Fans slam new sequence of Waterloo Road as Jason Manford joins solid

Waterloo Road fans were left disappointed after the first episode of the new series aired on Tuesday evening. 

The show was originally axed in 2015, but following a revival in audiences during the first COVID lockdown, it returned to screens following an eight-year break in 2023.

And now back for its 14th series there has been a new school shakeup with comedian Jason Manford joining the cast. 

Taking on the role of new headteacher Steve Savage, the actor left fans disappointed after his debut. 

Taking to Twitter to share their thoughts, fans exclaimed that the new series was ‘awful’ and ‘unrealistic’ as they joked Jason wouldn’t be winning any BAFTA‘s for his acting. 

Fans have slammed the new series of Waterloo Road as they brand the show ‘awful’ and ‘unrealistic’ as comedian Jason Manford joins the cast to poor reviews after Tuesday’s episode

Taking on the role of new headteacher Steve Savage, the actor left fans disappointed after his debut

They wrote: ‘This is awful stuff. And Jason Manford isn’t going to be winning a BAFTA for his acting anytime soon. Would say he stick to being a comedian, but it isn’t that funny either. And braces … WTF!’

‘I’ve watched @BBCOne #WaterlooRoad since it’s inception but this new series episode one is a joke. Unrealistic. What has happened.’

‘No idea why it’s on but #WaterlooRoad is kids tv level of bad’; ‘Why does Jason Manfords character always have his b****y hands in his pockets’.

‘First episode of the new series of #WaterlooRoad and I don’t know what to make of @JasonManford‘s character yet. Has he got an ulterior motive? trying not to watch the whole series in 2 days on iplayer so no spoilers please’. 

Another critiqued: ‘not enough donte for my liking. also where is izzy’.

However there were a few positive reviews as another penned: ‘Watching the new series of #WaterlooRoad and I’m loving @JasonManford as Steve Savage xx’;

‘Only on episode 2 of the new #WaterlooRoad but it has been incredible so far! Steve is a great head and reminds me so much of Rachel’.

It was revealed in February that Jason would be joining the cast as he replaced current headmistress Kim Campbell, played by Angela Griffin. 

It was revealed in February that Jason would be joining the cast as he replaced current headmistress Kim Campbell, played by Angela Griffin (pictured) 

Taking to Twitter to share their thoughts, fans exclaimed that the new series was ‘awful’ and ‘unrealistic’ as they joked Jason wouldn’t be winning any BAFTA’s for his acting

However there were a few positive reviews as another penned: ‘Watching the new series of #WaterlooRoad and I’m loving @JasonManford as Steve Savage xx’

Speaking about joining the cast, Jason said: ‘What an absolute treat it is to join the cast and crew of Waterloo Road, right here in my home city of Manchester’

Speaking about joining the cast, Jason said: ‘What an absolute treat it is to join the cast and crew of Waterloo Road, right here in my home city of Manchester.

‘My kids and I binged the show on iPlayer during lockdown. It’s such a brilliant, iconic show, so I’m dead proud to now be part of its history. Growing up, I always wanted to be a teacher and now becoming a headteacher, I know I would have been terrible!’

Cameron Roach, Executive Producer of Waterloo Road and Founder of Rope Ladder Fiction, added: ‘We’re thrilled that Jason Manford is joining Waterloo Road, as the show returns for a fourth series since returning to BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

‘Jason is a phenomenal comic actor, and has fully embraced the tone and spirit of the show, we can’t wait for the audience to meet Steve Savage and his son Billy.

‘As with all of our adult cast, Jason has been an inspiring and approachable mentor to our younger cast and crew; we love that a new generation of Northern talent are able to learn their craft alongside brilliant household names.

‘The legacy of Waterloo Road goes from strength to strength’.