A new series of Waterloo Road began on Tuesday evening on BBC One and with that came new characters for the viewers to get invested in. One of those characters was Steve Savage, played by Jason Manford, who plays the new school principal of Waterloo Road.
Following his debut, fans took to social media to share their honest thoughts about Jason's portrayal as Steve. One viewer wrote on Instagram: "Without spoiling it, I will say I think he was an amazing edition to the show and brought us a great storyline."
Another person expressed on the social media platform: "I think you're going to double viewing figures Jason."
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Somebody else commented: "Amazing actor, thoroughly enjoyed this new series," alongside a clapping hands emoji. Yet another penned: "I'm absolutely loving it @jasonmanford you've done a cracking job."
A fifth who binge-watched the entire series because it's available on BBC iPlayer, gushed: "Finished the whole series! On the edge of my seat! Incredible and @jasonmanford is awesome," with a heart eyes emoji.
Jason's character Steve is billed as a charismatic charmer who impresses everyone he meets with his confidence, intellect and persuasiveness. He's also not scared of crossing a line if he thinks It will help for the greater good and can be ruthless when it comes to protecting his career.
Despite this, he does everything with a laugh and a smile on his face so that nobody notices, meaning he has a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde type character.
Ahead of the series airing, Jason opened up about what joining the school-based drama meant to him. He explained: "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.
"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."
Waterloo Road continues at 9pm on Tuesday on BBC One. The whole of series 14 is available to watch on BBC iPlayer now.
