BBC Waterloo Road branded 'a joke' as Jason Manford joins new series: 'Unrealistic!'

Taking on the role of new headteacher Steve Savage, the comedian's debut left viewers complaining on social media.

Talking about of his first episode airing, Manford explained he was "delighted" to be joining the series.

He continued: "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.

"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."

He went on: "It was one of the most watched shows on iPlayer. And so now, to then get the call, to ask ‘do you want to be in it?’ and also the fact that I was available to do it, it felt like a real privilege."

However, fans were quick to complain about Manford's "unrealistic" character as well as the story line.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, one penned: "@Mysteron_Voice Have never watched #WaterlooRoad, so don't know the tone of it, but in general, Jason Manford would be quite near the bottom of my list of people to play a school headmaster."

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

"So that's Season 14 of #WaterlooRoad finished and honestly I didn't like this season at all!" a third shared.

Someone else added: "Confused with what they're doing with schuey's character, they gave some development last season but why is he back to 2D bully now? #WaterlooRoad."

"No idea why it's on but #WaterlooRoad is kids tv level of bad," someone else wrote.

However, others did enjoy seeing the comedian join the cast, with one posting: "Wow ... just wow. What an incredible series of #WaterlooRoad that was. The emotion, the drama the omg episode 5! Jason Manford and Olly Rhodes can ACT! They knocked my socks off this season and handled this arc so well!"

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"I've only seen two episodes but so far I love Jason Manford as Steve Savage! #WaterlooRoad," another commented.

A BBC synopsis for the new series reads: "With its new academy status, new school building, and the arrival of Steve Savage, Waterloo Road sees a changing of the guard.

"Battling some expected teething problems, the students and teachers attempt to find their feet and make big decisions that affect their future at the school.

"But when a chain of unfortunate circumstances - and one bad choice - turns lives into chaos, there are tragic repercussions for everyone at Waterloo Road."