The Story of Tracy Beaker series 2

Last updated
The Story of Tracy Beaker
Season 2
TSOTBS2TitleCard.jpg
Series Two Title Card
StarringDani Harmer
Lisa Coleman
Montanna Thompson
Nisha Nayar
Clive Rowe
Chelsie Padley
Sharlene Whyte
Rochelle Gadd
Luke Youngblood
Ben Hanson
Ciaran Joyce
Chloe Hibbert-Waters
James Cartwright
Alicia Hooper
No. of episodes26
Release
Original network CBBC
CBBC HD (repeats)
Original release7 January (2003-01-07) 
3 April 2003 (2003-04-03)
Series chronology
 Previous
Series 1
Next 
Series 3
List of episodes

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.

Contents

Cast

Dani Harmer (Tracy Beaker), Montanna Thompson (Justine Littlewood), Chelsie Padley (Louise Govern), Rochelle Gadd (Adele Azupadi), Nisha Nayar (Elaine Boyak), Clive Rowe (Duke), Sharlene Whyte (Jenny Edwards), Luke Youngblood (Ben Batambuze) and Lisa Coleman (Cam Lawson) all returned to their main roles and Stephen Crossley returned to his guest starring role as Justine's father, Steve Littlewood. Sonny Muslim (Ryan Matthews), Jay Haher (Zac Matthews), Joe Starrs (Peter Ingham), Jerome Holder (Maxy) and Connor Byrne (Mike Milligan) did not return for the second series, but Byrne reprised his role in the final series. Ciaran Joyce, Ben Hanson, Chloe Hibbert-Waters, Alicia Hooper and James Cartwright all made their debuts as main characters, Lol Plakova, Bouncer Plakova, Dolly, Amber Hearst and Nathan Jones respectively. This was the last series to feature Gadd, Whyte, Youngblood and Hooper and the last series to feature Padley as a main cast member.

Main

Guest

  • Gerri Smith as Nathan's Lecturer
  • Stephen Crossley as Steve Littlewood
  • Caroline Bunce as Carrie
  • Gurmail Garib Singh as Vikram Singh
  • Declan Wilson as Jasper
  • Emily Carter, Lowri Jenkins and Nadine Marie Egal as Gang Girls
  • Charlotte Lowri as Anna
  • Leighton Morgan as Warren
  • Sule Rimi as Mr Byron
  • Portia Nicholson as Receptionist
  • Duncan Betts as Celebrant
  • Calum Fowler and Natasha Mitchell as Quiz Kids
  • Jonathan Davies as Derrick
  • Kevin McCurdy as Ben's Dad
  • Mohammed Hadan as Jamie
  • Rhys Parry Jones as Mr Morris
  • Kerry Joy Stewart as Mrs Morris
  • Tony Leader as Granddad Morris
  • Emily Carter and James Marshall as Gang
  • Roderick Smith as Gordon
  • Tracy Williams as Kate
  • Brendan Charleson as Colin
  • Claire Cage as Selima

Episodes

No. in
series
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
1"Back & Bad"Delyth ThomasMary Morris7 January 2003 (2003-01-07)2.1

Tracy comes back to the Dumping Ground with a big bang after setting fire to Cam's kitchen. She swears never to see or talk to her again. Meanwhile, a new trainee careworker called Nathan arrives and he proves more than a match for the kids when they play pranks on him.

Note: First appearance of Lol Plakova (Ciaran Joyce), Bouncer Plakova (Ben Hanson), Dolly (Chloe Hibbert-Waters), Nathan Jones (James Cartwright).
2"Bedsit"Joss AgnewLaura Summers9 January 2003 (2003-01-09)2.2

Tracy is bored of being fussed over by everyone after her return to the DG, so when she finds Adele's new bedsit address she decides go and visit her. Tracy decides to turn the garden shed into her bedsit. But the others also turn various rooms of the house into their bedsit, and Dolly causes chaos when she locks herself in the bathroom.

Note: Return of Adele Azupadi (Rochelle Gadd)
3"Brothers"Joss AgnewIan Carney14 January 2003 (2003-01-14)2.3
Lol, Bouncer and Ben buy a lot of unhealthy food from Nathan's website and create a shop in the cellar called "The Sugar Shack". But Lol soon becomes a rival to Tracy. Meanwhile, Nathan is working on a food project and as well as providing nothing but healthy salads at mealtimes, he bans Dolly from a certain orange drink, making her intent on revenge.
4"Action Therapy"Delyth ThomasGary Parker16 January 2003 (2003-01-16)2.4
Tracy has still not been in contact with Cam after coming back to the DG so Elaine resolves to get them talking with a series of role-play and trust exercises, and persuades the other kids to use this method with each other, causing chaos. But takes away the kids freedom on Saturdays.
5"Alien"Joss AgnewRob Gittins21 January 2003 (2003-01-21)2.5

A spooky sensation has taken over the DG, with Lol making horror films and strange noises in the middle of the night. Finally, the mystery is revealed – a new bad girl has arrived called Amber. Meanwhile Lol has to make a film for his homework, and chooses to make a scary movie.

Note: First appearance of Amber Hearst (Alicia Hooper).
6"Doggie"Delyth Thomas Tracy Brabin 23 January 2003 (2003-01-23)2.6
A stray dog is roaming the corridors of the DG and Dolly gets upset as he reminds her of a foster family's pet. Seeing Dolly sad, Tracy tries to help by offering to foster 'Fang' and they pursue him until he's safely locked up in Tracy's bedroom. Meanwhile Justine gets the impression that Lol has a crush on her, but it leads to an embarrassing turn out...
7"Bad Girls"Delyth ThomasOthniel Smith28 January 2003 (2003-01-28)2.7
Tracy sees Amber's bad girl gang and immediately wants to become a member, while Bouncer and Lol decide to spy on Amber and her "gang" after they steal their football. Meanwhile, Louise is tired of being a goody-goody and has a fashion and personality makeover, inspired once again by Amber's presence.
8"Big Fight"Delyth ThomasAndy Walker30 January 2003 (2003-01-30)2.8
Tracy and Justine have an argument over the TV remote control and, forbidden to fight by Elaine, set up Champions to wrestle on their behalf. But the two boys in question, Bouncer and Ben, are not so keen.
9"Hollywood"Joss Agnew Sam Bain & Jesse Armstrong 4 February 2003 (2003-02-04)2.9
Tracy makes a video of her life to get fostered by a Hollywood star, so Dolly decides to do the same, which causes all the other kids to do the same when Dolly gets a reply back from a Hollywood couple. But Lol causes trouble when he plans to make a film about the cruelty that kids suffer in care, enlisting the help of Elaine and Duke.
10"Home Truths"Delyth ThomasMary Morris6 February 2003 (2003-02-06)2.10
When Dolly makes Nathan play a game of Truth and Dare with her, Duke is worried about the consequences and rightly so! When Tracy gets accused of constantly lying, she promises to tell the whole truth until six o'clock, and everyone's best kept secrets are revealed. Meanwhile, Nathan has a new girlfriend but he finds himself choosing between her and Dolly.
11"Day Trip"Joss AgnewGary Parker11 February 2003 (2003-02-11)2.11

Jenny has arranged a trip out for the kids at an Adventure Centre and looks forward to a day of peace and tranquillity at the DG whilst Duke and Nathan accompany the kids into the countryside. When they arrive, they are introduced by Gordon who ends up irritating all the kids and they all try to get their own back. Meanwhile, Jenny is enjoying her dad of peace home alone, but Elaine turns up so they can go through paper work whilst no one else was in the house to interrupt.

Note: Amber is absent in this episode
12"Christmas"Delyth ThomasLaura Summers13 February 2003 (2003-02-13)2.12
Bouncer and Lol's aunt is considering taking them on full-time and Lol is excited to be leaving the DG for a life free of rules and regulations. But Bouncer has the opposite reaction – he's quite at home at the DG and bad Christmas memories make him yearn to stay, so Tracy decides to bring Christmas early to the DG.
13"Takeover"Delyth ThomasSam Bain & Jesse Armstrong18 February 2003 (2003-02-18)2.13
A mystery takes over the DG when chairs are being re-arranged, shoelaces tied together and other spooky phenomena, and Lol and Bouncer have their own theory on the strange events. Meanwhile Louise gets a gigantic chocolate bar from her auntie, but it later goes missing and everyone assumes Tracy took it when she went to "look after" Cam who's sick.
14"Work"Joss AgnewLucy Flannery20 February 2003 (2003-02-20)2.14
Bouncer and Amber are doing badly at school, so Elaine takes charge of their next project – setting up work placements. Her options are extremely dull so Bouncer is inspired to get his own job – as a paperboy. But a jealous Tracy soon finds a way to make some easy money and in the process, get one over on Amber.
15"Bridesmaid"Joss AgnewMary Morris25 February 2003 (2003-02-25)2.15
Justine's Dad is marrying his girlfriend Carrie and Justine is to be a bridesmaid. But her Dad's unfortunate choice of dress leaves her so miserable that Tracy and the girls try to help. But a food fight soon ruins the dress - and jeopardises Justine's part in the wedding. Meanwhile, Lol and Bouncer are irritated that the DG is being dominated by girls and that the girls are being sexist towards them and decide to take action.
16"Quiz"Delyth ThomasRob Gittins & Gary Parker27 February 2003 (2003-02-27)2.16
Nathan is inspired after winning a quiz and enters the DG into a Care Home Quiz Competition. But his suggestion coincides with a rather nasty washing incident, which leaves all the kids clothes dyed an unfortunate shade of green proving he's pretty incapable in his job. As the day of the competition arrives, the fighting DG kids must work together to win.
17"Two-Timing Adele"Delyth ThomasAbigail Abben Mensah4 March 2003 (2003-03-04)2.17
Adele's mobile is being repaired and soon everyone at the Dumping Ground is tired of taking messages from all her boyfriends. But they soon realise that each boy offers a different range of goodies for them all – and set about getting their guy instated as Adele's ultimate beau. But it's not long before a battle between the two gangs of kids commences.
18"Secrets and Lies"Joss AgnewOthniel Smith6 March 2003 (2003-03-06)2.18
Fearing that he and his brother will be put into different homes, Lol 'bugs' a big staff meeting. But he's tricked when Amber gets to the tape before he can, and alarmed when she begins to fuel rumour and suspicion about the subjects discussed by the staff - It's time for Tracy to take actions.
19"Music"Joss AgnewLaura Summers11 March 2003 (2003-03-11)2.19
Inspired by Adele joining a band and sick of sharing everything, Tracy decides she'll learn to play a musical instrument and Duke gets her a saxophone via Elaine. But soon, the whole DG is turned into musical chaos as the other kids force Elaine into buying them instruments. Meanwhile, Amber moves into Tracy's bedroom when she graffiti's her bedroom wall, adding to the chaos created by Elaine.
20"Family Tree"Delyth ThomasAndy Walker13 March 2003 (2003-03-13)2.20
A school project has Tracy, Justine and Louise working on their family trees which brings out some intense feelings. Later, when Louise is about to meet a potential new foster family, she is worried at the thought of losing not only her best friend Justine but everything she knows and loves about the DG, so Tracy accompanies her on the trip. Meanwhile, Bouncer and Lol befriend the Morris's grandad and the three cause havoc at the DG.
21"Ben's Party"Joss AgnewLaura Summers18 March 2003 (2003-03-18)2.21
Amber accuses Ben of being wimpy and boring so he decides to throw a huge party while his parents are out and invites all the DG kids along. But Tracy doesn't get an invite after they have an argument: a decision Ben comes to regret when Amber's friends gatecrash the party.
22"Get Lost"Joss AgnewMary Morris20 March 2003 (2003-03-20)2.22

When Tracy hears that Ben's Aunt and Uncle are visiting, she lands herself an invitation to his house – and the foursome take a trip to the beach. But Ben's aunt Kate, under the pretence Tracy is a spoilt rich girl, issues Tracy a few home truths. Meanwhile, It's Saturday at the DG and the rest of the kids are away, everyone except for Dolly, who manages to tire all three staff members by herself.

Note: First appearance of Jasper Batambuze (Declan Wilson) & Kate Batambuze (Tracy Williams)
23"The Long Goodbye"Delyth ThomasOthniel Smith25 March 2003 (2003-03-25)2.23
It's Louise's last day at the DG, as she's going to be fostered by the Morris family. She tries to put a brave face on her worries about leaving the DG, her friends and especially Justine. Meanwhile, Lol holds an auction at the DG consisting of Louise's unwanted belongings. And, things look up for Amber as she finds a couple who share her enthusiasm for motorbikes and mayhem, who also happen to be old friends of Duke's.
24"Genius at Work"Delyth ThomasOthniel Smith27 March 2003 (2003-03-27)2.24
After a series of experimental art trials (including inscribing the letter 'D' all over Duke's face) Tracy is grounded and is instructed to try to cheer Justine up, who is depressed that Louise has left. Meanwhile, Ben is ill, and Lol and Bouncer use this as a perfect opportunity to play with his games.
25"Nathan's Assessment"Delyth ThomasLaura Summers1 April 2003 (2003-04-01)2.25
Elaine arrives at the DG to check that Nathan is coming up to scratch as a trainee. After interviewing all the kids and an angry Tracy (whom he has cancelled a bowling trip with) and discovering that he hasn't completed one piece of coursework, her report looks worrying – she has the power to fail him, so Tracy, the staff and the kids join forces to save his job.
26"Home and Hosed"Joss AgnewMary Morris3 April 2003 (2003-04-03)2.26

Ben's Aunt and Uncle, Kate and Jasper, arrive at the DG – with the intentions of fostering Tracy. But it would mean leaving everything she knows behind - including Cam and Ben, and the DG kids also pose a threat to her new life.

Note: Final appearance of Adele Azupadi (Rochelle Gadd), Jenny Edwards (Sharlene Whyte), Ben Batambuze (Luke Youngblood) Amber Hearst (Alicia Hooper), Jasper Batambuze (Declan Wilson)and Kate Batambuze (Tracy Williams).

Production

Cas Lester was the executive producer and Jane Dauncey was the producer for this series. Filming took place in 2002, after the end of series 1 had aired. Susan Tully and David Skynner didn't return to direct series 2 and were replaced Delyth Thomas, who directed fourteen episodes, and Joss Agnew, who directed twelve episodes. Elly Brewer (who later returned as head writer), Arnold Evans, Carol Russell, Roger Griffiths and Graham Alborough didn't return to writing for series 2. Ian Carrey, Gary Parker, Rob Gittins, Tracy Brabin, Lucy Flannery, Abigal Abben Mensah and writing duo, Sam Bain & Jesse Armstrong replaced those who had left. Returning from series 1 is Mary Morris, Laura Summers, Othniel Smith and Andy Walker. Morris and Summers wrote five episodes each; Smith wrote four episodes; Walker, Parker and duo, Bain & Armstrong wrote two episodes; Carney, Gittins, Brabin, Flannery and Mensah all wrote one episode each. Parker and Gittins wrote an episode together as well.

Awards and nominations

CeremonyAwardNomineeResult
2003 Children's BAFTA AwardsChildren's DramaThe Story of Tracy BeakerNominated
2003 Children's BAFTA AwardsChildren's WriterMary MorrisNominated

Related Research Articles

<i>Another World</i> (TV series) American television soap opera

Another World is an American television soap opera that aired on NBC from May 4, 1964 to June 25, 1999. It was created by Irna Phillips along with William J. Bell, and was produced by Procter & Gamble Productions at NBC Studios, 1268 East 14th Street in Brooklyn.

<i>The Wright Stuff</i> British TV series or program

The Wright Stuff is a British television chat show which was hosted by former tabloid journalist Matthew Wright from 2000 until 2018. It aired on Channel 5 on weekday mornings from 9:15 to 11:15am. The series characterised itself as "Britain's brightest daytime show", which gave "ordinary people the chance to talk and comment on everything from the invasion of Iraq to social, emotional and even sexual issues back at home", as well as featuring "showbiz stars and media commentators". The Wright Stuff was nominated as "Best Daytime Programme" at both the Royal Television Society and the National Television Awards.

<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 role of the Tracy Beaker franchise. 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.

<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).

<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 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gavin Sullivan</span> Fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders

Gavin Sullivan is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Paul Nicholas. He first appeared on 21 August 2015. Gavin is the third husband of Kathy Beale and is also revealed as the biological father of Sharon Watts. He is first mentioned as Sharon's father in 1990 and as Kathy's husband in 2001, but does not appear on screen until 2015 and it is not known that Sharon's father and Kathy's husband are the same Gavin until October 2015. Viewers are informed in a 2006 episode that Kathy and Gavin are dead, but Kathy returns in February 2015, revealing that Gavin is also alive. Billed as "an EastEnders villain like no other", Gavin has been described as "dangerous", "sinister", "nasty" and "evil". His storylines include his "abusive", "controlling" and "manipulative" relationship with Kathy, kidnapping recovering alcoholic Phil Mitchell and getting him drinking again, and blackmailing Claudette Hubbard. His departure involves kidnapping Kathy, causing the death of his sister Margaret Midhurst and being arrested after threatening to kill himself and Sharon. He appeared in 30 episodes, and his final appearance is on 8 July 2016. In January 2021, Gavin was killed-off off-screen.

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.

<i>Doctor Who</i> series 13 2021 series of Doctor Who

The thirteenth series of the British science fiction television programme Doctor Who, known collectively as Flux, was broadcast from 31 October to 5 December 2021. The series is the third and last to be led by Chris Chibnall as head writer and executive producer. It is the thirteenth to air following the programme's revival in 2005, and the thirty-ninth season overall. The series, initially announced in November 2019, was the last to be broadcast on Sunday nights, continuing the trend set by the previous two series. It was followed by three associated specials, all of which aired in 2022.

<i>My Mum Tracy Beaker</i> British television series

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.

<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.

References