RINGThe CHANGES

JASON MANFORD on causing a stir as Waterloo Road’s new head teacher

- VICTORIA WILSON

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?