Jason Manford has revealed the daunting experience of joining the cast of Waterloo Road, describing it as a nerve-wracking decision.
Waterloo Road has re-emerged as a significant success for the BBC since its return to Greater Manchester, and the show has already secured two more seasons. The revival of this series, highly acclaimed in the North West, will see its 14th series air on Tuesday next week. Set in a new school building with a new Academy status, the show will feature a shift in leadership with the introduction of Steve Savage, played by Jason Manford.
Manford, reflecting on the show’s impact, stated, “It’s such a legendary show, not just on the BBC, but right here in the North West and Manchester as well. It’s as big as Corrie.” He further elaborated on how he became acquainted with the show during the lockdown, which ultimately led to its revival. Having originated in Rochdale, the show moved to Glasgow in 2012 before being dropped by the BBC in 2014. Manford said, “It feels like a big northern powerhouse of a show that’s been on for years. It was funny, really, because my kids started watching it during lockdown on iPlayer, and I was sort of half watching it, and then suddenly you start fully watching it, and then it turns out it wasn’t just me, it wasn’t just us, it was millions of people.”
The actor expressed his excitement upon being invited to join the cast, considering it a privilege. Regarding his new character, Steve Savage, Manford shared his enthusiasm: “It’s such a brilliant storyline. I remember being on the train when they sent me the synopsis of what was going to happen, and I was like ‘Wow, that’s amazing’. I think it’s going to surprise a lot of people, I’ve just got a feeling it will be one of those moments where you’re at work the next day, and you’re chatting about it, like ‘oh my god, did you see that?'”
Discussing his character, Manford described Savage as the ideal head teacher, committed to making his school the best it can be. Savage’s background as a self-made man from a poor upbringing and the care system adds layers of complexity to his ambitious nature. Manford commented, “It would have been easy to come in and just be fun and charismatic and charming, but at the centre of him is ambition, and when it comes to ambition in the wrong hands and in the wrong circumstances, ambition can be dangerous.”
Although initially nervous on set, Manford was reassured by the familiar faces of the cast, including Neil Fitzmaurice, Kym Marsh, and Adam Thomas, with whom he had previously crossed paths in his career. He noted, “I knew Neil Fitzmaurice probably the best because we’re both comedians, and I remember seeing Neil when I was still just washing glasses behind the bar and he was the headline comedian, and obviously went on to write Phoenix Nights with Peter Kay and be in all those things so I’ve known Neil for my whole career. Kym Marsh, I’ve known for a long time as well, and we’ve always nearly worked together on the odd thing here and there so it’s really nice it’s finally happened.”
Manford also acknowledged the logistical advantages of filming close to home in Manchester, which allowed him to maintain a balance between work and family life. He remarked, “It was great, I got to stay at home and so I was back home every night and able to hang out with the kids. Even the location stuff, we filmed some scenes right near my mum and dad’s house, and they walked down with the dog and came and watched.”
The new series of Waterloo Road is set to premiere on 10 September, with all episodes available on BBC iPlayer from 6am, and the first episode airing on BBC One at 9pm.
Jason Manford’s enthusiasm for joining the cast of Waterloo Road highlights the continuing appeal of the show. As the series prepares for its 14th season, audiences can look forward to new developments and engaging storylines.