In the popular CBBC/BBC drama Dodger, Billy Jenkins stars as the titular character alongside a cast including Christopher Eccleston as Fagin, and the series is directed by Rhys Thomas. As well as filming Series 1, there have been a number of Specials, including last November’s Coronation episode, and at the 2022 TV Time Awards, Billy was nominated for Favourite Young Performer, and the same year, Dodger won in the Scripted category at the BAFTA Children & Young People Awards. Billy took over the role of Charles Shelby in the final series of Peaky Blinders, working closely with his on-screen father Cillian Murphy (Tommy Shelby), and he started his acting career playing Prince Charles in Series 1 and 2 of The Crown, and was invited to the Series 6 Finale Celebration at The Royal Festival Hall in 2023. Having previously spoken to Billy in 2021, we have since caught up with him about his more recent work, and Billy chatted to us about starring as Dodger in the CBBC/BBC drama of the same name, having the series win at the BAFTA Children & Young People Awards in 2022 and taking over the role of Charles Shelby in the final series of Peaky Blinders.

How are you finding your time starring as Dodger in the BBC/CBBC series Dodger and how did you feel booking the lead role?

I really enjoyed the whole filming experience of Dodger and working with the BBC. When I found out I had been cast as Dodger, I was over the moon and very excited as the character has always been one of my favourites.

What is Dodger like to play and how is it getting into character/costume?

Dodger is such an iconic character to play. I felt a huge responsibility and was very aware of what the character might mean to so many from the original novel and the much-loved movies. When costume finally found the right top and hat and I put it on, it felt magical.

What do you enjoy most about filming alongside the rest of the cast and how is it being directed by Rhys Thomas?

I really enjoyed the lifetime friendships I made with the rest of the cast especially “The Gang”. When we first started filming Series 1, it was still during COVID, so we all became very close in our little filming bubble. Working with Rhys Thomas was just wonderful. Rhys’ unstoppable energy and hilarious sense of humour made the whole filming experience for me amazing.

What is it like on set of the series and what are some of your favourite highlights from filming so far?

Being on set was great. I loved the scenes in Fagin’s lair. One of my highlights in Season 1 was the very end episode and the stand-off scene with Chris Eccleston and David Threlfall – I was so excited to be in a scene with such experienced, brilliant actors and learnt so much that day. I was looking forward to all the scenes when it was all of the gang together, these were always so much fun to film.

How was it returning to the role for the Specials, including the recent Coronation episode, which was released in November?

I loved that we got to film another episode and I think the Coronation episode is one of my favourites so far. We had some great actors join us for this episode – Toby Stephens, Nicola Coughlan, Paul Whitehouse, Simon Callow and Alex Macqueen are absolutely hilarious.

Why would you recommend watching Dodger and how is it seeing the viewers’ response to the series?

I would recommend watching Dodger as it’s a real family comedy drama that all ages can enjoy together.

You were nominated for Favourite Young Performer at the 2022 TV Time Awards and Dodger won in the Scripted category at the 2022 BAFTA Children & Young People Awards, how was it receiving the nominations and collecting the BAFTA?

I was so grateful and honoured to be nominated by the TV Time Awards but the whole BAFTA evening was unbelievable, I will never forget that evening when the show won the BAFTA. I was so happy. It was so great to see Rhys Thomas and Lucy Montgomery win for this category, I was so proud and happy for them.

How do you find the experience filming as a guest for Saturday Mash-Up?

Oh, I love Saturday Mash-Up, I’ve been lucky enough to have been invited a couple of times and each time the show just gets more fun. This time I didn’t get slimed, so that was a relief!

What was it like taking over the role of Charles Shelby in the final series of Peaky Blinders and what was the show like to be part of?

It was a wonderful show to be part of. I was so excited when I was offered the part of Charles Shelby. I am such a huge fan of the show. I got to film a scene at Charlie’s yard in the show and it was just like stepping back in time, I even got to wear the Peaky Blinders hat!

How was it filming opposite Cillian Murphy as your on-screen father Tommy Shelby and what was Charles like to play?

Filming opposite Cillian Murphy was one of the best acting experiences I have ever had. Cillian is such a master of acting and I couldn’t believe I was so lucky to get some great scenes with him. I learnt so much.

Having portrayed Prince Charles in Series 1 and 2 of The Crown, how was it bringing the role to screens and what was it like attending the Series 6 Finale Celebration at The Royal Festival Hall last year?

Playing Prince Charles (now King Charles!) in Series 1 and 2 was my first ever acting job, ten years ago now. I have the best memories of this show, getting to be in scenes with Claire Foy and Matt Smith was just wonderful. I had such a great time on this show. When I was invited to attend the show finale, I was so honoured to be asked, it was such an exciting evening, we got to see the last episode of Series 6 and I bumped into some familiar faces from Series 1.

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

I love all the old 80s movies, Back to the Future and The Goonies are two of my favourites. TV shows, I love Stranger Things, and I’m looking forward to the next season of this.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I love to spend my spare time playing piano, guitar and writing songs. I’m a big football fan too and like to play.

Have you been given any advice over your career so far that has stuck with you?

I have learnt so much from all the wonderful actors I’ve worked with, from my early days on The Crown, watching actors like Jared Harris work, to Peaky Blinders with Cillian Murphy, to Dodger with Chris Eccleston. Working with all the wonderful directors and writers, I’ve just watched and listened and tried to absorb as much information from them as I can.

What do you hope this year brings for you and do you have any projects coming up that you can tell us about?

I hope this year brings more opportunities my way to act. I don’t have any set plans at the moment but I’m excited to see what happens in 2024.