Amid Tracy Beaker actress Dani Harmer’s growing success on TikTok, The Mirror takes a look at what some of the cast of the iconic children’s TV show are up to now
Over the years Jacqueline Wilson has brought us some iconic characters – including the famous Tracy Beaker.
Known for being loud and fierce on the surface, Tracy often found herself getting in trouble with grown ups, whether that was for eating a worm, accidentally letting two giant African land snails escape into the Dumping Ground or telling everyone she met to “bog off”. But deep down all Tracy wanted was a home and a family to love, leading to plenty of more emotional moments too, though in true Tracy fashion, she would always inevitably brush any tears off as simply being down to her “hay fever”.
So iconic was the character that it inspired the BBC show The Story of Tracy Beaker which ran from 2002 to 2005 and featured an equally memorable theme tune. In honour of the noughties classic show, here The Mirror takes a closer look at what some of its cast are up to now…
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Tracy Beaker – Dani Harmer
All fans of Tracy Beaker will know Dani Harmer as being the actress behind the character, having played her throughout all five series. Following the show’s end, Dani has brought the character back to life on numerous occasions, most recently in January when she returned to our screens for one episode of The Dumping Ground.
As well as playing Tracy, Dani, who has opened up on her children’s savage reaction to the show, has appeared in various pantomimes and took part in Strictly Come Dancing in 2012 where she finished in fourth place. She also runs The Dani Harmer Academy in Berkshire and recently joined TikTok where she has already amassed a whopping 298,000 followers. Away from acting, Dani signed a record deal in 2008 though told her TikTok followers that they’d never hear her album, joking that it was “better best forgotten”.
Justine Littlewood – Montanna Thompson
No show would be complete without some good old fashioned rivalry and Tracy’s rival came in the form of Justine Littlewood, played by Montanna Thompson. Like Dani, Montanna has reprised her role on multiple occasions, most recently from 2021 to 2023 when she appeared in The Beaker Girls, though she’s appeared in other shows including The Queen’s Nose, Doctors and The Bill.
Montanna is also on TikTok and has gained 32,500 followers where she gives updates from her life as a mum to son Cobey. Commenting on her debut on the platform, one fan wrote: “You haven’t aged one day omg”. Another added: “Justine Littlewood omg you still look the same used to watch you when I was little”.
Back in February she shared a worrying snap of herself in hospital as she revealed she was having “pins put in” her leg, adding that it “hopefully should start getting better now”.
Mike – Connor Byrne
Prior to appearing on Tracy Beaker as careworker Mike Milligan, actor Connor Byrne had already secured roles in the likes of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Inspector Morse and The Bill. In recent years he has returned to our screens for different Tracy Beaker spin-offs, and has appeared on soaps including Emmerdale.
Speaking to Radio Times about his time on the show, he said: “What I cherish was the ethos, the inclusivity, the didactic nature of all the shows. You can’t love all the kids you work with, but many of them stole my heart. None more so than Dani – a wise head on very young shoulders, a funny head in a very serious job, a diligent head amongst the frivolity.”
Cam – Lisa Coleman
While Tracy may not have immediately hit it off with her eventual adoptive mum Cam, played by Lisa Coleman, after she set fire to her kitchen, the pair’s relationship endured throughout the show. Throughout her acting career, Lisa has enjoyed roles on high profile shows such as Casualty, French and Saunders and Call The Midwife.
Aside from her acting career, Lisa has completed a psychology degree from the Open University. “I already work as a volunteer occupational therapist in a psychiatric unit,” she told The Independent in 2005. “The work really fascinates me and I am beginning to think of giving up acting and training to be a psychiatric nurse. This degree is a great start to doing that. If I succeed, I’ll be able to see if I was acting the role accurately.”
Elaine ‘the Pain’ – Nisha Nayar
While Tracy and social worker Elaine ‘the Pain’ notoriously didn’t always get on, Dani has revealed that things couldn’t be more untrue for her relationship with actress Nisha Nayar, explaining that she even keeps a picture of herself and Nisha “by her bed”.
Although the character Elaine ‘the Pain’ may be an iconic part of people’s childhoods up and down the country, Nisha’s acting credits don’t end there. She has appeared in shows including Doctor Who, Law & Order: UK and ITV’s The Bay. On the big screen she starred in the 2023 film Unicorns alongside EasEnders’ Ben Hardy and in the Oscar nominated film In America.
Duke – Clive Rowe
Loveable Duke was the thread that kept the Dumping Ground together as the home’s resident chef and gardener. Prior to joining the children’s show, actor Clive Rowe had already carved out a successful career in the world of acting, having been nominated for an Olivier Award in 1992 thanks to his role in Carousel. Five years later, he eventually won an Olivier for Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical for his role in Guys and Dolls.
Elsewhere on the stage, Clive has appeared in the likes of Sister Act, Kiss Me, Kate and Into the Woods. Meanwhile on the big screen he’s also made a mark and starred in the 2017 live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast where he played Cuisinier, the castle’s head chef who is turned into a stove.
Louise – Chelsie George
Louise may have been a shyer character on the show, but she certainly made her mark as Justine’s best friend. Who could forget the time she and Tracy had a huge fight? Since her time on the show, Chelsie George has become a successful content creator and has secured 30,000 followers on Instagram where she documents all things motherhood and pregnancy. She also has her on YouTube channel filled with Tracy Beaker insights.
Chelsie, who became a mum to daughter Goldie in 2023 is currently expecting her second child with husband Iain, who is due in November. In between juggling life as a busy mum and creating content for her followers, Chelsie runs Fit Peach Fitness which provides home workouts.
Bouncer – Ben Hanson
As one of the older children on the show, Bouncer’s storyline was filled with twists and turns as he navigated the move away from the Dumping Ground before returning later as a chef. Nowadays actor Ben Hanson lives in America where he lives with his wife Kelsey.
Reflecting on his decision to move to the US in a heartfelt Instagram post, he wrote: “Just over 18 months ago, I made the decision to up route my life and start a fresh in America. My decision was lead by a prayer that I said one night probably at my lowest point. I asked for a sign of what I should do.”
After dreaming of a voice, in an American accent, telling him how he was on the wrong path, he revealed: “The saying “That is not your path” changed my life, it gave me comfort, it gave me hope but most importantly it gave me the courage to up sticks and move to the states.”
Lol – Ciaran Joyce
Beside Bouncer at every turn was his beloved brother Lol, played by Ciaran Joyce. Following his stint on the show Ciaran went on to forge a name for himself in the world of acting, with credits including Torchwood, Holby City and Young Dracula. Most recently he appeared in the BBC show Wolf which premiered in July 2023.
Back in August 2023, Ciaran opened up about his experience of sobriety as he celebrated being six years sober. “It’s not easy, but it’s by far the best decision I ever made. Thank you to the sober community for its constant support, understanding and inspiration.”
He added: “I look back at that depressed, frustrated, anxious, confused, angry, functioning alcoholic young man and I’m proud of him. Really f***ing proud. I don’t recognise him anymore but I know I had to walk in his shoes in order to be where I am today.”
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