Dani Harmer reveals Tracy Beaker is RETURNING for new series
She's set to reprise the role of the fierce, Dumping Ground teen
Last updated 3rd Aug 2020
It's been over 18 years since The Story of Tracy Beaker first landed onto our screens on CBBC, with the feisty teenager becoming an icon for children across the nation. Her no-nonsense attitude and heartwarming friendship with Ben helped the programme gain a legion of fans and defined many of our childhoods.
And now old, and new, audiences are set to be blessed with the magic of Tracy and her one-liners, as the show is set for a comeback next year! It has been confirmed Dani Harmer will be taking the lead once again. However, it hasn't been confirmed whether any of her old cast members will be joining her.
31-year-old Dani, who is now a mum to a four-year-old girl, will be starring in 'My Mum Tracy Beaker', which will depict Tracy as a single mum with a 12-year-old daughter called Jess. The series will be based on Jacqueline Wilson’s book of the same name.
Speaking about her return to the iconic character, Dani said, "I can’t wait to return again to the role of Tracy. I’m a fan myself and want to know what happens next and where this journey takes her. Being a mother, I know how much it changes you."
The 2012 Strictly Come Dancing contestant went on to say, "I’m looking forward to seeing how it has changed Tracy but still keeping her the same feisty, strong female lead that people know and love." Let's hope she says 'bog off' at least once!
After the news was announced yesterday (2nd August), Dani took to Twitter to share a GIF of a girl grinning, hinting at her excitement, which stirred fan frenzy furthermore.
One fan replied to the tweet, 'IM SO EXCITED', while another commented, 'ARE U HYPE COS I SURE AM'. (sic)
A third said, 'we’ve already watched all of the story of tracy beaker and tracy beaker returns during lockdown and now are half way through the dumping ground i actually cannot wait for this' and a fourth added, '24 year old me is just as excited as a 7 year old me was! My childhood hero'. (sic)
Scroll through to see where the cast of Tracy Beaker are now:
Dani Harmer as Tracy Beaker
Dani Harmer played the iconic role of Tracy Beaker in The Story of Tracy Beaker, Tracy Beaker Returns and The Tracy Beaker Survival Files from 2002 all the way up until 2012.
Dani Harmer now
After Tracy Beaker, Dani went on to star in several other TV shows as well as her own CBBC show Dani's House, which was followed by Dani's Castle in 2013.
In 2012 she came 4th on Strictly Come Dancing. Dani gave birth to her daughter, Avarie-Belle Betsy Rachel Brough, in June 2016. In August 2021 Dani and her partner Simon Brough announced that she is pregnant with their second child.
In 2021 Dani reprised her role as Tracey Beaker for the series My Mum Tracey Beaker and The Beaker Girls.
In February 2022, Dani announced that she had given birth to a little boy, little Rowan Leon James in an adorable Instagram post.
Dani received tonnes of congratulation messages, including one from Lisa Riley, who wrote, "CONGRATULATIONS BEAUTIFUL 💛💛💛so so so happy for you all…..sending the biggest of snuggles and cuddles 😘😘😘."
Lisa Coleman as Cam Lawson
Poor Cam had a bit of a tough time constantly being told to 'bog off' by a moody Tracy. Eventually, Tracy realised Cam's heart was in the right place and Cam became Tracy's foster mum.
Lisa Coleman now
As well as reprising her role as Cam in Tracy Beaker Survival Files, Lisa as went on to star in other shows such as Hollyoaks, Casualty and EastEnders.
Montanna Thomson as Justine Littlewood
Montanna played Dumping Ground resident and Tracy's frenemy Justine Littlewood. She originally auditioned for the lead role of Tracy, but it was decided she was a better fit as feisty Justine.
Montanna Thompson now
Montanna has since appeared in TV shows such as Casualty, Sugar Rush, The Last Detective and Doctors. She's also had a son and most recently appeared in horror film Kill or Be Killed, quite different from her TB days.
In 2021, Montanna reprised her role as Justine Littlewood for the series My Mum Tracey Beaker and The Beaker Girls.
Nisha Nayar as Elaine Boyak aka Elaine the Pain
Social worker Elaine got a lot of stick from Tracy and the rest of the kids at the dumping ground, but let's be honest she was bit of a pain, wasn't she?
Nisha Nayar now
Following her role as Elaine the Pain (she'll never shake that name, tbh), Nisha appeared in episodes of Doctor Who, The Bill and Doctors.
Clive Rowe as Duke Ellington
Duke was a care-worker at the Dumping Ground and responsible for cooking up a storm for the kids. He had a somewhat strained working relationship with Elaine the Pain.
Clive Rowe now
Clive has also starred in episodes of Doctor Who and even landed small roles in Star Wars: The Last Jedi and 2017's Beauty And The Beast film starring Emma Watson.
He's appeared in several West End theatre productions and is a regular on the pantomime circuit.
Darragh Mortell as Crash
Tracy and Liam aka Crash didn't get off to the best of starts in The Story of Tracy Beaker but later became one of her best friends in the Dumping Ground.
Darragh Mortell now
Darragh joined Dani Harmer in her CBBC show Dani's House. He also stared in Casualty and Hollyoaks. As well as acting, Darragh is a 'TV writer and visual story teller' according to his Twitter bio.
Craig Roberts as Rio Wellard
Rio was a bit of a bully to begin with, and fell out with Crash. But after a while, he softened and they became good friends.
Craig Roberts now
From The Dumping Ground to Hollywood, Craig has gone on to star in a number of films including Submarine in 2010, as well as 22 Jump Street and the film version of John Niven's Kill Your Friends.
Rochelle Gadd as Adele Azupadi
Adele was the It girl of the Dumping Ground and oldest member of the squad. She appeared on the show for series one and two.
Rochelle Gadd now
Rochelle played Olivia Johnson in Hollyoaks and has also played small roles in other shows like Doctors and the TV show Suspicion.
The Story of Tracy Beaker first aired on the BBC for three years, leaving our screens in 2005. The spin-off, Tracy Beaker Returns, was released five years later, running from 2010 to 2012. It saw Tracy return as a care worker, alongside her old care worker Mike.
Since finding fame on the children's programme, Dani has opened her own drama academy and appeared on various reality TV shows.