No dodging this character
What the Dickens? CBBC introduces us to Fagin and the Artful Dodger – before they met young Oliver
OLIVER asked for more – and now we’ve got it! Christopher Eccleston and David Threlfall star in Dodger, a new 10-part adventure set to start in February on CBBC and BBC iplayer.
With Billy Jenkins playing Dodger and Saira Choudhry as Nancy, Dodger is a funny and fast-paced comedy drama set before the events of Charles Dickens’ iconic novel, Oliver Twist.
There are some familiar characters and a whole load of colourful new ones in the series which follows the exploits of the infamous pickpocket, The Artful Dodger, and Fagin’s gang as they find ingenious ways to survive the grim conditions of early Victorian London.
Acting in a haunted theatre, sneaking into Madame Tussauds, and even breaking into Buckingham Palace are some of Dodger’s madcap schemes!
Ducking and diving their way through the criminal underworld, they try to make a better life for themselves, but the police are always a step away with Sir Charles Rowan (Threlfall) becoming increasingly obsessed with how to deal with the gang and catch Dodger. Here Billy Jenkins who plays Dodger tells us more about the show.
How would you describe your character?
“He’s a cheeky chap. He’s quite charismatic and funny but gets himself into trouble – a lot! He’s clever though and has a kind and caring side to his character.”
Describe Dodger and Fagin’s relationship?
“There’s a little spark there, they just hit it off and Fagin really likes Dodger. It’s kind of like a son and father relationship.”
Why do you think the story of Dodger is as interesting as Oliver Twist’s?
“In the original we never really learn the background of the characters Oliver meets in London. Where did they come from? How did they end up there? With this story we follow Dodger or, as we know him in episode one, Jack Dawkins, on his journey.” Dodger airs from Sunday, February 6, on CBBC and BBC iplayer