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List of The Story of Tracy Beaker characters facts for kids

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This page tells you about the characters from the popular CBBC show The Story of Tracy Beaker. The show is based on the books by Jacqueline Wilson. It ran for five series from 2002 to 2005. After that, we had Tracy Beaker Returns (2010-2012) and The Dumping Ground (since 2013).

Connor Byrne has played Mike Milligan in all three shows. Dani Harmer, Lisa Coleman, and Montanna Thompson also came back to play Tracy Beaker, Cam Lawson, and Justine Littlewood in Tracy Beaker Returns and My Mum Tracy Beaker.

Main Characters from The Story of Tracy Beaker

Tracy Beaker

Tracy Beaker is the main character of the show. She is a feisty and imaginative girl who lives in a children's home, which she calls "The Dumping Ground". Tracy dreams of finding her birth mother or being fostered by a loving family. She often gets into arguments, especially with Justine Littlewood, but she also cares deeply about her friends.

Mike Milligan

Quick facts for kids
Mike Milligan
Tracy Beaker series character
Portrayed by Connor Byrne
Duration 2002, 2004–2005, 2010–2019
First appearance "Tracy Returns to the Dumping Ground"
8 January 2002
Last appearance "The Last Dance"
6 December 2019
Created by Jacqueline Wilson
Introduced by
  • Cas Lester (2002)
  • Josephine Ward (2004, 2005, 2010)
Classification Former; regular
Profile
Other names Conchobhar
Occupation
  • Care worker
  • House chef
  • Head care worker

Mike Milligan is a kind and firm care worker at the Dumping Ground. He first appeared in the very first episode in 2002. Mike is known for being a father figure to many of the children, especially Tracy. He always tries to help the kids and understand their feelings.

He left the show briefly in series 1 but returned as a chef in series 5. He then became the head care worker. Mike continued his role in Tracy Beaker Returns and The Dumping Ground, making him the longest-serving character in the whole series! He even received an MBE award for his amazing work. In later series, he married Fiona and eventually moved to Ireland to be with his family.

Cam Lawson

Cam Lawson
Tracy Beaker series character
Portrayed by Lisa Coleman
Duration 2002–2005, 2010–2012, 2021–
First appearance "Cam's First Visit"
17 January 2002
Introduced by Cas Lester (2002)
Josephine Ward (2010) Emma Reeves (2021)
Classification Present; regular
Profile
Occupation Author

Cam Lawson is an author who becomes Tracy's foster mother and later her adoptive mother. She first met Tracy when visiting Stowey House. Cam was impressed by Tracy's stories and they quickly formed a special bond.

Their fostering journey had its ups and downs, including a kitchen fire and Cam moving to New York. But they always found their way back to each other. Cam eventually adopted Tracy, giving her the loving family she always wanted. In My Mum Tracy Beaker, Cam marries Mary Oliver, who is Tracy's daughter Jess's teacher.

Elaine Boyak

Elaine Boyak
The Story of Tracy Beaker character
Portrayed by Nisha Nayar
Duration 2002–2005, 2021
First appearance "Dares"
8 January 2002
Last appearance "The Wedding"
9 December 2005
"Someday" (2021)
Introduced by Cas Lester 2002
Emma Reeves (2021)
Classification Former; regular
Profile
Occupation Social worker

Elaine Boyak is a social worker, often called "Elaine the Pain" by the children. She first appeared in series 1. Elaine was not always popular with the kids because of her strict rules. She was last seen in series 5.

Duke Ellington

Duke Ellington
The Story of Tracy Beaker character
Portrayed by Clive Rowe
Duration 2002–2005
First appearance "Tracy Returns to the Dumping Ground"
8 January 2002
Last appearance "We're Off the Map Now"
5 April 2005
Introduced by Cas Lester
Classification Former; regular
Profile
Occupation Chef

Norman 'Duke' Ellington was a care worker, chef, and gardener at the Dumping Ground. He was nicknamed after a famous jazz musician. Duke was a kind and friendly staff member. He left at the end of series 4 to visit family in the Caribbean.

Jenny Edwards

Jenny Edwards
The Story of Tracy Beaker character
Portrayed by Sharlene Whyte
Duration 2002–2003
First appearance "Tracy Returns to the Dumping Ground"
8 January 2002
Last appearance "Home and Hosed"
3 April 2003
Introduced by Cas Lester
Classification Former; regular
Profile
Occupation Head care worker
Fashion designer

Jenny Edwards was the head care worker at the Dumping Ground in series 1 and 2. She was strict but cared a lot for the children. Jenny left for a new job at the end of series 2. Later, she became a successful fashion designer in New York.

Justine Littlewood

Justine Littlewood
Tracy Beaker series character
Portrayed by Montanna Thompson
Duration 2002–2005, 2006, 2012, 2021–
First appearance "Tracy Returns to the Dumping Ground"
8 January 2002
Introduced by
  • Cas Lester (2002)
  • Jane Dauncey (2005)
  • Josephine Ward (2005, 2012)
  • Emma Reeves (2021)
Classification Present; regular
Profile
Occupation
  • Student
  • Estate agent

Justine Littlewood is Tracy Beaker's main rival. She came to the Dumping Ground after her father couldn't look after her following her mother's death. Justine and Tracy often argued, especially when Tracy returned and found Justine in her old room.

Justine returned in Tracy Beaker Returns for an episode where she was getting married. She asked Mike to give her away. She later found out her fiancé was a con artist, with help from Tracy and Rick. Justine and Tracy then had a heartfelt conversation, showing that despite their rivalry, they cared about each other.

Louise Govern

Louise Goven
The Story of Tracy Beaker character
Portrayed by Chelsie Padley
Duration 2002–2004, 2021
First appearance "Tracy Returns to the Dumping Ground"
8 January 2002
Last appearance "Someday" (2021)
Introduced by Cas Lester
Classification Former; regular
Profile
Occupation Student

Louise Govern was Tracy's best friend at first. She appeared in the first episode of series 1. When Louise was fostered, Tracy didn't keep in touch. This led to Justine becoming Louise's new best friend. Louise was later fostered by the Morris family. She made guest appearances in series 3.

Adele Azupadi

Adele Azupadi
The Story of Tracy Beaker character
Portrayed by Rochelle Gadd
Duration 2002–2004
First appearance "Tracy Returns to the Dumping Ground"
8 January 2002
Last appearance "Parties with Pudsey" (2004)
Introduced by Cas Lester
Classification Former; regular
Profile
Occupation Student
Shop assistant

Adele Azupadi was one of the older residents at the Dumping Ground. She worked part-time in a clothing store. Adele was usually quiet but would step in if needed. She left to live on her own but returned to the Dumping Ground because she felt lonely.

Ben Batambuze

Ben Batambuze
The Story of Tracy Beaker character
Portrayed by Luke Youngblood
Duration 2002–2003
First appearance "Tracy Returns to the Dumping Ground"
8 January 2002
Last appearance "Home and Hosed"
3 April 2003
Introduced by Cas Lester
Classification Former; regular
Profile
Occupation Student

Ben Batambuze was Tracy's best friend. He first appeared in series 1. Tracy was surprised to learn that Ben actually had a family and didn't live on the streets as he had claimed. Ben left at the end of series 2 to go to boarding school.

Peter Ingham

Peter Ingham
The Story of Tracy Beaker character
Portrayed by Joe Starrs (2002)
Jim English (2021)
Duration 2002, 2021
First appearance "Tracy Returns to the Dumping Ground"
8 January 2002
Last appearance "I Want My Mum Back"
14 February 2021
Introduced by Cas Lester
Classification Former; regular
Profile
Occupation Student

Peter Ingham appeared in series 1. He liked to think he was Tracy's best friend, though Tracy often called him a "weed." Peter was fostered by Jill and Terry Brown. He briefly returned to the Dumping Ground because he missed it, but Tracy convinced him to stay with his foster family.

Ryan and Zac Patterson

Ryan Patterson
The Story of Tracy Beaker character
Portrayed by Sonny Muslim
Duration 2002
First appearance "Tracy Returns to the Dumping Ground"
8 January 2002
Last appearance "The End!"
4 April 2002
Introduced by Cas Lester
Classification Former; regular
Profile
Occupation Student
Zac Patterson
The Story of Tracy Beaker character
Portrayed by Jay Haher
Duration 2002
First appearance "Tracy Returns to the Dumping Ground"
8 January 2002
Last appearance "The End!"
4 April 2002
Introduced by Cas Lester
Classification Former; regular
Profile
Occupation Student

Ryan and Zac Patterson are non-identical twin brothers who moved to the Dumping Ground in series 1. They often got into mischief together with Maxy. Ryan was interested in judo and spoke with a Cockney accent. Both brothers left the Dumping Ground between series 1 and 2.

Maxy King

Maxy King
The Story of Tracy Beaker character
Portrayed by Jerome Holder
Duration 2002
First appearance "Tracy Returns to the Dumping Ground"
8 January 2002
Last appearance "The End!"
4 April 2002
Introduced by Cas Lester
Classification Former; regular
Profile
Occupation Student

Maxy King was a sweet 4-year-old boy who lived at the Dumping Ground in series 1. He was reportedly fostered by a family between series 1 and 2.

Bouncer and Lol Plakova

Bouncer Plakova
The Story of Tracy Beaker character
Portrayed by Ben Hanson
Duration 2003–2005
First appearance "Back and Bad"
7 January 2003
Last appearance "The Wedding"
9 December 2005
Introduced by Cas Lester
Classification Former; regular
Profile
Occupation Student
Chef
Lol Plakova
The Story of Tracy Beaker character
Portrayed by Ciaran Joyce
Duration 2003–2005
First appearance "Back and Bad"
7 January 2003
Last appearance "The Wedding"
9 December 2005
Introduced by Cas Lester
Classification Former; regular
Profile
Occupation Student
Chef

Bradley "Bouncer" and Lawrence "Lol" Plakova are brothers who joined the Dumping Ground in series 2. They were known for being kind and funny. Bouncer left for a Halfway House in series 4, causing some tension with Lol, but he returned in series 5 as a chef. Both brothers made their final appearances in "The Wedding" episode.

Dolly

Dolly
The Story of Tracy Beaker character
Portrayed by Chloe Hibbert-Waters
Duration 2003
First appearance "Back and Bad"
7 January 2003
Last appearance "The Beaker Club"
4 December 2003
Introduced by Cas Lester
Classification Former; regular
Profile
Occupation Student

Dolly arrived at the Dumping Ground in series 2. She quickly took a liking to the new trainee care worker, Nathan Jones. Dolly was fostered by Philip and Cathy in series 3.

Nathan Jones

Nathan Jones
The Story of Tracy Beaker character
Portrayed by James Cartwright
Duration 2003–2004
First appearance "Back and Bad"
7 January 2003
Last appearance Parties with Pudsey (2004)
Introduced by Cas Lester
Classification Former; regular
Profile
Occupation Careworker

Nathan Jones joined the Dumping Ground as a trainee care worker in series 2. Tracy described him as "lazy" but also "fun." He was more like an older brother to the kids. Nathan left between series 3 and The Movie.

Amber Hearst

Amber Hearst
The Story of Tracy Beaker character
Portrayed by Alicia Hooper
Duration 2003–2004
First appearance "Alien"
21 January 2003
Last appearance Parties with Pudsey (2004)
Introduced by Cas Lester
Classification Former; regular
Profile
Occupation Student

Amber Hearst arrived in series 2. She was known for being rebellious and having a bad attitude. Amber had lived in many care homes before Stowey House. She often argued with others but sometimes formed friendships with Tracy and Justine. She left off-screen after series 2.

Crash Watkins

Crash Watkins
The Story of Tracy Beaker character
Portrayed by Darragh Mortell
Duration 2003–2006
First appearance "Leavin' on a Jet Plane"
25 September 2003
Last appearance "Children's Party at the Palace"
25 June 2006
Introduced by Jane Dauncey
Classification Former; regular
Profile
Occupation Student

Liam "Crash" Watkins joined the Dumping Ground in series 3. He had a short temper due to his difficult past. Crash became good friends with Tracy, Lol, Bouncer, and Jackie. He left in series 5 to attend a sports academy.

Michael Grice

Michael Grice
The Story of Tracy Beaker character
Portrayed by William Tomlin
Duration 2003–2004
First appearance "Leavin' on a Jet Plane"
25 September 2003
Last appearance Parties with Pudsey (2004)
Introduced by Jane Dauncey
Classification Former; regular
Profile
Occupation Student

Michael Grice appeared in series 3. He was known for bullying and snitching on others. Michael often provoked Crash and was particularly mean to Jackie. He left at the end of series 3 and did not return.

Marco Maloney

Marco Maloney
The Story of Tracy Beaker character
Portrayed by Jack Edwards
Duration 2003–2005
First appearance "Leavin' on a Jet Plane"
25 September 2003
Last appearance "Two's a Crowd"
8 December 2005
Introduced by Jane Dauncey
Classification Former; regular
Profile
Occupation Student

Marco Maloney joined in series 3. He was known for always wearing costumes and being described as "weird" or "crazy" by other residents. Marco was best friends with Milly. They were fostered together by the Boxer family in series 5.

Hayley Sparks

Hayley Sparks
The Story of Tracy Beaker character
Portrayed by Kristal Lau
Duration 2003–2005
First appearance "Leavin' on a Jet Plane"
25 September 2003
Last appearance "Beam Me Up, Scottie"
4 January 2005
Introduced by Jane Dauncey
Classification Former; regular
Profile
Occupation Student

Hayley Sparks arrived in series 3. She was a quiet girl who got annoyed when ignored. Hayley left in series 4 to live with her foster parents, Mark and Helen.

Layla

Layla
The Story of Tracy Beaker character
Portrayed by Cara Readle
Duration 2003–2005
First appearance "Leavin' on a Jet Plane"
25 September 2003
Last appearance "The Wedding"
9 December 2005
Introduced by Jane Dauncey
Classification Former; regular
Profile
Occupation Student

Layla joined the Dumping Ground in series 3. She is a kind and caring girl who has cerebral palsy. Layla could get upset easily, especially when her friends left without telling her. She made her final appearance in "The Wedding" episode.

Shelley Appleton

Shelley Appleton
The Story of Tracy Beaker character
Portrayed by Nicola Reynolds
Duration 2003–2005
First appearance "Leavin' on a Jet Plane"
25 September 2003
Last appearance "Operation Careworker"
6 December 2005
Introduced by Jane Dauncey (2003)
Josephine Ward (2005)
Classification Former; regular
Profile
Occupation Head Careworker

Shelley Appleton became the head care worker in series 3. She was cool, confident, and cared deeply for all the children. Shelley returned in series 5 as a temporary head care worker before leaving again.

Jackie Hopper

Jackie Hopper
The Story of Tracy Beaker character
Portrayed by Abby Rakic-Platt
Duration 2003–2005
First appearance "Jackie"
9 October 2003
Last appearance "The Wedding"
9 December 2005
Introduced by Jane Dauncey
Classification Former; regular
Profile
Occupation Student

Jackie Hopper arrived in series 3. She struggled to accept being in care because her grandfather, who had Alzheimer's disease, could no longer look after her. Jackie often tried to escape to be with him. She eventually became good friends with Tracy and Crash. Jackie left to go to a sports academy but returned to the Dumping Ground after faking an injury because she missed it.

Sid Rooney

Sid Rooney
The Story of Tracy Beaker character
Portrayed by Vincenzo Pellegrino
Duration 2004–2005
First appearance "Return to Sender"
7 October 2004
Last appearance "We're Off the Map Now"
5 April 2005
Introduced by Jane Dauncey
Classification Former; regular
Profile
Occupation Head Careworker

Sid Rooney became the head care worker in series 4. He was described as boring at first. However, the children realized how lucky they were to have him when a very strict care worker took over while he was away. Sid made his last appearance in the series 4 finale.

Chantal, Rio, and Roxy Wellard

Chantal Wellard
The Story of Tracy Beaker character
Portrayed by Deepal Parmar
Duration 2004–2005
First appearance "Return to Sender"
7 October 2004
Last appearance "Chantal's Goodbye"
29 November 2005
Introduced by Jane Dauncey
Classification Former; regular
Profile
Occupation Student
Rio Wellard
The Story of Tracy Beaker character
Portrayed by Craig Roberts
Duration 2004–2005
First appearance "Return to Sender"
7 October 2004
Last appearance "The Wedding"
9 December 2005
Introduced by Jane Dauncey
Classification Former; regular
Profile
Occupation Student
Roxy Wellard
The Story of Tracy Beaker character
Portrayed by Sophie Borja
Duration 2004–2005
First appearance "Return to Sender"
7 October 2004
Last appearance "The Wedding"
9 December 2005
Introduced by Jane Dauncey
Classification Former; regular
Profile
Occupation Student

Chantal, Rio, and Roxy Wellard are siblings who arrived at the Dumping Ground in series 4. They were known for causing trouble at first. Chantal was the oldest, Rio was feisty but kind, and Roxy was the youngest but often took charge, known for her "goth" style. Chantal left in series 5 to live with her dad. Rio and Roxy made their final appearances in "The Wedding" episode.

Wolfie

Wolfie
The Story of Tracy Beaker character
Portrayed by Felix Drake
Duration 2005
First appearance "Independence Day"
15 March 2005
Last appearance "The Wedding"
9 December 2005
Introduced by Jane Dauncey
Classification Former; regular
Profile
Occupation Student

Shawn "Wolfie" arrived in series 4. He disliked sleeping in a bed and had claustrophobia, meaning he hated being in small, enclosed spaces. Wolfie quickly became friends with Lol. He made his final appearance in "The Wedding" episode.

Rebecca Chalmers

Rebecca Chalmers
The Story of Tracy Beaker character
Portrayed by Georgina Hagen
Duration 2005
First appearance "Caring and Sharing"
28 November 2005
Last appearance "The Wedding"
9 December 2005
Introduced by Josephine Ward
Classification Former; regular
Profile
Occupation Student

Rebecca Chalmers joined in series 5. She didn't get along with many people, especially Justine. Rebecca was known for being a troublemaker and liked to stir things up. She made her final appearance in "The Wedding" episode.

Milly

Milly
The Story of Tracy Beaker character
Portrayed by Holly Gibbs
Duration 2005
First appearance "Scary Milly"
30 November 2005
Last appearance "Two's a Crowd"
8 December 2005
Introduced by Josephine Ward
Classification Former; regular
Profile
Occupation Student

Milly arrived in series 5. At first, the other kids thought she was "cursed" because strange things happened when she arrived. Milly quickly became friends with Marco. She never spoke until Elaine asked if she wanted to be fostered. Milly was fostered with Marco by the Boxer family.

Alice

Alice
The Story of Tracy Beaker character
Portrayed by Olive Gray
Duration 2005
First appearance "Frankelainestein"
1 December 2005
Last appearance "The Wedding"
9 December 2005
Introduced by Josephine Ward
Classification Former; regular
Profile
Occupation Student

Alice joined the Dumping Ground in series 5. She was happy to share a room with Layla and believed in fairies. Alice was upset when her fairy palace was thrown out, but it was later fixed. She made her final appearance at Cam and Gary's wedding.

Recurring Characters

Steve Littlewood

Steve Littlewood
The Story of Tracy Beaker character
Portrayed by Stephen Crossley (2002–2004)
Morgan Hopkins (2005)
Duration 2002–2005
First appearance "Tracy Returns to the Dumping Ground"
8 January 2002
Last appearance "Two's A Crowd"
8 December 2005
Introduced by Cas Lester (2002)
Josephine Ward (2005)
Classification Former; recurring

Steve Littlewood is Justine's father. He first appeared in series 1. Steve occasionally visited Justine at the Dumping Ground. He later married Carrie and they had a son named Billy. Justine briefly moved in with them but decided to return to the Dumping Ground.

Carrie

Carrie
The Story of Tracy Beaker character
Portrayed by Caroline Bunce (2003–2004)
Kathryn Dimery (2005)
Duration 2003–2005
First appearance "Doggie"
23 January 2003
Last appearance "Caring and Sharing"
28 November 2005
Introduced by Cas Lester (2003)
Josephine Ward (2005)
Classification Former; recurring

Carrie is Steve Littlewood's wife and Justine's stepmother. She first appeared in series 2. Carrie and Justine didn't always get along, especially when Carrie announced she was pregnant. Carrie tried to make Justine feel welcome in their new family home.

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