Last year, Hugo Nash joined CBBC’s The Dumping Ground as regular character Hugo Little, working alongside a cast including Freddy Smith as Kyle, Sarah Rayson as Floss and Jasmine Uson as Taz. Hugo has attended SA Performing Arts since the age of five, and he booked The Dumping Ground for his first job after being put forward for an audition at eight years old. Speaking with us, Hugo answered our questions about joining CBBC’s The Dumping Ground last year, playing Hugo Little in the series and what he enjoys about working on a CBBC show.

Can you tell us about your character Hugo Little in The Dumping Ground and what is he like to play?

Of course! He is really friendly and cheeky. He is in love with chocolate. He has a little teddy bear called Little Hug that he carries everywhere. He has a best buddy called Kyle. He looks up to him like a big brother. Kyle can be naughty to the others sometimes but he is very protective towards Hugo.

How did you feel finding out you’d booked the role of Hugo?

When my mum told me I had got the role of Hugo Little, I was over the moon. I had fireworks shooting out of my head! I was jumping up and down. I was so happy! I am so honoured to be a part of one of the famous shows on CBBC.

What was it like meeting the rest of the cast for the first time and how is it filming with them?

Everyone was so nice and friendly to me. I just love them. Filming with them is so much fun. They help me with some tips and ideas as it is my first acting job and I don’t know a lot about acting in a TV series.

How do you find the experience on the set of The Dumping Ground?

The first time I ever went in it was like an interesting house with no roof. They only put the fake roof on when recording. I was so surprised because I watched the show before I went in and I always thought it was a real house! Sometimes you get to destroy things at the set. It is so much fun!

What is your process for learning your scripts?

My mum will help me out the night before and we learn the lines together. When I get to the set in the morning, we practice the scripts again with the cast before shooting.

Have you had a most challenging scene or episode to film so far?

When I first started, I didn’t know what to do, it might have taken them many takes to film my scenes. I also like the scene when I had to slam the door shut and I did it so hard the painting fell off the wall!

How was it watching your first episode air on CBBC and seeing the animated version of your character for the first time?

I was just so excited. All of our family came to our house to watch the first episode together. It was just FABULOUS!

It was just amazing to see the animated version of myself. I screamed so loud!

What do you enjoy most about being part of The Dumping Ground as Hugo Little?

I enjoy meeting my friends. It makes me happy. When we are not filming, we spend our time in our dressing rooms together and enjoy each other’s company. Also, on very hot days, we get to enjoy ice lollies as well! I love eating food there.

How did you get into acting and was it something you always wanted to do?

I joined SA Performing Arts at the age of five. We learn about acting, singing and dancing every week. They got me to audition for The Dumping Ground when I was eight years old and I got booked for the first job! I am very grateful to them.

It was something I always wanted to do. It is fascinating to be someone else when acting and you always get to wear some new clothes that you don’t normally wear.

What are some of your favourite films and TV shows to watch?

Matilda and Annie are great. Also, the theatre show of The Lion King. I just love all musicals really.

Have you been given any advice over your time as an actor so far that has stuck with you?

The more you get to know and understand about your character, the better you are able to play your character. I also learn not to overexaggerate my acting.

Do you have a favourite aspect of being an actor?

Yes, I like meeting new friends, trying new clothing and, of course, free food!

How do you like to spend your free time?

I love photography, swimming, playing badminton, playing piano, guitar and ukulele. Also, I love travelling with my family and being silly with my younger brother, Toby.

What are you hoping the upcoming months bring you and do you have any projects coming up that you can tell us about?

I look forward every year to my birthday on Christmas Eve followed by Christmas Day.

I hope everyone enjoys watching The Dumping Ground like I do. It is one of the best shows on earth!

Follow Hugo on:

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