Elyes Gabel
Plays
Rob Cleaver
DESCRIBE ROB AND HIS ROLE AT WATERLOO ROAD.
Rob is a motivated, impassioned ex athlete who is looking for someone or something to invest all of his focus into. He’s young and cheeky; but has desires that belie his experience.
WHAT SORT OF A TEACHER IS ROB?
Very motivated. He calls a spade a spade. He has his own way and methods of doing this…This probably comes from the success he had with his own sporting pursuits; and the fact that he is his own support system.
WHAT PLANS DOES ROB HAVE FOR TEACHING AT THE SCHOOL?
The bigger the better. I think it is selfless; he wants other people to do well, and achieve their full potential; yet at the same time he wants that chance to live vicariously through someone.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST AND LEAST ABOUT ROB?
I enjoy his unrelenting drive; yet at the same time I feel that is the thing that puts him on the blindside. He cannot see other people’s reasoning.
DOES ROB HAVE A LOVE INTEREST?
That’d be telling. Watch and you’ll find out……..
WHEN YOU ARRIVED ON THE WATERLOO ROAD SET, WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
Well, it strikes you that it’s a real school…so you don’t have all of that suspension of disbelief when you walk in. I knew it was a popular show and you have to respect something like that. I always have nerves when I start a new job. The actors and crew on the set were very endearing…but also very good to work with.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST PROFESSIONAL ACTING ROLE?
I played a guest star in Casualty when I was 16. I was a French exchange student who you find out is a diabetic later on.
WHICH ROLE DO YOU THINK YOU’RE BEST KNOWN FOR?
I’d have though it was my role on Casualty (not the diabetic). I played a doctor for a number of years.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER FINISHING FILMING THE SERIES?
I’m enjoying playing my music and intend to do something with it. I don’t want to rush it though; in spite of being told I ain’t getting any younger countless times by ’supposed’ friends…..
HAVE YOU ANY LONG TERM GOALS OR AMBITIONS?
Loads, but it’d spoil it if I told you now.
WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND BROUGHT UP?
I was born in London and brought up here there, and everywhere. London, Manchester, Canada.
WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?
I live in London until Mr Credit Crunch has a meeting with me….
WATERLOO ROAD IS FILMED IN ROCHDALE NEAR MANCHESTER, ARE YOU ENJOYING LIVING AND WORKING AROUND MANCHESTER?
Manchester’s a great place to live in. I’ve rediscovered the place since I’ve been back. It really has made me consider where I wanna be in the future.
HAVE YOU MANAGED TO SEE MUCH OF THE LOCAL AREA?
I used to go to school here so when I’ve got some time off, I go and see friends who are splayed out all over Manchester.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE LOCAL/RESTAURANT?
I like oriental food, so I’d go with Sobuko Tepanyaki for Manchester and Chueng Chueng Ku in London’s West End.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING IN YOUR SPARE TIME?
I write and play a lot of music, lift heavy things, try to play as much sport as possible- and eat moderately well.