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Dustbin Baby

NG Kids talks to The Golden Compass star Dakota Blue Richards about her new role in the BBC Christmas drama, Dustbin Baby, based on the Jacqueline Wilson book

NG Kids: Can you tell us a bit about Dustbin Baby?
Dakota Blue Richards: The story is set over one day, April's birthday, in which you see the build-up to that day, through flash-back scenes. It's about a girl who's trying to find out who she really is.

NGK: Your character, April, has had quite a tough life – can you identify with her at all?
DBR: I can identify with April in ways in which I think most young girls will be able to. Most people my age fight with their parents and feel left out sometimes.

NGK: How did you get into character?
DBR: I tried to think of situations that made me feel the way April would be feeling so that it was easier for me to show what she would be thinking and feeling. I always think that it's best to put as much of myself into the character as I can, without actually playing myself.

NGK: What advice would you give to young people who are finding life tough?
DBR: Talk to somebody about it. Talk to your parents or if you don't want to talk to them, talk to a teacher who you get on well with… and if you don't want to talk to an adult about it, then talk to one of your friends, because if you don't talk to anyone about it, then no-one will be able to sort it out.

NGK: Are you a fan of Jacqueline Wilson's books?
DBR: Yes, I have read a couple of them. I particularly like Lola Rose. It's good that there is an author brave enough to tackle issues which a lot of children worry about - in a way which kids will understand. She came on set once. I spoke to her for a little while in my breaks and she seemed like a very intelligent and nice lady.

NGK: Do you think you'd like to write a book one day?
DBR: I would love to, if I could think of an idea of what to write about! I have just written a short story for children, on behalf of the Global Campaign For Education, called Cassidy And The Stick Insect.

NGK: What's your favourite thing about Christmas?
DBR: The look on people's faces when you give them presents makes me feel really good, and it's a good excuse to go shopping, which I love!

NGK: What will your New Year's resolution be?
DBR: I want to try to be more grown up and stop being quite so silly and girly!

Dustbin Baby is on BBC1 on Sunday, 21 December at 3.25pm