Waterloo Road casts Jason Manford as the school's new headteacher

Waterloo Road may have just aired its season 3 finale, but it's already looking ahead with a new headteacher set to make his debut in the fourth season.

Comedian Jason Manford has been cast on the school drama as Steve Savage, a new headteacher said to have a big impact on students.

The character is also expected to ruffle a few feathers when he starts working at the comprehensive school, with his introduction leading to a few questions over the future of current headteacher Kim Campbell, played by Angela Griffin.

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Manford has described joining the BBC drama as "an absolute treat", revealing to have binged the drama during the Covid-19 lockdown with his children.

"What an absolute treat it is to join the cast and crew of Waterloo Road, right here in my home city of Manchester," the actor said in a statement.

"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!"

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Waterloo Road executive producer Cameron Roach explained that Steve will be joined by his son Billy, though he remained tight-lipped about what sort of storylines the two will be involved in.

"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," Roach 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."

Waterloo Road airs on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Season 4 is expected to air later this year.

Read more Waterloo Road spoilers on our dedicated homepage

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