With Adam Kay’s Dexter Procter: The 10-Year-Old Doctor being adapted for screen, Hugo McGinn plays Otto in the show alongside Cian Eagle-Service as Dexter Procter, Aroop Shergill as Rupi and Max Lester as Toby Tanner. The first standalone episode released on CBBC, BBC One and BBC iPlayer in December, with the second instalment set to release at Easter, and Hugo was directed by Matt Lipsey. Hugo filmed for the first time on location for last year’s feature film Lonely Night when he played Young Sam Harris (Jacob Matschenz), and he currently attends theatre training and has appeared in numerous stage projects with his theatre school, including playing Biff in Back to the Future and Beetlejuice in Beetlejuice. We found out from Hugo about filming as Otto in Dexter Procter: The 10-Year-Old Doctor, what it is like being part of an Adam Kay screen adaptation and working on last year’s feature film Lonely Night.

In Dexter Procter: The 10-Year-Old Doctor, you play the role of Otto, how did you feel finding out you’d booked the character and what was it like watching the first standalone special episode when it aired on CBBC/BBC One/BBC iPlayer in December?

Finding out that I’d booked the character was honestly such a surreal moment. I remember just sitting there grinning, because it was one of those jobs you really hope for but never quite believe will happen. The character meant so much to me from the very first audition, so knowing I actually got to bring him to life was incredibly exciting.

Watching it when it aired on BBC One was surreal. Seeing it all come together on screen, and knowing our families were watching at home, was really special. I felt so proud of everyone involved and a bit nervous, but mostly just grateful. It was one of those moments where you think, “Yeah, this is a dream come true”.

With Dexter Procter: The 10-Year-Old Doctor being an adaptation of Adam Kay’s novel, had you read the book before auditioning and how was it meeting Adam?

I actually hadn’t read the book before auditioning, but once I did, it really helped me understand the heart of the story and the character so much more. I actually AM Otto 😂, so it made the whole experience even more exciting and fun.

Meeting Adam was brilliant. He was so welcoming and passionate about the project. You could instantly feel how much it meant to him, and I wanted to make sure I didn’t let him down.

What was Otto like to play and how would you describe the character?

Otto was honestly one of the funniest characters I’ve ever played. So much of his humour came from things I completely related to! The way he reacted to situations, his timing, his little quirks. At times, it genuinely felt like I was just playing an exaggerated version of myself!

We had so much in common that slipping into character felt really natural, which made it even more fun to play. We are basically the same person!

How did you prepare for your role of Otto and what do you feel you learnt from being involved with the project?

I made sure to read the book from cover to cover. That really helped me understand not just Otto, but his friends and the world he lives in. I got so much from the book – his humour, his warmth, and the little details that make him who he is – and then built on that.

Being part of this project taught me so much, both creatively and personally. It was so much fun, and I loved working with such an amazing cast and crew. Matt (Lipsey), the director, was so patient and kind, and his direction just brought out the best of us all in every scene.

How did you find the experience working on Dexter Procter: The 10-Year-Old Doctor and what was it like on set?

I loved every minute – I know people say things like that a lot, but I really mean it! Every minute, on and off set, was just so much fun. Cian (Eagle-Service), Max (Lester), Aroop (Shergill), and I all lived together and met up after work as often as possible – mainly for water gun fights!

What was it like filming alongside Cian (Dexter Procter), Aroop (Rupi), Max (Toby Tanner) and the rest of the cast?

I couldn’t have had better cast mates and have genuinely made friends for life! We spent time together whenever we could, and every single day was just a joy. My best summer ever.

Did you have a favourite and a most challenging scene to film in the episode already released?

My favourite scene to film was in the school corridor, when there was literal chaos happening because there were no teachers! It was so much fun. I didn’t have any challenging scenes, thankfully.

Can you tell us about last year’s feature film Lonely Night and what was it like to be part of?

It was my first time on location, and I couldn’t have had a better experience. The director, cast, and crew were all so welcoming and kind to me. I loved every minute. Although it was snowing and I was wearing shorts a lot, but I was too happy to care 😄.

How was it getting into character as Young Sam Harris (Jacob Matschenz)?

Interesting! I mean, I pretty much kill everyone that slightly upsets me, SO my mum made sure that I left that character on set! 😂

We understand you are currently training at a theatre school, what do enjoy most about training and being an actor?

I love getting to try new characters, use my imagination, and learn new skills. It’s exciting to challenge myself and work with other people who love acting too.

Whilst at theatre school, you have performed in many shows including Annie (Oliver Warbucks), The Wizard of Oz (The Wizard) and Back to the Future (Biff), what can you say about some of your theatre roles?

I’ve been really lucky to play some of my favourite characters in the theatre. My favourite was playing Biff in Back to the Future, which was so much fun as I’m a super fan of the movies. Beetlejuice was a close second because the character is so out there and funny.

Where does your love of acting come from and how did you get into it?

I’ve attended my local drama school since I was four. Before that, I created characters at home – lions, genies, dinosaurs, superheroes, and pretty much anything I was into at the time. There are endless photos of me and I’m never out of costume.

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

My favourite film is Back to the Future, I love it on stage also, but Hamilton is my favourite stage show. My all-time favourite TV show has to be Modern Family.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I mainly sing and play piano. Meet up with friends and… sing and play piano 😂 Luckily they like to sing too!

Do you have any projects coming up that you can talk about and what are you hoping 2026 brings you?

I’m looking forward to the second installment of Dexter Procter coming out at Easter! It’s very funny! I’m also just about to start rehearsals for The Addams Family musical. I’m hoping 2026 brings me more chances to perform, learn new skills, and take on fun and challenging roles.

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