Waterloo Road series three
Neil Morrissey plays Eddie Lawson
How would you describe your character, Eddie?
Ìý
"Eddie is the deputy head, and is also a maths teacher. He's an inspirational teacher with a genuine passion for the job, and is tough, but fair."
Ìý
Eddie and Jack are both strong characters with their own ideas on education – how do you think they will both get along?
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"They slowly warm to each other as they both have their own ideas on how to get the best from the students. Eddie also believes in doing things by the book, to a certain degree, which is in stark contrast to Jack – who likes to cut corners where possible. But, ultimately, they do get on as they both want what's best for Waterloo Road – and they also enjoy a pint together."
Ìý
Does Eddie have a love interest?
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"No, he doesn't. But there's a noticeable spark with a colleague later on the series, although he's attracted to her mainly in a professional sense. He also has an ex-wife who comes back on the scene."
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Which character at Waterloo Road does Eddie relate to most?
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"He doesn't interact much with the teachers. As deputy head, he works with everyone but generally stands apart."
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What school did you go to?
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"I went to Thistley Hough High School in Stoke-on-Trent."
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What sort of student were you?
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"I was quite a conscientious pupil."
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What did you like most about school?
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"I really enjoyed the school plays and drama classes. I also had lots of good friends."
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What did you least like about school?
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"Maths. It wasn't that I couldn't do it, but it was the least friendly department. The maths head was very Edwardian in style and was very strict."
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What was your first professional acting role?
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"I was in Mutiny On The Bounty, with Mel Gibson and Anthony Hopkins, and Philip Martin Brown, who is also in Waterloo Road."
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What have you enjoyed most about recording Waterloo Road?
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"The cast are a really talented, fun group of people."
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What was your school uniform like?
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"It was grey, with a beetle-green jumper and a purple tie with gold on it."
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Did you have an inspiring teacher?
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"Yes, there were a couple – Sheila Steel, who was my drama and English teacher, and also Brian Hadley, who was Director of the Stoke Schools Theatre group."
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What was your favourite subject at school?
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"Drama and English, but I enjoyed most subjects including the sciences, technical drawing. Maths was my worst subject and I didn't enjoy that at all."
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Were you ever punished at school?
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"I had six strokes of the cane – three on each hand. And twice in one day sometimes, too!"
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Have you been back to visit your school?
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"No, I haven't, but I drove past there the other day on my way to Stafford University – I had been awarded an honorary doctorate. It hadn't changed at all, but looked like it had shrunk."
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Since playing the role of Eddie, do you have a better understanding of teaching and the education system?
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"No. I think most teachers would agree that it's too complex a subject to pick up in such a short time."
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Waterloo Road is filmed in Rochdale, near Manchester. Are you enjoying living and working around Manchester?
Ìý
"Yes, I am. It's a great city, but there's been too much rain this summer!"
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