´óÏó´«Ã½

Following the huge success of Tracy Beaker Returns on C´óÏó´«Ã½, the Bafta-winning show is back with a drama-filled second series in the New Year.

Devised by multi-award-winning children's author Dame Jacqueline Wilson and the drama team at C´óÏó´«Ã½, the 13-part drama sees Dani Harmer returning to the title role of Tracy, as she continues her new-found career as a carer at The Dumping Ground.

Once again Tracy is caught between the children and the carers as she tries to find a balance between acting responsibly and sympathising with the kids. With 10 children in their care Tracy, Mike and Gina have to contend with the highs and lows of their young charges' lives.

As well as the light-hearted moments, this series also sees the children and carers tackle a wide range of tougher issues as The Dumping Ground welcomes two new residents, in the form of refugees Dayo and Ade. The brothers struggle to communicate as they don't speak any English, and other young people's attempts to protect their new friends ends in disaster. Also, when volatile new girl Elektra arrives at the care home, she brings a whole host of disruptive habits with her.

The programme highlights the heartache of children in care hoping to find homes when Johnny and Tee get their hopes up after a stay with a prospective foster family. However they soon face a difficult decision when they find out the family only want to offer a home to one of the siblings.

The series also sees The Dumping Ground faced with closure; the shock return of an estranged parent; and the care home gets an unexpected windfall.

Actress Dani Harmer and the cast also take a firsthand look at the life of children living in care in a Newsround Special called The Real Tracy Beaker. Three special episodes will also air online to help promote internet safety.

Tracy Beaker is played by Dani Harmer, Mike by Connor Byrne, Gina by Kay Purcell and Cam Lawson by Lisa Coleman.

Jessie Williams plays Lily Kettle; Amy-Leigh Hickman plays Carmen Howle; Richard Wisker plays Liam O'Donovan; Chris Slater plays Frank Matthews; Noah Murallo plays Gus Carmichael; Saffron Coomber plays Sapphire Fox; Graham Scott plays Harry Philip; John Bell plays Toby Coleman; Joe Maw plays Johnny Taylor; and Mia McKenna-Bruce plays Tee Taylor.

Tracy Beaker Returns is a C´óÏó´«Ã½ Production, produced by Gina Gronk and executive produced by Josephine Ward.

VT