Jason Manford makes acting comeback with major role in BBC's Waterloo Road

ok.co.uk:

Jason Manford is joining the cast of Waterloo Road, taking on a leading role as he returns to acting.The comedian is best known for presenting Children in Need, Show Me the Funny and The One Show - but will be showing off his acting chops in the BBC One drama.

Jason, 42, is making his debut on the school drama as Steve Savage - Waterloo Road's new headteacher who isn't afraid to ruffle a few feathers.The show is yet to reveal what will happen to the school's current headteacher Kim Campbell, played by Angela Griffin.

Jason said that the role is "an absolute treat" and can't wait to join the cast in his home city of Manchester. "My kids and I binged the show on iPlayer during lockdown," he said. "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!" Meanwhile, executive producer Cameron Roach said that the show is "thrilled" to welcome Jason into the cast for its fourth series since returning to BBC One. "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," he said. "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." All Creatures Great and Small star Olly Rhodes will be starring alongside Jason as Steve's son Billy Savage.