The Dumping Ground (series 1)

The Dumping Ground series 1
Country of origin United Kingdom
No. of episodes 13
Broadcast
Original channel CBBC
CBBC HD
BBC HD (2013)
Original run 4 January 2013 – 15 March 2013

The First Series of the British children's television series The Dumping Ground began broadcasting on 4 January 2013, before ending on 15 March 2013 on CBBC and BBC HD. The series follows the lives of the children in care at the fictional children's care home of Elmtree House. It consists of thirteen episodes. The first series was commissioned by CBBC in 2012.

Series synopsis

The first series of The Dumping Ground sees new characters Faith, Floss and Mo arriving at the Dumping Ground, with Gus leaving having been fostered by a lesbian couple. The Dumping Ground is followed by Tracy Beaker Returns, all the characters return from that except Dani Harmer, as Tracy Beaker and Saffron Coomber, as Sapphire Fox. The series sees the regulars struggling to cope with living at the Dumping Ground without a responsible adult around in the series opener, as well as Jody living at home for a short time, before Carmen & Tee realise that she is bullied at home by her brother Kingsley and that her mother doesn't care about her and thus plot a rescue mission which results in Jody returning to the Dumping Ground. One of the younger residents, Harry, begins to get used to life without Sapphire and his pet giraffe Jeff who new resident Floss blackmailed Harry into letting her keep. Tee has a passive attitude towards things - for instance when Jody brought in presents for the children (later revealed to be Kingsley's gear, which he himself had stolen), she refused the present, stating she doesn't want it if stolen. She keeps the tablet behind, however, and keeps it to herself until she blurts it out later and apologises. She returns it however with help from Carmen where she finds that Kingsley had locked Jody in her room.

Cast

Main cast

Casting

Screenterrier announced the casting of characters Mo, Floss and Faith in September 2012.

Episodes

Episode
in total		 Episode
in series		 Title Directed by Written by Original air date
11"Home Alone (Freedom, Part 1) [1]"Craig LinesElly Brewer4 January 2013
Seizing their chance to be free of grown-up supervision, the Dumping Ground kids take charge of the Dumping Ground... driving Gus to breaking point.
22"Liberty in the DG (Freedom, Part 2) [1]"Craig LinesEmma Reeves4 January 2013
Still home alone, the Dumping Ground kids go hungry, having spent all the money. For her own secret purpose, Elektra takes advantage of the ensuing fall-out.
33"Baby [1]"Craig LinesDawn Harrison11 January 2013
When Lily's dad's pregnant girlfriend, Shannay, moves in, Lily rebels as she is annoyed with the mess she is making by moving in. She accidentally breaks the frame of one of Lily's pictures. After a while, Lily declares that Shannay is taking over so leaves to The Dumping Ground.
44"S.O.S. [1]"Craig LinesDawn Harrison18 January 2013
Jody seems happy to be back with her family, but Carmen soon discovers she lives in terror of her brother, Kingsley, and plots a rescue mission.
55"What Would Gus Want? [1]"Stewart SvaasandElly Brewer25 January 2013

The Dumping Ground is divided when a same-sex couple show an interest in fostering Gus. As Johnny and Elektra debate about whether gay couples should be allowed to adopt, Gus is in turmoil about leaving the Dumping Ground and father figure Mike behind.

Note: Last appearance of Noah Maurallo as Gus Carmichael.
66"The Real Faith Davis [1]"Stewart SvaasandHeather Imani1 February 2013
Wicked whispers fly when the police come to see Faith, who will not say why. meanwhile Floss arvies wonders where on Earth she has been dumped when Harry informs her of the Dumping Ground's past.
77"The Truth Is Out There [1]"Stewart SvaasandEmma Reeves8 February 2013
After bad exam results, Frank denounces school and gets himself a job in a café where he falls for the waitress, Jade, who introduces him to a psychic. Is he being taken for a ride?
88"Dreamland [1]"Stewart SvaasandMark Burt15 February 2013
Rick's father, Gerry, turns up for start a fresh start with him. But are Rick and Gerry really ready? Meanwhile, Gina's mum, Hattie, turns up and Tee thinks that Mike wants Hattie in a home.
99"A Day in the Past[1]"Diana PatrickSteve Turner22 February 2013
It is the day of the Dumping Ground's annual day out and the Young People decide to be Edwardians for the day. However, the day is not fun when Johnny is in charge.
1010"Oh, Mo! [1]"Diana PatrickElly Brewer1 March 2013
Mo is the Dumping Ground's new eccentric resident and everyone thinks he is a bit strange. especially Tyler. Tee takes pity on Mo but Mo has not had a real friend before and Tee is soon annoyed with him.
1111"Seriously Funny [1]"Diana PatrickMatt Evans8 March 2013
When a big practical joke backfires, Tyler decides it is time that he grew up. Meanwhile, Lily, Carmen and Tee fall out at an unsupervised sleepover at Lily's flat.
1212"Esme [1]"Diana PatrickNimer Rashed15 March 2013
Carmen alienates the Dumping Ground kids when she finds a new best friend in exotic rich girl, Esme, who gives Carmen the chance to run away to Rio with her. Will Carmen leave the Dumping Ground and more importantly the country behind?
1313"Scary Beasts [1]"Diana PatrickDawn Harrison15 March 2013
A face from the past comes back to haunt Faith and brings danger to the Dumping Ground. And Mo buys a 'magic' egg which unexpectedly hatches into what Johnny and Elektra believe is a venomous snake!

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 1.10 1.11 1.12 "The Dumping Ground Episode Guide". Radio Times. Retrieved 22 March 2014.