Gateshead lad lands a role in CBBC's The Dumping Ground

A spin-off of The Story of Tracey Beaker which ran on CBBC from 2002 to 2008, the series was inspired by Jacqueline Wilson’s 1995 book by the same name, and the characters have been loved by children ever since.

William Wyn Davies is from Gateshead and he was over the moon to be cast as Ben, a social worker at the children’s home.

Series 10 premiered last Friday (September 30) and William told The Northern Echo that the filming experience was “a joy and a privilege.”

William as Ben in series 10 episode 1 of The Dumping Ground on CBBC. Picture: BBC (Image: BBC)

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This may be his debut recurring character role in television, but William is no stanger to the acting scene in the North East.

William Wyn Davies in Animal Farm at northern Stage in 2016. Picture: TOPHER MCGRILLIS (Image: Topher McGrillis)

The geordie actor said: “I grew up watching Tracey Beaker so I was thrilled to be cast as Ben. We all remember Mike and Elaine The Pain. The whole filming experience has been so much fun and it’s been joyous to be part of such an established children’s show.”

Filming took place at Hookergate School in Rowlands Gill in Gateshead from March to August this year, but this wasn’t William’s first appearance in the show.

William playing Rumpelstiltskin in The Customs House pantomime of Rapunzel in 2021. Picture: WYCOMBE 89 MEDIA (Image: Wycombe 89 Media)

“As an actor just starting out I did do some extra work and I’m in about two seconds of an episode in series 2, I think that was 2013 or 2014.”

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The 27-year-old moved from his native Gateshead to Brighton last year, signed with an agent, and had the opportunity to audition for The Dumping Ground.

William as Rumpelstiltskin in The Customs House pantomime of Rapunzel in 2021. Picture: WYCOMBE 89 MEDIA (Image: Wycombe 89 Media)

“It was sod’s law really, I moved to Brighton, got an agent and got an acting role in Gateshead! I’m not sure if it was my connection to the area that got me the job but I was over the moon.

“Ben pops up every now and then to get the kids to do their chores, or to be the victim of one of their pranks!

“The kids at The Dumping Ground get up to all kinds of mischief but there’s also some really heart-wrenching storylines too. It’s an absolute joy and privilege to have been part of the tenth series. There was a real family-vibe on set which made the filming experience an absolute dream. As a young actor who’s never done TV it was invaluable experience.”

A well-known face in the Newcastle acting scene, William has been seen on stage at Shakespeare’s Speakeasy, Live Theatre Newcastle, Northern Stage, and The Customs House.

William in Once Upon A Story Time at The Custom's House in South Shields. Picture: JORDAN EMBLETON (Image: Jordan Embleton)

William trained on NORTH – Actor Training at Northern Stage (2016) and with the Regional Young Actors’ Ensemble (2017-2018).

The Dumping Ground series 10 episode 1 is available on BBC iPlayer now.

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