British film and television actress, singer, and TV presenter Dani Harmer has garnered national recognition for playing the role of ‘Tracy Beaker’ in many programs aired on the CBBC channel. This actress has also garnered a lot of appreciation for her performances in ‘Tracy Beaker Story’, ‘Tracy Beaker Survival Files’ and ‘Tracy Beaker Returns’ broadcasted by ‘Children’s BBC’ (CBBC) channel. Dani Harmer was the protagonist in the feature film, ‘Tracy Beaker’s Movie of Me,’ which was an adaptation of various Tracey Beaker programs.
The British actress has also made her mark in the music and theater industries. Universal Music Group signed up as the Berkshire native for recording and releasing several albums, but she has recorded only one album to date. The release of her album was however canceled for good by UMG as the single from the record didn’t show good sales.
The British actress’s professional career took off at the age of six when she performed on the stage for the musical, ‘The Who’s Tommy’. As a teenager and youngster, she acted as a pantomime in a series of pantomimic shows, including ‘Cinderella’, ‘Snow White’, and ‘Peter Pan’. Dani became a great actress and was nominated for several awards, winning a couple of them. In this article, we look at all you need-to-know on Dani Harmer: including her age, her career, her net worth, children, and partner.
Dani Harmer: All You Need To Know, Bio, Interesting Facts, and FAQs!
FAQs:
Why did Dani Harmer leave Tracy Beaker Returns?
The British actress reprised the role of Tracy Beaker in early 2010 in the 13-episode BBC series Tracy Beaker Returns, in which her character over the years became a care worker and had penned an autobiography about what life is like for children in care.
Three series broadcasted of Tracy Beaker Returns but the show concluded on 23 March 2012, due to Harmer deciding to quit her role as Tracy.
A spin-off was created called The Dumping Ground but this show did not feature her. Luckily, The Dumping Ground saw Dani return for two episodes at the end of series 6.
The British actress has starred in another TV show called Dani’s Castle, a spin-off from Dani’s House – which aired at the start of 2013.
In 2020, it was announced that The Berkshire native would be reprising the role of Tracy Beaker in the 2021 CBBC series, My Mum Tracy Beaker. The plot follows Tracy as a single mother and follows her relationship with her 12 year-old daughter Jess (played by Emma Davies).
How old is Dani Harmers baby?
On 28 June 2016, the British actress gave birth to her now five year old daughter, Avarie-Belle Betsy Rachel Brough. Talking prior to the release of My Mum Tracy Beaker, the actress told the Independent: “When I first heard about the book My Mum Tracy Beaker, I was like ‘I wonder if Jacqueline knows I’ve just had a child and that’s what sparked the idea?”
The actress also spoke about her struggles with home-schooling, saying: “It’s a big responsibility teaching little people how to read and write with absolutely no qualifications whatsoever…..”It’s bonkers. We are trying not to get frustrated with each other. I’m trying my best to be a teacher, but I’m an actor! ”
Did Dani Harmer win Strictly?
No. Dani Harmer attended the 10th series of Strictly Come Dancing but didn’t win.
‘Strictly Come Dancing’ is a televised dancing competition where celebrities are coupled up with dance professionals. On 5 September 2012, actress Dani Harmer revealed via a Twitter post that she would be participating in ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Series 10 with professional dancer, Vincent Simone, as her dancing partner.
She competed in 2012 and was paired up with Vincent Simone. The couple succeeded in reaching the grand final and were ranked fourth overall. The dancing duo had the lowest number of public telephone votes to go to the finals of Strictly Come Dancing, forcing them to leave the competition.
Dani Harmer’s spirited performances had impressed judges but failed to win over the public for the final.
What is Dani Harmer doing now?
My Mum Tracy Beaker:
Dani Harmer returns as the beloved character Tracy Beaker in “My Mum Tracy Beaker”. The show returns with the first episode of the CBBC show kicking off at 5 pm on Friday 12 February and the three-part series will see a now-adult Tracy struggle with life as a single mum to daughter Jess (played by Emma Davies).
The official BBC synopsis states: “Jess Beaker loves her life with her mum Tracy until famous footballer Sean Godfrey enters the picture!”
There will be some familiar faces from the original series that will return, including Dani Hamer, who plays the title character. Speaking about reading the script, Dani said: “As soon as I read it I was like, ‘This is exactly how Tracy would be as a mum’.
“Her daughter is amazing. They’re kind of complete opposites to be honest with you. Obviously, Tracy kind of just speaks before she thinks – she’s very emotional, she’s very feisty……”Whereas Jess is a bit more reserved. She’s a bit more chilled, she is really intelligent.
“But those two together, it’s just a match made in heaven. They’re not only mother and daughter, they’re friends as well and I think that comes across in the show.”
She’s a mom:
On 28 June 2016, the British actress gave birth to her now five year old daughter, Avarie-Belle Betsy Rachel Brough. Speaking ahead of the release of My Mum Tracy Beaker, the actress told the Independent: “When I first heard about the book My Mum Tracy Beaker, I was like ‘I wonder if Jacqueline knows I’ve just had a child and that’s what sparked the idea?”
The Berkshire native also opened up about her struggles with home-schooling, saying: “It’s a big responsibility teaching little people how to read and write with absolutely no qualifications whatsoever.
“It’s bonkers. We are trying not to get frustrated with each other. I’m trying my best to be a teacher, but I’m an actor! ”
Who is in the cast of My Mum Tracy Beaker?
The cast of My Mum Tracy Beaker includes:
- Dani Harmer as Tracy Beaker
- Emma Maggie Davies as Jess Beaker
- Danielle Henry as Mary Oliver
- Noah Leacock as Tyrone
- Jordan Duvigneau as Sean Godfrey
- Lisa Coleman as Cam Lawson
- Christina Tam as Rosalie
- Montanna Thompson as Justine Littlewood
- Ruth Gemmell as Carly Beaker
- Jim English as Peter Ingham
Who is Dani Harmer? What’s her age and background?
Dani Harmer is a British actress who was cast as Tracy Beaker at the age of 12 in 2002, a role she held for five years and reprised in a number of spin-offs and Tracy Beaker’s Movie of Me. The actress from Berkshire recently reprised her role as Tracy Beaker in My Mum Tracy Beaker, which debuted on 12th February 2021 at 5pm on CBBC.
What else has Dani Harmer been in?
Since Tracy Beaker, the British actress has appeared as herself (Dani Harmer) in a number of TV shows, including Pointless Celebrities, Celebrity Come Dine With Me, Strictly Come Dancing, and The Chase: Celebrity Special.
Dani Harmer attended the 10th series of Strictly Come Dancing and has also appeared in a number of Pantomimes and stage productions.
Speaking of dance shows, she partnered with Tyger Drew Honey in 2012 to contest in ‘Let’s Dance for Sport Relief’. This was a TV show in which celebrities danced to raise money for charity or for a cause. The dancing duo breezed through to the finals and even came second in the show.
Does Dani Harmer have a boyfriend?
Dani’s partner is named Simon Brough, and the pair live together with their daughter Avarie-Belle.
What is Dani Harmer’s net worth?
It is not known exactly how much the British actress is worth, but Net Worth Lists suggests Dani Harmer’s net worth is around $3 million.
Is Dani Harmer on Instagram?
Follow the British actress on @missdanijharmer
How old is she?
The British actress is 32 years old as she was born on 8 February 1989.
Where was Dani Harmer born?
The British actress was born in Bracknell, Berkshire, England.
How tall is she?
Dani Harmer is 5ft 1inches tall.
Dani Harmer Interesting Facts and Biography
Early Life:
The British film and television actress was born as Danielle Jane Harmer on 8 February 1989 in the parish of Bracknell under Berkshire County in England. Her father Andy Harmer is an auto-mechanic and chauffeur, while her mother Jill used to serve as a legal functionary and talent agent for children. Harmer‘s parents divorced while she was still very young.
The Berkshire native has a younger sister named, Betsy who is a professional hairstylist!
Childhood:
The British film and television actress didn’t do too well in her GCSE exams securing a ‘C’ grade, which could be a result of the migraine attacks that she had been experiencing since 11. However, her headache disorder was finally diagnosed five years later. Harmer’s migraine headaches were a big impediment during the entire period of her shooting for ‘The Story of Tracy Beaker’ that ran for five series.
Dani made her stage debut at the age of six:
The British film and television actress first started in the rock musical The Who’s Tommy as Young Tommy – when she was just six.
Dani Harmer has also taken a central role in productions of The Rocky Horror Picture Show as Janet, and pantomimes such as Jack and the Beanstalk and Peter Pan.
Dani received a scholarship to attend Redroofs Theatre School:
The Berkshire actress began drama lessons when she was five years old and just a year later, she went to Redroofs Theater School in Maidenhead, Berkshire, on a scholarship.
According to an interview with The Independent, the actress opened up about her experience at the school. She said: “I think it’s pretty much worse if you go to a theatre school as far as jealousy goes because everyone there’s striving for the same thing. So if you get a part there’s absolutely no way you’re going to get any congratulations from anyone.
“It was like being in Fame 24/7, it was a nightmare. I found the whole thing a bit weird because I am quite a normal person. I think you have to be a certain person to go there and enjoy it.”
Titanic actress Kate Winslet also went to the Redroofs Theater School during her formative years.
Dani released a single called “Free”:
From 2008 onwards, Dani Harmer began focusing on her singing career, signing a recording deal with Universal Music Group, one of the biggest record labels besides Warner Music Group and Sony Music. The £3 million deal was struck around the same time when she was working on her first album titled, ‘Superheroes’.
The lead single of Harmer’s debut record, “Free”, which incidentally became her show, Dani’s House’s theme song. The track/theme song was commercially released in May 2009.
UMG kept on deferring the release of her album Superheroes as the recording company was waiting for sales of the album’s lead single to pick up. Ultimately, Universal Music went ahead and cancelled the album’s release.
Dani updated a post on Twitter sometime later. The post said that she would be refocusing on acting.
Awards:
- Dani Harmer bagged the Children’s BAFTA in the ‘Best Drama’ category for her role in ‘Tracy Beaker Returns’ in 2010.
- The spinoffs of Tracy Beaker programs have also been up for nomination for several prestigious awards, such as a ‘2011 RTS Awards’ nomination in ‘Children’s Drama Category’.
- Her role in ‘Tracy Beaker: Movie of Me’ received a BAFTA Cymru Award nomination in the ‘Best Actress’ category.
She has a gold Blue Peter Badge:
Dani Harmer was the recipient of a Gold Blue Peter Badge, which is Blue Peter’s highest award and is given for exceptional achievement.
She was awarded in 2009 for her portrayal of Tracy Beaker. Other awardees of that year included Usain Bolt, Ryan Giggs, Jessica Ennis, and Gary Barlow.
She was an extra in the first Harry Potter film:
Many big stars have made cameos in Harry Potter, but you may not have known that Dani Harmer had a small role in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
The British actress appeared in the famous scene in the Great Hall, when the new students to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry took turns to sit under the Sorting Hat and find out which house they’d been assigned to.
She performed an original Christmas song for charity:
In 2018, Dani Harmer joined 26 other celebrities on an original Christmas song called Rock With Rudolph. The song was recorded in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital. It had its first TV showing on Good Morning Britain in 2018, and eventually peaked at number two on the iTunes pop chart.
She appeared on The Celebrity Chase:
The British actress faced off against Anne “The Governess” Hegerty in a celebrity special of ITV’s The Chase. The actress made it to the Final Chase game show alongside fellow contestant Chemmy Alcott but sadly Anne caught them! She even had 32 seconds to spare.
Her career as an actress:
6 Years Old:
Dani Harmer received an offer to perform onstage in West End Theater in Pete Townshend’s rock musical, ‘The Who’s Tommy’, While attending drama lessons at ‘Stagecoach Performing Arts’.
This is when she went up on the stage for the first time in her life and also made her small screen debut at the same age when she portrayed Lessy in the TV series, ‘Pie in the Sky’ for the ‘The Apprentice’ episode in 1994.
Around this time, the young actress next appeared in the series, ‘Trial & Retribution,’ as Amy Walker in four episodes that were broadcasted between 1999 and 2002.
12 Years Old:
The British actress then acted in a string of television serials, including ‘The 10th Kingdom’ (2000) and ‘Beast’ (2001) before she bagged her famous lead part of ‘Tracy Beaker’ in ‘The Story of Tracy Beaker’ in 2002.
Bagging the central character’s role at the age of 12 in ‘The Story of Tracy Beaker’ proved to be the turning point in her professional career.
The 12 year old went on to portray the leading character in ‘The Story of Tracy Beaker’ in all five seasons broadcasted from 2002 to 2006.
The series was produced and promoted by BBC’s CBBC channel. During this period, the young actress starred in one episode each of ‘My Family’ (2003) and ‘Mighty Truck of Stuff’ (2003).
14 to 21:
The British actress performed as a mime artist in several pantomimes for a period of eight years from 2004 to 2011.
Dani portrayed Dolly Mixture in ‘Snow White’ (2004) and the protagonist in ‘Peter Pan’ (2005, 2006, and 2010). The British actress mimed a character in ‘Dick Whittington’ (2007) and Cinderella in the pantomime with the same title (2011).
In 2004, Harmer was given the title role of ‘Tracy Beaker: The Movie of Me’, the only full-length telefilm based on the various Tracy Beaker TV shows in which Harmer had featured. The movie was aired on BBC and a DVD version was released on 25 July 2004.
In the years that followed, the Berkshire native kept receiving offers to act in TV serials that helped her to buttress her position in the TV industry in the UK. Dani Harmer played the role of Molly Venables, a main character, in BBC’s sitcom, ‘After You’ve Gone’ from 2007 to 2008. She appeared in several other TV series, including ‘Trial & Retribution’, ‘I’m Karen Taylor’, and ‘Touch Me’. She was one of the anchors on ‘Mighty Truck of Stuff’, a program that aired on Saturday mornings in 2003.
The Berkshire native was featured as a background actor in the first installment of the ‘Harry Potter’ film series, ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’. Wondering what role she played? Dani Harmer is seen inside the Great Hall while new recruits at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry go to sit under the ‘Sorting Hut’.
Dani did some voice acting as ‘Beep Beep’ in the series, ‘The Beeps’.
22 Years Old:
The actress reprised her role as Tracy Beaker in ‘Tracy Beaker Returns’, one of the spinoffs of ‘The Story of Tracy Beaker’. Aired from 2010 to 2012, the show presented Tracy Beaker as an adult who was in her 20s who had started working as a caregiver as well as an author.
A total of three seasons of ‘Tracy Beaker Returns’ were broadcasted, and the last episode was aired in March 2012. The series ended because Dani Harmer had made up her mind not to act as Tracy anymore.
A second Tracy Beaker spinoff called, ‘Tracy-The Dumping Ground’, was created without Harmer featuring in it.
In early 2008, BBC stated that Harmer would be the lead cast of a comedy series for children titled, ‘Dani’s House’. The first episode was broadcasted on 28 September 2008 while the final episode of the fifth season was aired on 12th July 2012.
Harmer also bagged the lead role in the sequel to ‘Dani’s House’ named, ‘Dani’s Castle,’ and the series ran from 2013 to 2015. However, she did not star in the 3rd edition.
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