Loyal Tracy Beaker Returns fans watched the Series 3 finalé  with heavy hearts, knowing that this time we wouldn’t just have 9 months to wait for a visit to the Dumping Ground but that this was the end. There were tears (not just from me). Tracy said goodbye to Mike and walked out. It was all over. Forever.

That was until I read that just two days’ previously the BBC had quietly commissioned a brand new series, The Dumping Ground to be aired in 2013, with the same writers, same director, same Nick Sharratt animations and of course, the same Dumping Ground we know and love. Happy days.

Tracy and the current Dumping Ground kids

Admittedly there will be no Dani Harmer as Tracy. Aged 23 and having played our favourite heroine for over 10 years it’s not unreasonable that she wanted to move on and try something new. After her and Tyger’s near win on Let’s Dance for Sport Relief she’s starring as Dorothy in a touring production of the Wizard of Oz and says her dream role would be the Doctor’s Companion in Doctor Who. That would be a treat. I bet Tracy Beaker would give the Doctor a run for his money…

Anyway, back to the programme- we will undoubtedly miss Tracy but ever since she’s been a careworker, she’s been a bit more in the background and the new DG kids have usually been the focus of the stories. It makes sense that they could go on without her but still gives her the chance to cameo every now and then if she wants to. It’s win win.

The cast itself has yet to be confirmed, although it’s reported that the brilliant Gus, played by talented Noah Marullo and Carmen, Amy Leigh Hickman will be returning. Personally I have my fingers crossed that the DG will still be headed up by Mike and Gina and will keep on the current TBR kids as they are all well-rounded characters brought to life so accurately by the young actors, especially Tee and Elektra, two of my favourites.

Without a title character who could up and leave, I think The Dumping Ground is a series that could run and run with unlimited possibilities for storylines, new angles and new cast members. Roll on 2013!