1. Chelsea Padley (Louise Goven) THEN
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Louise Goven was played by the then-10-year-old Chelsea Padley, and Louise was one of the best friends of the lead Tracy Beaker before she was fostered by Ted and Julie. When Tracy was sent back to care, Louise had moved on and found a new best friend in Justine Littlewood. Ouch.
2. Chelsea Padley NOW
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These days, actress Chelsea, who is now 32 years old (makes you feel old, doesn’t it?) has appeared in other TV shows, including Tati’s Hotel, but made a switch to modelling instead (and you can see why). She now works at her own fitness company, Fit Peach Fitness, as an instructor – and you can follow her wellness tips on Instagram!
3. Montanna Thompson (Justine Littlewood) THEN
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Justine Littlewood was the new bestie that Louise ditched Tracy for, and she is perhaps one of the most memorable characters (apart from the lead, of course!). She was in the very first episode of the show, and continued to star until around 2005 before returning for a cameo in 2012.
4. Montanna Thompson NOW
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Actress Montanna, now 35, had big TV success after starring in Tracy Beaker, and starred in other popular shows like The Bill and Dates. She also had a starring role in Gangster Kittens and Kill or Be Killed, and alongside her acting career, she’s also a mum!
5. Luke Youngblood (Ben Batambuze) THEN
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Ben was one of the kids on the show who actually wasn’t in foster care, but he liked to spend a lot of time there because his parents didn’t seem to have a lot of time for him. You don’t blame the kid for going to the Dumping Ground to find someone to talk to – which he did, in Tracy!
6. Luke Youngblood NOW
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Ben was played by Luke Youngblood, who is now all grown up – and gone on to bigger and better things! He’s wowed audiences as Young Simba in the Lion King on West End, though Harry Potter fans might recognise him more easily for playing Lee Jordan! He’s also appeared in Glee.
7. Ciaran Joyce (Lawrence Plakova) THEN
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Also known as ‘Lol’ played by Ciaran Joyce, Lawrence Plakova was first introduced in the second season of Tracy Beaker, in January 2003. Due to his cheeky smile and loveable pranks, he soon became a fan favourite (because who could be mad at that face? Certainly not Tracy!).
8. Ciaran Joyce NOW
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Actor Ciaran Joyce is now 36 years old, and although he never officially gave up acting, he didn’t have many well-known roles after appearing on Tracy Beaker. He did appear in shows like Holby City and Torchwood, but it’s been a while since he’s had a TV role (though he has appeared on stage in Les Mis!).
9. Ben Hanson (Bradley Plakova) THEN
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Bradley Plakova was the brother of Lawrence, and was also known as ‘Bouncer’. He joined the show in 2003, and he’s now also in his 30s, like many of his fellow Tracy actors! On screen, Bouncer wasn’t perhaps as loveable as ‘Lol’, but who could separate two brothers?
10. Ben Hanson NOW
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Since the show, actor Ben has actually worked as a CBBC presenter, and he’s also got a growing family of his own. On his social media pages, he talks positively about being a family man and improving his life everyday. He’s also listed his work as an estate agent since leaving the show. Busy busy!
11. Chloe Hibbert-Waters (Dolly) THEN
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Dolly was the adorable eight-year-old who appeared on the show in 2003, and soon won all our hearts over – while she herself looked up to Tracy as her hero. Luckily, young Dolly got a happy ever after when she was taken in by a foster family – though of course that meant saying bye to Tracy!
12. Chloe Hibbert-Waters NOW
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Dolly was played by actress Chloe Hibbert-Waters, and due to only being 8 in the show, she’s now in her 20s (which doesn’t make us feel quite as old as some on this list!). Since starring in Tracy Beaker, she actually left acting behind and decided to switch careers to writing instead.
13. Darrah Mortell (Liam Daniels) THEN
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Also known as Liam ‘Crash’ Daniels on the show, Liam was one of Tracy’s close friends during their time together in the Dumping Ground. Liam’s actor actually went on to star with Tracy’s actor in another project after the show – namely, her own show, Dani’s House!
14. Darrah Mortell NOW
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These days, now all grown up and in his mid 30s, actor Darragh has continued his acting success and appeared in other popular shows like Casualty and Hollyoaks. He’s also set his sights on the stage, after appearing as Mowgli in The Jungle Book, and has only gone from strength to strength, now as an accomplished (and award-winning) filmmaker.
15. Cara Readle (Layla) THEN
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Layla was a character who first appeared in the third season of Tracy Beaker, back in 2003, and she was portrayed as having Cerebral Palsy due to her actress, Cara Readle, having the condition in real life. The actress playing Layla is now all grown up in her early 30s! So what’s she up to?
16. Cara Readle NOW
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Tracy Beaker actress Cara Readle continued her career in the entertainment industry, and as well as acting, she also went on to work in modelling too. She’s also played other roles for Cerebral Palsy in shows like Casualty. Cara has also appeared in Zig Zag Love and Barker Boys.
17. Abby Rakic Platt (Jackie Hopper) THEN
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Jackie Hopper was a character that appeared in series 3 of the show, when she was brought to the Dumping Ground after her grandad was taken into care, and there was no one left to look after her. Tragically, Jackie didn’t think anything was actually wrong with her grandad, when he in fact had Alzheimer’s.
18. Jackie Hopper NOW
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Jackie was played by Abby Rakic Platt, who has now hit the big 3-0. She continued her acting career, and she’s starred in shows like The Bill and Casualty. She also starred in the show Chewing Gum back on E4 until 2017. You might also recognize her from the Sainsbury’s Christmas advert!
19. Dani Harmer (Tracy Beaker) THEN
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Tracy Beaker was of course the lead star of the hit show, and it was hard not to love this charming trouble maker! She was the loud protagonist we followed as she grew up in foster care – the ‘Dumping Ground’ – while never able to escape trouble (and bring others along with her).
20. Dani Harmer NOW
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Tracy’s actress Dani Harmer is now all grown up at 34 years old, though she still doesn’t look much older! What’s your secret, Dani… The actress continued to star in the show for every single episode up until 2012. She also starred in other TV shows, and even took part in Strictly Come Dancing. She’s also now a mum!
