Feeling nostalgic? Feel like you’ve completed Netflix and looking for something to do during the coronavirus lockdown?
It’s been nearly two decades since fans got their first glimpse of Tracy Beaker and Dani Harmer recently returned as the character on My Mum Tracy Beaker.
The series is loved by children and adults alike, and the creator of the Beaker story, Jacqueline Wilson even wrote a sequel to the book in 2018, six years after the show ended.
After re-watching the CBBC classic, and ahead of the new series, you may be wondering what the cast look like now.
From starring in the Harry Potter series to leaving acting for good, the stars of the show have taken many paths after “leaving” the Dumping Ground.
To celebrate Jacqueline turning 75 today (December 17), we thought we’d catch up with the cast of Tracy Beaker to see what they look like now, and find out they what have been up to since the series ended.
Tracy Beaker – Dani Harmer
(Image: BBC)
Tracy Beaker is the lead character in The Story of Tracy Beaker – the loveable trouble maker at the Dumping Ground.
We follow her as a child growing up in a care home – and she is loud, fiery and always gets in trouble.
Tracy is portrayed by Dani Harmer, who is now 32, and has starred in all episodes, right up until 2012.
(Image: missdanijharmer/Instagram)
After Tracy Beaker, Dani went on to star in several other TV shows, including CBBC’s Dani’s House.
In 2012 she also took part in Strictly Come Dancing, where she placed fourth with partner Vincent Simone.
Dani also released a single called Free in 2009.
In 2016 she welcomed her daughter Avarie-Belle Betsy Rachel Brough with her partner Simon.
Louise Goven – Chelsie Padley
(Image: BBC)
Chelsie Padley was just 10 years old when she auditioned for the role as Louise Goven.
The character she played was best friends with Tracy before she was fostered by a couple called Ted and Julie.
When Tracy returns to the Dumping Ground she has moved on, and is best friends with Justine Littlewood.
(Image: Chelsie Padley/Instagram)
Chelsie, now 30, continued acting for a while, appearing in the TV series Tati’s Hotel in 2011, but ditched acting after modelling for a while.
She is now a wellness and fitness instructor, and the founder of fitness company Fit Peach Fitness.
She often posts fitness tips and workouts on her Instagram.
Justine Littlewood – Montanna Thompson
(Image: BBC)
Justine Littlewood is one of the most iconic Tracy Beaker characters.
She joined in the very first episode of Tracy Beaker, but we had to say goodbye in 2005.
Thankfully, she made a cameo appearance in Tracy Beaker returns in 2012.
(Image: TannaOfficial/Twitter)
Montanna, who played Justine, has gone on to have huge success after Tracy Beaker.
Now aged 33, she has appeared in several TV dramas, including The Bill and Dates.
She also starred in Gangster Kittens in 2016 and Kill or be Killed in 2017.
In 2017 she welcomed a baby boy.
Ben Batambuze – Luke Youngblood
(Image: BBC)
Ben didn’t live in the Dumping Ground, but often hung out there because his parents were so busy.
The character was played by Luke Youngblood, who has had a really successful acting career since finishing his role as Tracy’s best friend Ben.
As well as starring in the CBBC series, he has also starred in other TV series such as Glee and Lie To Me.
(Image: luke_youngblood /Instagram)
He has also had a recurring role on Community as Magnitude.
Ben is also widely known for playing Lee Jordan in the Harry Potter series.
In addition, he also played the lead of Young Simba in the original London cast of Lion King in the West End.
Lawrence “Lol” Plakova – Ciaran Joyce
(Image: BBC)
Ciaran Joyce made his first appearance as Lol in January 2003, in series 2 of The Story of Tracy Beaker.
He was a favourite amongst viewers for his cheeky pranks and boyish grin.
Now aged 34, Ciaran is still an actor, but hasn’t appeared on our screens for a while.
(Image: MrCDPJoyce/Twitter)
The Welsh actor went on to appear in Holby City, Torchwood, Summer Scars and Young Dracula after Tracy Beaker.
He last appeared on screen in the TV series The F-List in 2012, according to IMDB.
Since then he has appeared on many stage productions, including Les Miserables.
Bradley “Bouncer” Plakova – Ben Hanson
(Image: BBC)
Ben Hanson joined Tracy Beaker in 2003 as Bouncer, the brother of Lol.
On his Twitter profile he says he is an actor and estate agent.
However, according to IMDB, his last title was in 2013 in the short 100 Miles.
(Image: the_imperfectgentleman/Instagram)
After Tracy Beaker Ben went on to become a CBBC presenter.
On his Instagram page, he describes himself as: “One man in his 30s, starting a fresh. Actor (Tracy Beaker), Presenter (CBBC) & family man.”
He adds that he is “proudly improving everyday”.
Dolly – Chloe Hibbert-Waters
(Image: BBC)
Dolly, who joined the show in 2003, was the adorable eight-year-old who saw Tracy as her hero.
She was one of the lucky ones to get a happy ending and be taken in by a foster family.
The actress who played her, Chloe Hibbert-Waters, is now all grown up.
(Image: chloehwaters/Twitter)
It seems Chloe, who is now in her 20s, left acting behind after her role in Tracy Beaker, according to IMDB.
She now defines herself as a writer.
On her Twitter bio, it says: “I write, I make and support social change.”
Liam ‘Crash’ Daniels – Darragh Mortell
(Image: BBC)
Liam, better known as Crash, is one of Tracy’s friends in the Dumping Ground.
He was played by Darragh, who has gone on to have a successful career in the entertainment business.
After Tracy Beaker ended, Darragh, now 32, joined Dani in her show Dani’s House.
He also starred in Casualty and Hollyoaks.
(Image: Getty Images)
Darragh also appeared as Mowgli in the stage production of The Jungle Book.
Darragh is now a screenwriter and director who has written and directed web-episodes for BAFTA nominated shows Dani’s Castle and Millie Inbetween.
On his Twitter he describes himself as an “award-winning filmmaker”.
Layla – Cara Readle
(Image: BBC)
Layla first appeared in the third season of Tracy Beaker in 2003.
She was portrayed by Cara, now 30, who still works in the entertainment industry as an actress and model.
Cara has Cerebral Palsy, and went on to play a part with the condition in BBC drama Casualty.
(Image: CaraReadle/Twitter)
In 2009 she played Ziggy Carmichael in Zig Zag Love.
She also played a troubled teenager in the BBC Wales series Barker Boys.
In 2014 she featured in an episode of Sky’s The Smoke, alongside Jodie Whittaker.
Jackie Hopper – Abby Rakic Platt
(Image: BBC)
Jackie Hopper was brought to the Dumping Ground in series 3, after her grandad, who was taking care of her, went into care.
She was adamant there was nothing wrong with her grandad, who in fact had developed Alzheimer’s disease.
She was portrayed by Abby, who is now 28.
(Image: AbbyRakicPlatt/Twitter)
She is still acting, and has starred in several TV series, including Casualty and The Bill.
Abby had a recurring role in the E4 series Chewing Gum until 2017.
She also appeared in the Sainsbury’s Christmas advert in 2010.
Rio Wellard – Craig Roberts
(Image: BBC)
Rio moved to the Children’s Home with his sisters Roxy and Chantal.
He was portrayed by Craig, now 30, who is one of the people who has gone on to enjoy a successful career in acting after Tracy Beaker.
His biggest roles include Casualty, and a lead as Oliver Tate in the 2010 film Submarine.
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
Since then he has also appeared in the TV series Being Human, Jane Eyre in 2011, 22 Jump Street in 2014 and Kill Your Friends in 2015.
In 2016 he starred in the film The Fundamentals of Caring as Trevor, an 18-year-old with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
His most recent role is in the 2019 film Tolkien alongside Nicholas Hoult.
Cam Lawson – Lisa Coleman
(Image: BBC)
Cam Lawson was a struggling author who went on to become Tracy’s foster mother.
Cam also appears in The Tracy Beaker Survival Files, where she is interviewed by Tracy.
She was portrayed by Lisa Coleman, now 51, who reprised her role as Cam in Tracy Beaker Returns in 2012.
(Image: ExpressStar)
Lisa is the daughter of conductor, TV producer and director Francis, and actress Ann Beach.
The actress has also starred in other shows such as Hollyoaks, Casualty and EastEnders.
Her most recent role was in the documentary More Sex Please, We’re British in 2012.
Elaine ‘the Pain’ – Nisha Nayar
(Image: BBC)
Elaine made her first appearance in the first season of Tracy Beaker.
She was the residents’ least favourite person, and was nicknamed Elaine the Pain.
After her role as Elaine, Nisha she appeared in several episodes of Doctor Who, The Bill and Doctors.
Her film credits include Jim Sheridan’s Oscar winning, In America, and her stage work, Jack Thorne’s Hope at the Royal Court Theatre.
(Image: NishaKNayar/Twitter)
She’s also a familiar voice on the radio having recorded over 100 dramas for BBC Radio 4 and the BBC World Service.
Now 49, her most recent role was in the crime drama The Bay in 2019 and the short sci-fi thriller Chronos.
Duke Ellington – Clive Rowe
(Image: BBC)
Duke, portrayed by Clive Rowe, is a care worker and chef of the Dumping Ground.
He first appeared in the first episode of series one, and left in series four, when he went to visit family in the Caribbean.
Clive, now 57, is a successful actor who has starred in several episodes of Doctor Who.
(Image: Getty Images)
He even landed small roles in Star Wars: The Last Jedi and 2017’s Beauty And The Beast alongside Emma Watson.
Clive has also starred in several West End productions, and is a regular in pantomimes.
In 2020 he was appointed the first ever patron of the Hackney Empire.
For more of the latest showbiz news from Daily Star, make sure you sign up to one of our newsletters here.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
