FANS of a beloved children’s show have reacted after a controversial scene was axed years later.
The Story of Tracy Beaker aired on CBBC between 2002 and 2005.
Starring Dani Harmer in the title role, the programme depicted the Dumping Ground – a home for children in the care system.
The mischievous Tracy originated in Jacqueline Wilson‘s iconic book series, becoming well-known for crude catchphrases such as “bog off”.
While her rivalries with Justine (Montanna Thompson) and Elaine the Pain (Nisha Nayar) created memorable moments, a scene in which Tracy was absent has since been removed from the show.
This particular moment featured a shopkeeper and four boys from the children’s home.
In the episode – season five’s Franelainestein/Tracy’s Fantasy, the show covered Mother’s Day.
Marco (Jack Edwards) discovered a local shop was giving a free potted plant to each mother who entered, as well as a free inflatable alien to their child.
In a bid to get an inflatable alien, an older kid named Bouncer (Ben Hanson) pretended to be Marco’s mum, due to his large frame – he wore a dress, makeup and bonnet to look the part.
Upon being introduced to the shopkeeper as Marco’s mum, the shopkeeper removed his glasses.
After this, he saw Bouncer as a blurry figure, which he became enamoured with.
As a result, the shopkeeper went on to pester Bouncer by following him around the shop while he asked for his number and suggested they go out to eat.
During this situation, Bouncer managed to narrowly dodge being cornered.
However, things took a turn when the group were leaving, completing forgetting about the free items.
After Bouncer turned his back to the shopkeeper, the man pinched his bottom.
This caused the character to drop his feminine voice and revert back to that of a boy, shouting at the shopkeeper.
It appears the BBC have deleted the bum-pinching moment from the episode on iPlayer.
Although the scene may have gone over children’s heads in 2005, viewers have strong opinions after it circulated online.
On Instagram, one person wrote: “I remember this!! You’ve just unlocked a memory I did not need.”
The Story of Tracy Beaker is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
