Dani Harmer facts for kids

Dani Harmer (born Danielle Jane Harmer on 8 February 1989) is an English actress and TV star. She is most famous for playing Tracy Beaker in many CBBC shows. These include The Story of Tracy Beaker (2002–2006) and Tracy Beaker Returns (2010–2012). She was even nominated for a BAFTA award in 2010 for her role.

Dani also starred in The Tracy Beaker Survival Files (2011–2012). Later, she returned as Tracy in The Dumping Ground (2018, 2025). She continued the story in My Mum Tracy Beaker (2021) and The Beaker Girls (2021–2023).

Besides Tracy Beaker, Dani played Molly Louise Venables in the BBC One show After You've Gone (2007–2008). She also had her own CBBC sitcom, Dani's House (2008–2012). This show won several awards from BAFTA Kids. Its spin-off was Dani's Castle (2013–2014). Dani also sometimes presented Friday Download and other CBBC clips.

In 2012, Dani competed in Let's Dance for Sport Relief. She was a runner-up with Tyger Drew-Honey. Later that year, she joined Strictly Come Dancing. Partnered with Vincent Simone, she reached the final and finished in fourth place.

Early Life and Training

Dani Harmer was born and grew up in Bracknell, Berkshire. Her parents are Jill and Andy Harmer. She has a younger sister named Betsy.

From age five, Dani took drama lessons at Stagecoach. When she was seven, she won a scholarship. This allowed her to attend Redroofs Theatre School. She left school with three GCSEs.

Acting Career Highlights

Dani's first stage role was at age six. She appeared in the musical The Who's Tommy in the West End. She has also performed in many pantomimes. These include Snow White (2004) and Peter Pan (2005, 2006, 2010). She also played the main role in Cinderella (2012).

Her big break came when she got the lead role in CBBC's The Story of Tracy Beaker. She starred in five series of the show. She also appeared in the movie Tracy Beaker's Movie of Me.

Other TV shows Dani has been in include Trial & Retribution, My Family, and Pie in the Sky. She was also a presenter, known as a "packer," on the show Mighty Truck of Stuff in 2006.

In 2010, Dani returned as Tracy Beaker in Tracy Beaker Returns. In this series, Tracy was a care worker. She had written a book about life for children in care. Three series of Tracy Beaker Returns were made. Dani decided to leave the role in 2012. A spin-off show, The Dumping Ground, was created. Dani later returned for a couple of episodes in 2018.

She also starred in Dani's Castle, a spin-off from Dani's House. This show aired from 2013 to 2015.

In 2018, Dani joined 26 other celebrities. They performed a Christmas song called Rock With Rudolph. The song was made to help Great Ormond Street Hospital. It was released digitally on 30 November 2018. The music video was shown on The Sun and Good Morning Britain. The song reached number two on the iTunes pop chart.

In 2020, it was announced that Dani would play Tracy Beaker again. This was for the 2021 CBBC series, My Mum Tracy Beaker. The show follows Tracy as a single mother. It focuses on her relationship with her 10-year-old daughter, Jess.

Dani also runs her own performing arts academy. It's called The Dani Harmer Academy. It's in Berkshire. The academy teaches drama, dance, and singing to young people. Dani is also an acting coach there.

Personal Life

On 28 June 2016, Dani Harmer had her first child, a daughter named Avarie-Belle Betsy Rachel Brough. In August 2021, Dani and her partner Simon Brough shared that they were expecting their second child. Their son, Rowan León James Brough, was born on 7 February 2022.

Filmography

Television Shows

Films

Theatre Performances

Strictly Come Dancing Journey

In 2012, Dani Harmer was a contestant on the BBC dancing show Strictly Come Dancing. She was paired with professional dancer Vincent Simone. They danced their way to the grand final. They finished in fourth place overall.

Awards and Recognitions

In 2010, the show Tracy Beaker won a Children's BAFTA for Best Drama. Dani was nominated for her acting as Tracy Beaker. The show also received a nomination at the 2011 RTS Awards. Dani was nominated for a BAFTA Cymru for Best Actress for her role in Tracy Beaker's Movie of Me. Her popular CBBC show, Dani's House, was nominated for a Children's BAFTA in 2009.

In 2009, Dani Harmer received a special Gold Blue Peter Badge. This was for her role as Tracy Beaker.