelly after the Kelly children were taken away from Rose. Matt finds himself in trouble when Sambuca's father Reynold tracks them down and attacks Matt. Later, when Matt tries to leave with Sambuca at Bolton Smilie's boxing match, her father follows. Reynold tries to throw a chair at them but Matt manages to restrain him in a hold 'he saw on the telly'. Reynold is later arrested.

In Series 4 Episode 20 Matt takes the school to the choir competition. Despite having to quickly rewrite their song as Flick Mellor had stolen the lyrics from a poem, Waterloo Road end up winning the competition.

Series 7

Matt returns to the school in Series 7 Episode 11 having been contacted by Michael Byrne to once again head up the Music and Drama department.

In Series 7 Episode 17, Matt is excited when his friend Rosie who he's a sperm donor for gets pregnant.

In Series 7 Episode 22, Rosie is rushed to hospital when her baby arrives early. They name her Martha.

In Series 7 Episode 24, Matt is relieved when Martha pulls through but is angry to learn that Rosie has started a relationship with Alex, the doctor, and plans to move to Bristol with him and Martha. Matt, angry and upset, threatens to report Alex, arguing that they can't take Martha away from him. Rosie later promises Matt that she'll stay in Rochdale.

In Series 7 Episode 30, Matt decides not to join the staff in the move to Scotland, explaining that he wants to stay near Martha. He also helps the pupils plan a secret prom in the school. He suggests that the teachers have a drink at the pub on him. This is his last appearance.

Trivia

  • Matt is the only teacher to appear in Series 7 Episode 30 that does not move to Scotland; Nikki Boston initially didn't move either but later returned in Series 8 Episode 11.
  • Despite being her foster father for a brief period, Matt never mentions Sambuca on his return to the school.

Quotes

  • "Yeah. See you later, mate." (first line)

  • Steph: "Help me out here, Matt. I've just had to put up with Jack declaring his undying love for that praying mantis. You're my only hope."
  • Matt: "It's a shame I'm gay then, isn't it?"

  • "'It's my musical and I'll cancel it if I want to?' Janeece and Maxine are a couple of little fascists! That is out of order!"

  • Matt: "Jasmine wrote a drama, not a comedy. I mean, can we try and keep the integrity of the piece here? I know Mr Clarkson was only trying to help, but how many times have I told you if something goes wrong you keep going? If we can't take ourselves seriously, then how can we expect the audience to-"
  • Steph: "Matt!"
  • Matt: "What?"
  • Steph: "The doorbell mooed."

  • "Because this is the confusion of being your age. You've got to give it time. You're right about one thing though. Lying about it isn't the way to go, is it?" (to Dominic Hammond when he questions his sexuality)

  • Rachel: "What have you done to him?"
  • Matt: "Something I saw on telly. Didn't think it would work, actually." (after restraining Reynold)

  • "Right, you lot. What we singing on the way back?" (final line of his first stint)

  • "Hi." (first line upon his return in Series 7)

  • "I was headhunted by Michael Byrne. He only picks the best, doesn't he?"

  • "Come on, let's show 'em how it's done, Chalky Chalk!" (final line)
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