For his first major screen project, Ebube Chukwuma plays the new care worker Josh Tersoo in the CBBC flagship show The Dumping Ground, having joined the cast in Series 14, which premiered earlier this year, and he works with a cast including Paula Penman (Anne), Dave Johns (Bernie), Kanon Narumi (Hana), Alexandra Perez Ramos (Harmony) and Ashwin Sakthivel (Kav). Recently, Ebube has finished his professional theatre debut on the National Tour of Dear England, which was written by James Graham and starred David Sturzaker as Gareth Southgate, and Ebube covered roles including footballers Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling, and for his training, he attended Tring Park School for the Performing Arts and Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, graduating from the latter last year, and whilst training, he performed in The Effect. Ebube answered our questions about playing new care worker Josh Tersoo in CBBC’s The Dumping Ground, making his professional theatre debut in Dear England and his training with Tring Park and Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

As a screen actor, you play new care worker Josh Tersoo in The Dumping Ground for CBBC; how are you finding the experience having the show as your first major screen project and what is it like on set?

The experience is pretty cool! All my family and friends were very excited, especially my little cousins. I like working with children too, so this show felt like the perfect balance.

On set, it was challenging at first. I had to adapt as things shifted continuously; however, I loved being on set. Seeing everyone work in unison is very fascinating, like studying the composition of a beehive. People found moments to have fun and make each other laugh too, which was lovely to see.

How was it joining the cast in Series 14, which premiered on CBBC earlier this year, and how much did you know about the franchise before auditioning?

The cast was so welcoming. At first, I was a bit nervous if I’d get on with the kids. Yet after a few games, they saw me as one of them. I learnt a lot from them on set too. In addition, Paula Penman and Dave Johns showered me with wisdom and kindness. The more I watched them act, the better I knew my performance could be. Above all else, they treated me like family.

I have to admit, I didn’t know much about the franchise prior to auditioning. I know, it sounds bad! I just wasn’t on that side of the telly at that age. Going into the audition room, I prepped by watching as many episodes as I could, right up until the waiting room. It gave me a deep sense of the show’s style, purpose, and audience.

What is Josh like to play, and how would you describe the character?

He’s a guy you can’t help but love. Josh sees himself as a cool uncle to the kids, completely unaware that he is anything but. What I love about playing Josh is that his motivations always come from his heart. He cares a lot for everyone and really tries his best to lift them up. I find it amusing that he is always caught in a mental battle with the kids – so real! With experience and a few more one-to-ones with Anne, he’ll be able to hold his own soon enough.

How did you prepare for taking on the role of Josh and what is it like reading the show’s new storylines?

It was a journey to differentiate Josh from myself, as I felt we are similar in certain ways. What helped Josh come into fruition was piecing him together through the view of others. Asking the directors, cast, and crew how they viewed Josh and who he was to them. Ultimately, Josh’s purpose is to help other people, so it made sense for me to start looking there. Merging their perspectives with how he viewed himself gave me enough material to construct him.

How does it feel to be part of one of CBBC’s flagship shows and have you had any favourite highlights from filming for The Dumping Ground so far?

I’m blessed and thank God for this job! It’s a bit weird knowing there’s a version of me frozen in time across the internet. However, there’s the beautiful thought that when I have kids, they’ll be able to watch their dad on TV – on a show that can shape their view on life – wow.

A favourite memory of mine is the game show we made in ‘video village’. Paula, Dave, or myself were the usual hosts. It consisted of riddles, impressions, and pure hysteria almost every day. Another highlight was whenever improv was involved, as you could never predict what the kids would do.

What was it like being involved with the Amazon Prime Video series My Lady Jane as an Altar Boy?

It was a great experience. This was when I was a bit younger, and being on a set so big, I could hardly contain myself. I would wander off everywhere, expanding my mini map as much as possible. It was fascinating. I frequently spoke with Jordan Peters and others, who gave really insightful answers. Then, I would quietly listen in to the notes being given or watch the equipment being used. I had front row tickets to a world-class production! I left with a renewed perspective.

You have recently finished making your professional theatre debut in the National Tour of Dear England, how did the run go and what did you enjoy most about touring with a theatre production?

What a job! There was a large overlap with TDG, so when I joined the cast of Dear England, I only had one week to learn four tracks with other potential covers. Challenging, but thrilling! Being in an environment that boosted my growth, while touring the country with some of my best mates, was a movie. As a company, we overcame a lot of hurdles and produced world-class work.

What I enjoyed the most about touring was the new places we went to. I hadn’t travelled much within the UK, so since we were in a new city weekly, I made sure to walk around and explore. Whether it was the museums, outdoor markets, cafés, or even just speaking with locals, there was always a new and exciting energy to be found. A highlight was when Jass (Beki, who played Bukayo Saka) and I accidentally found ourselves in a static caravan for a week – that was an experience!

What was it like working on James Graham’s play based around the men’s England football team, and being part of the cast, which included David Sturzaker as Gareth Southgate?

It’s a remarkable play. Though I watched the previous run, dissecting the play opened up a whole new world. The movement was rigorous, themes serious; however, a lightness was needed to portray the meaningful message. Footballers have complex lives, but – just like any other human – they are beautifully simple too.

Including myself, there were a number of debuts within the cast, which brought a real excitement and an eagerness to produce ‘greatness’. On the other hand, performing with the more experienced cast members was insightful. They taught me so much, and sharing the stage with them is an experience I’ll forever cherish – especially their answers to all my random questions!

We understand you also covered the roles of Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling, what were both like to portray?

They were both a joy. It was so interesting finding where the two would overlap, as well as discovering how their different upbringings and environments impacted them. Marcus Rashford being more observant at first, whilst Raheem Sterling was very active and hands on. Their strong resolve and passion are traits the two share, leading to them to take a stand in the play.

Both players have gone through a lot – with experiences many can relate to – therefore I’m privileged and proud to have been able to share their stories.

How was it telling the Dear England story and seeing the audience response to the show?

The story is universal, resonating with everyone in different ways. At its core, it focuses on mental health, racism, and the act of kindness – all whilst educating the audience. These were messages I was proud to share, knowing it could change lives.

The audience reactions and response to the play were heartwarming too. People would be laughing, crying, cheering, gasping. Whether you like football or not, the story is touching.

How was your time training at Tring Park School for the Performing Arts and Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, and what was it like graduating from the latter last year?

I was Deputy Head Boy at Tring Park School during my final year, which tells you of the love and commitment I had towards the school. I made lifelong friends there, did a lot of growing up, and was introduced to the arts in a completely different way than I was used to. For that, I’m forever grateful to the school.

Similarly, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School felt like a fever dream at times. The training was very complex and difficult, but that was exactly what I needed. They focus on making you a better person alongside honing your craft, and give you the momentum to keep growing even after you graduate. There’s no other school in the world like it.

Can you tell us about some of the shows you performed in whilst training, which include The Effect, Twelfth Night and Romeo and Juliet?

The Effect was the last performance I did at drama school. We performed in the prestigious Bristol Old Vic, and, to top it all off, The Effect is my favourite play of all time!!! The themes and characters are incredibly layered, with active and fast-paced scenes, so I couldn’t have asked for a better finale.

Our director, Lara Lawman, put immense thought into our process, equipping the cast with everything we needed. Each performance was physically taxing, fun, intense, and delicate. In the end, our performances received a five-star rating, and we all left in tears, hand in hand. Closer and stronger.

How different do you find stage acting opposed to filming for screen, and do you have a favourite and a most challenging aspect of each?

Being present and staying true to one’s motivations are what carries my performance in both settings. What differentiated the two was the type of notes the directors would give. However, it’s the overlap that I love the most about them: making the words on the page a reality.

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

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always loved being in front of a crowd. As a child, even when I was scared, I’d still be the first on stage. I’m not sure when it started, but the need to perform has always felt like an innate calling – one I channelled into school plays and talent shows.

My love for acting? To leave an impact, no matter the size.

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

Favourites I’ve watched recently are Wasteman, My Father’s Shadow, and I Swear. Others at the top of my list include Whiplash, All Quiet on the Western Front, Prisoners, and Parasite.

I love animations and anime too – it’s what I grew up on! However, I have way too many favourites to list. Forever and Paradise are currently my favourite shows.

Meanwhile, The Effect is my favourite theatre show, followed by For Black Boys…, Shifters, and Red Pitch. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is what I watched last in the theatre, which was magical. I’ve also seen The Lion King (the musical) numerous times – iconic!

How do you like to spend your free time?

I’m very passionate about producing and managing, so I’m currently studying filmmaking and applying the knowledge to personal projects, while undergoing a part-time Master’s in Business.

Outside of that, I love spending time with family and friends – watching plays and movies, exploring different pop-ups and events. As long as we’re having fun and we get to experience something new, I’m there!

Do you have any projects coming up that you can tell us about, and what are you hoping 2026 brings for your career?

I’m looking forward to returning to The Dumping Ground. The new plot twists are intense, so I’m excited to see how they play out whilst learning more on the job. With auditioning, you never want to say too much, so you’ll just have to keep an eye out!

For this year, I want to expand as much as possible – to grow my skill set, become familiar with more industry personnel, and act on the opportunities God gives me. I’m aspiring to climb higher, and take my career to the next level, while rising with the right people around me.

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