It’s all change as BBC1’s popular drama Waterloo Road throws open its gates for a new term this week.
The eight-part run finds the pupils and staff navigating teething problems following the secondary school’s recently acquired academy status and move to a new building. Things are about to get even more complicated, however, with the arrival of high-flying new head teacher Steve Savage, played by Jason Manford.
‘It feels a bit like being England football manager – it’s a job not everyone gets to have a go at,’ enthuses the actor, comedian and presenter, 43, as he joins TV Times for a chat about the role. ‘I almost turned it down because I was getting ready for my stand-up tour and didn’t know how I’d fit it in. But then I read the script and learnt what happens to the character, and I knew I had to do it!’
With former head teacher Kim Campbell (Angela Griffin, who is back on directing duties) now working for the Academy Trust, the Series 14 opener sees deputy Joe Casey (James Baxter) taking the reins. But when Joe’s day goes from bad to worse, the Trust drafts Steve in to salvage things. Is he the ideal candidate for Waterloo Road’s top job?
Here, dad-of-six Jason gives us his report…
So, how are you finding being at the helm of Waterloo Road as its latest head teacher?
This story is from the September 07, 2024 edition of TV Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 07, 2024 edition of TV Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Iknow the TRUTH!
Suki's horrified when Nish rumbles The Six's big secret
TOGETHER at last
Chas and Liam decide to give things a go.... but how do they tell Ella?
Your nephew is EVIL
Nicola cottons on to the truth about Tom
Jean's AGONY
She's burdened with guilt after calling social services about Tommy
Love and...MARRIAGE?
Jesse has a big announcement for the Platts, while there's romance in store for some other Weatherfield residents
Lisa the ACCUSED
Betsy fears her mum murdered Joel when she spots her covered in bruises
Autumn FARE
PAUL HOLLYWOOD and DAME PRUE LEITH on why they're rooting for vegetables...
Life after PARADISE
TAHJ MILES talks moving on from Marlon to play Lennie James' grandson
PUPPY love!
Guide Dogs' puppydevelopment adviser GEORGINA WINGHAM tells TV Times all about Alan Titchmarsh's new canine co-star, Titch D
Be afraid, be very AFRAID!
ANITA DOBSON, ROBERT LINDSAY and SUE JOHNSTON on playing pensioners with an appetite for destruction