My Mum Tracy Beaker

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My Mum Tracy Beaker
My Mum Tracy Beaker title.jpg
Genre
Based onMy Mum Tracy Beaker
by Jacqueline Wilson
Written by Emma Reeves
Starring
Narrated byEmma Maggie Davies
Ending theme"Someday" sung by Keisha White
Country of originUnited Kingdom
Original languageEnglish
No. of episodes3
Production
Executive producerSpencer Campbell
Editor Conor Meechan
Running time30 minutes
Production company BBC Children's Productions [1] [2]
Original release
Network CBBC
Release12 February (2021-02-12) 
14 February 2021 (2021-02-14)
Related
The Story of Tracy Beaker
Tracy Beaker Returns
The Dumping Ground
The Beaker Girls

My Mum Tracy Beaker is a British children's television miniseries that premiered on CBBC and BBC iPlayer on 12 February 2021. The show was aired the week after The Dumping Ground 's eighth series concluded. The series follows on from the events of its predecessors, The Story of Tracy Beaker , Tracy Beaker Returns and The Dumping Ground . My Mum Tracy Beaker saw Dani Harmer reprise her role as Tracy Beaker and included original cast members Lisa Coleman, Ruth Gemmell and Montanna Thompson, as well as new cast members Emma Maggie Davies and Jordan Duvigneau.

Contents

On 18 August 2021, CBBC announced that a second series based on the book's sequel would premiere in mid December. The Beaker Girls saw most of the main cast from My Mum Tracy Beaker reprise their roles along with newcomers Chi-Megan Ennis and Albie Parsons. [3]

Cast

Development

The details regarding My Mum Tracy Beaker were announced on 3 August 2020, where it was announced that the series would be based on the 2018 book of the same name by Tracy's creator, Jacqueline Wilson, and it was confirmed that Harmer would be reprising the role of Tracy. [4] Speaking about reprising the role of Tracy prior to filming, Harmer stated that she cannot wait to play her again, stating that she is a fan of the character herself, and she is interested to see where Tracy has ended up in life. She added that since she is a mother in real life, she knows the changes it causes to your life and personality, but confirmed that Tracy will still be the "same feisty, strong female lead that people know and love". [5] It was later hinted that other original cast members from the franchise may reprise their roles in the series. [5]

On 5 October 2020, it was confirmed by Harmer that filming had begun, [6] and casting announcements were made. Emma Davies was cast as Tracy's daughter Jess, and it was confirmed that unlike previous Tracy Beaker series, the narration will not be told through the perspective of Tracy, instead being told by her 10-year-old daughter, Jess. [5] Jordan Duvigneau was cast as Tracy's "new, rich ex-footballer boyfriend" Sean Godfrey, and the returns of characters Cam Lawson, Carly Beaker and Justine Littlewood were announced, all portrayed by the original actresses. [7] A trailer for the series premiered on 5 February 2021, and it was confirmed that the first series, consisting of three episodes, would air on CBBC and BBC iPlayer from 12 to 14 February 2021. [8] My Mum Tracy Beaker continues to be broadcast regularly on the CBBC Channel from 2022.

Episodes

No.TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateUK viewers
(millions) [9]
1"The Person I Most Admire"John McKay Emma Reeves 12 February 2021 (2021-02-12)0.95
For a presentation at school, Jess talks about her mother Tracy as the person she most admires. Classmate Tyrone mocks her presentation, and the pair argue, leading teacher Mary to call Tracy. Tracy loses her temper with Miss Oliver, who recommends she attends kickboxing to manage her anger. There, Tracy meets Sean Godfrey, an ex-footballer she knew from her childhood. Jess takes a dislike to Sean and is unhappy when he asks them to move in. Sean later proposes to Tracy, but she does not respond to his proposal.
2"Like a Family"John McKayEmma Reeves13 February 2021 (2021-02-13)0.59
Sean tells Jess that she can decide if Tracy and Sean get married, and she eventually says that they can. Tracy arrives home to find Justine Littlewood in a business meeting with Sean, and the pair put their rivalry behind them and discuss their past. Tracy invites her birth mother, Carly, to her engagement party. She arrives late and has a confrontation with Tracy's adoptive mother, Cam. Jess finds Sean's second phone, and sees messages from a woman that is not Tracy. She follows Sean to a restaurant, and sees him kissing Justine.
3"I Want My Mum Back"John McKayEmma Reeves14 February 2021 (2021-02-14)0.43
Jess shows Tracy Sean's phone, who then moves out and leaves her engagement ring at his house. Tracy returns to working as a waitress, but is fired when she assaults Justine in the restaurant after she insults Jess. Sean begs for Tracy's forgiveness, but she insists that they are over. Carly questions Tracy on why she refuses to reconcile with Sean, who explains that she must put Jess first to be a good mother. She then forgives Carly for her bad mothering skills. Cam and Mary get married, and Weedy Peter attends at the wedding as a teacher friend of Mary's. He talks with Tracy, and informs her that he is a headteacher now, and the pair laugh about their past.

Ratings

On 15 February 2021, CBBC announced that the series was their most successful programme launch with 2.1 million streams on BBC iPlayer during the first three days of being made available. The first episode on 12 February attracted an average figure of 492,000 viewers aged four and above on CBBC itself. [10] Seven-day ratings saw the figure rise to 883,000. [9]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jacqueline Wilson</span> English novelist (born 1945)

Dame Jacqueline Wilson is an English novelist known for her popular children's literature. Her novels have been notable for tackling realistic topics such as adoption and divorce without alienating her large readership. Since her debut novel in 1969, Wilson has written over 100 books.

<i>The Story of Tracy Beaker</i> 1991 novel by Jacqueline Wilson

The Story of Tracy Beaker is a British children's book first published in 1991, written by Jacqueline Wilson and illustrated by Nick Sharratt.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tracy Beaker</span> Fictional character from the Tracy Beaker franchise

Tracy Beaker is a fictional character and the lead character of the Tracy Beaker franchise from 2002 to 2023. After first appearing as the main character in Jacqueline Wilson's 1991 book The Story of Tracy Beaker, she appeared in the children's television drama of the same name, portrayed by Dani Harmer, and its sequel series Tracy Beaker Returns, as well as numerous spin-offs, Jacqueline Wilson books, a play and a video game. Harmer reprised her role as Tracy in the 2021 television series My Mum Tracy Beaker followed by The Beaker Girls.

Danielle Jane Harmer is an English actress, television personality, and former singer. She is best known for her lead role as Tracy Beaker in the CBBC series The Story of Tracy Beaker (2002–2006), Tracy Beaker Returns (2010–2012), for which she was nominated for a BAFTA in 2010, The Tracy Beaker Survival Files (2011–2012), My Mum Tracy Beaker (2021), and The Beaker Girls (2021–2023).

<i>The Story of Tracy Beaker</i> (TV series) British television series

The Story of Tracy Beaker is a British television programme series adapted from the book of the same name by Jacqueline Wilson. It ran on CBBC for five series, from January 2002 to December 2005 and also contained a feature-length episode, Tracy Beaker: The Movie of Me, broadcast in February 2004, as well as a week of interactive episodes for Children in Need. The theme song was written and produced by Brian Harris and Nigel Lowis and performed by Keisha White.

Montanna Shakira Thompson is an English actress. She is known for her role as Justine Littlewood in the CBBC children's series The Story of Tracy Beaker (2002–2006). Thompson has reprised her role as Justine in Tracy Beaker Returns (2012), My Mum Tracy Beaker (2021) and The Beaker Girls (2021–2023).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ruth Gemmell</span> English actress

Ruth Katrin Gemmell is an English actress. She starred in the film Fever Pitch in 1997 which was followed by supporting roles in television series EastEnders, Casualty, Home Fires and Penny Dreadful. She has played Carly Beaker, the mother of the title character in the Tracy Beaker franchise since 2004. In 2020, she began playing Violet, Dowager Viscountess Bridgerton in the Netflix series Bridgerton.

<i>Tracy Beaker Returns</i> British television series

Tracy Beaker Returns is a British television programme. Based upon the novels by Jacqueline Wilson, it is the sequel series to The Story of Tracy Beaker. The series stars Dani Harmer reprising her role as protagonist Tracy Beaker. The third and final series ended on 23 March 2012. A sequel spin-off entitled The Dumping Ground started airing on 4 January 2013.

<i>The Story of Tracy Beaker</i> series 1 Season of television series

The first series of the British children's television series The Story of Tracy Beaker began broadcasting on 8 January 2002 on CBBC on BBC One and ended on 4 April 2002. The series follows the lives of the children living in the fictional children's care home of Stowey House, nicknamed by them "The Dumping Ground". It consists of twenty-six, fifteen-minute episodes. It is the first series in The Story of Tracy Beaker franchise.

<i>The Story of Tracy Beaker</i> series 2 Season of television series

The second series of the British children's television series The Story of Tracy Beaker began broadcasting on 7 January 2003 on CBBC and ended on 3 April 2003. The series follows the lives of the children living in the fictional children's care home of Stowey House, nicknamed by them "The Dumping Ground". It consists of twenty-six, fifteen-minute episodes. It is the second series in The Story of Tracy Beaker franchise.

<i>The Story of Tracy Beaker</i> series 3 Season of television series

The third series of the British children's television series The Story of Tracy Beaker began broadcasting on 25 September 2003 on CBBC and ended on 1 April 2004. The series follows the lives of the children living in the fictional children's care home of Stowey House, nicknamed by them "The Dumping Ground". It consists of twenty-six, fifteen-minute episodes. It is the third series in The Story of Tracy Beaker franchise.

<i>The Story of Tracy Beaker</i> series 4 Season of television series

The fourth series of the British children's television series The Story of Tracy Beaker began broadcasting on 7 October 2004 on CBBC and ended on 5 April 2005. The series follows the lives of the children living in the fictional children's care home of Cliffside, nicknamed by them "The Dumping Ground". It consists of twenty-two, fifteen-minute episodes. It is the fourth series in The Story of Tracy Beaker franchise.

<i>The Story of Tracy Beaker</i> series 5 Season of television series

The fifth and final series of the British children's television series The Story of Tracy Beaker began broadcasting on 28 November 2005 on CBBC and ended on 9 December 2005. The series follows the lives of the children living in the fictional children's care home of Elmtree House, nicknamed by them "The Dumping Ground". It consists of twenty, fifteen-minute episodes. It is the fifth series in The Story of Tracy Beaker franchise.

The Story of Tracy Beaker is a British children's drama media franchise that focuses on the lives and experiences of young people and their care workers in care. The franchise began with the publication of The Story of Tracy Beaker on 14 February 1991. Since then, the franchise has had six further books, three television series and their spin-offs, a television movie, a Children In Need special, a musical and two magazine collections. The Story of Tracy Beaker merchandise has also been released.

Danielle Henry is a British actress and yoga teacher, known for portraying the role of Mandy Marquez in the BBC soap opera Doctors. She has also appeared as Latisha Daggert in the ITV soap opera Emmerdale, as well as Mary Oliver in the CBBC series My Mum Tracy Beaker.

<i>The Beaker Girls</i> British television series

The Beaker Girls is a British children's television series that premiered on CBBC and BBC iPlayer on 13 December 2021. The series follows on from the events of its predecessors, The Story of Tracy Beaker, Tracy Beaker Returns, The Dumping Ground and My Mum Tracy Beaker. It sees Dani Harmer reprise her role as Tracy Beaker and Emma Maggie Davies return as her daughter Jess. Lisa Coleman and Montanna Thompson also returned, as well as several cast members from My Mum Tracy Beaker. In August 2022, Dani Harmer posted on her Instagram that filming for the second series had finished. The BBC confirmed that Series 2 would be the final series of the My Mum Tracy Beaker/Beaker Girls trilogy, at least for now. It began airing on 13 January 2023 and concluded on 31 March.

Emma Jane Reeves is a Welsh screenwriter and playwright, best known for her extensive work in children's television series such as the Tracy Beaker franchise. She is currently Chair of the Writers' Guild of Great Britain.

Nisha K Nayar is a British actress. After coming to prominence in the 1993 film Bhaji on the Beach, she had starring roles as Debra Kumar in the film Out of Hours in 1998 and as Elaine "the Pain" Boyak in the CBBC series The Story of Tracy Beaker from 2002 to 2005. She also appeared as Joyce Hammond in the ITV crime drama Rose and Maloney between 2004 and 2005 and starred as Fran Keeley in the Channel 4 drama Before We Die in 2021.

References

  1. "BBC Children's In-House Productions announce new commissions including favourite JoJo & Gran Gran".
  2. "BBC Studios to take on BBC Children's Productions".
  3. "Following the record-breaking series My Mum Tracy Beaker, The Beaker Girls are back for a hotly-anticipated new TV series". BBC Media Centre. BBC. 18 August 2021. Retrieved 17 December 2021.
  4. "My Mum Tracy Beaker: Dani Harmer to reprise role in reboot after 15 years". The Independent . 3 August 2020. Archived from the original on 16 February 2021. Retrieved 10 February 2021.
  5. 1 2 3 "Here's everything we know about the Tracy Beaker reboot". The Tab . 3 August 2020. Archived from the original on 16 February 2021. Retrieved 10 February 2021.
  6. "Filming begins on a new series of Tracy Beaker". FM104 . 7 October 2020. Retrieved 10 February 2021.
  7. "BBC reveals first look at Tracy Beaker and her daughter in new CBBC series". Radio Times . 14 October 2020. Archived from the original on 16 February 2021. Retrieved 10 February 2021.
  8. "Fans reminisce as new series My Mum Tracy Beaker sees return of Dani Harmer's classic CBBC character". Evening Standard . 9 February 2021. Archived from the original on 16 February 2021. Retrieved 10 February 2021.
  9. 1 2 "Four-screen dashboard". Broadcasters' Audience Research Board . Retrieved 24 February 2021.
  10. "My Mum Tracy Beaker sets new record as CBBC'z most successful programme launch ever with 2.1m streams on BBC iPlayer". BBC Media Centre. 15 February 2021. Archived from the original on 16 February 2021. Retrieved 16 February 2021.