Waterloo Road fans say the same thing as comedian Jon Richardson joins BBC drama

Fans of Waterloo Road all issued the same complaint as the first episode of the sixteenth series aired on Tuesday. The school drama is back for its latest run on BBC and BBC iPlayer, but some viewers have taken issue with its latest offering.

The long-running series is no stranger to hard-hitting storylines, having explored everything from teenage pregnancy to murder and gang violence over the years. In the latest instalment, comedian Jon Richardson, 42, made his acting debut as media studies teacher Darius Donovan, an ex-marine with a drug addiction.

One fan wrote on X: "The fact that Jon Richardson is playing a cocaine taking ex marine says it all for me. Utterly ludicrous," whilst another replied: "First 7 seasons were some of the best TV UK has ever produced imo, the progressive fall-off from there has been so sad."

READ MORE: Emmerdale's Karl Davies 'joins Waterloo Road' as Kym Marsh's on-screen husband

READ MORE: Jason Manford hits out at rumours he quit Waterloo Road with hilarious tweet

But others were more optimistic about the casting, as one said: "I’m p****** myself, just seen that Jon Richardson is a new teacher at Waterloo Road shut UP ahahahhaha I have to see this!" However, others praised the show's return. One wrote: "As a big Jon Richardson fan, I know I am biased, but he is brilliant as the evil Darius Donovan #WaterlooRoad."

"Darius Donovan (Jon Richardson) is a great addition to @WaterlooRoad! Already stirring up trouble," another added.

The programme initially aired between 2006 and 2015 before being revived by the BBC in 2022. Numerous British television faces have portrayed members of staff at the notorious comprehensive over the years. In its early days, Loose Women's Denise Welch played hapless French teacher Steph Haydock, and Emmerdale's Jason Merrells was the school's headmaster Jack Rimmer.

Former EastEnders actress Jill Halfpenny starred tragic drama teacher Izzie Redpath. Angela Griffin, noted for her roles in Cutting It and Coronation Street, was seen as art teacher Kim Campbell and made a comeback as headmistress when the programme was revived in 2022.

Eva Pope, previously known for her role as nasty barmaid Tanya Pooley on Coronation Street, played the sympathetic Rachel Mason for a number of years, whilst Christine Tremarco, now known for starring in Casualty, and more recently, Netflix hit Adolescence, played secretary-turned-teacher Davina Shackleton.

In more recent years, Jason Manford played head Steve Savage before handing the baton to Dame Stella Drake (Lindsey Coulson) after he got wrapped up in a plotline involving the murder his son had committed. Just hours before the episode aired, Jon joked that he almost expected a part in Waterloo Road because he always seems to follow in the footsteps of his fellow comedian.

During an appearance on ITV's This Morning, he told Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard: "Jason Manford did the series before me and he didn't break it. He was very kind. I just do everything he does a bit after him, so I did 8 Out Of 10 Cats after him and I do Absolute Radio and he does the other show, so I just assume whatever he's doing next I'll do!"

Jon, who is also known for his work with ex-wife Lucy Beaumont, also admitted that the first day was 'terrifying' because his character's first scene was a dramatic one, and was all shot on his first day on set.

The first day was terrifying, the first episode I entered with a big scene and the way we filmed it, that was the first scene I filmed. The first thing I do is meet an actor, who is a lovely fella and I was horrible to him!"

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