Jason Done

Jason Done is best known for his role as popular teacher Tom Clarkson in the BBC drama series Waterloo Road, but he is also an active patron of Manchester and Cheshire Dogs’ Homes. We caught up with Didsbury-dweller Jason to find out more.

How long have you lived in Didsbury? Two years; prior to that I lived in London.

What do you like about the area? Didsbury’s got a village feel to it, and village-style amenities, but without a small-minded attitude. It’s small enough that you see friendly faces out and about, but people don’t all know your business.

Do you have any favourite local bars and restaurants? In Didsbury I like Gusto, La Tasca and The Fletcher Moss pub. In Manchester city centre I go for Italian eateries like Piccolino’s or San Carlo, or Wagamama if I want an ‘eat-and-run’!

What’s it like getting recognised by people in the street? For me, it’s always been a pleasant experience. It’s sometimes a bit odd if people stare and whisper without saying hello, but generally people of all age groups have been very supportive. They tell me how much they enjoy Waterloo Road and that they think I’m a good actor, which is nice!

Is there a less glamorous side to being a television actor? To be honest, none of it is really glamorous! You get invited to dinners and launches, but the actual day-to-day work of being an actor really isn’t that glamorous at all.

If you weren’t an actor, what would you have liked to be? Anything to do with travel! I’d like to think I’d be an explorer, but travel journalism would be good too. I love embracing different places and cultures and meeting people.

You’re a patron of Manchester and Cheshire Dogs’ Homes. What does the role mean to you? It’s a fantastic opportunity to help raise awareness of the brilliant work they do. I just wanted to help them get more of the support they need.

Do you have a dog yourself? Yes, Rigsby – from Manchester Dogs’ Home. He’s a superstar – he’s got a great personality and he’s brought us so much happiness. Rigsby even had a walk-on part in Waterloo Road! When I’m out dog-walking I meet a lot of people who’ve also got rescue dogs; they can be wonderful pets.

What’s the best dog-walking spot in Didsbury? We’re very lucky in this area to have great places like Fog Lane, Fletcher Moss and the river. I’d say Fletcher Moss is my favourite. Didsbury has a really nice dog-walking community.

Manchester and Cheshire Dogs’ Homes can be contacted for adoptions, fostering and volunteering via www.dogshome.net and Waterloo Road returns later this year.