TGtB Meets... Dani Harmer

We've been speaking with this year's Panto star, Dani Harmer on her role as Cinderella, life after Tracey Beaker, and what she's got planned for 2015...

How does it feel to be playing the lead in this year’s Panto?

I love Cinderella; it was one of my favourite stories growing up. It’s only my second time playing the role, so it’s still fresh and I’m really excited!

Have you been to Bath before, and if so what do you think of the city?

I’ve never been to Bath before, but everyone’s been telling me how wonderful the city is so I’m looking forward to having a look around.

I’ve not had a chance to do any exploring yet, as we’ve been busy with the panto launch and meeting all the cast. But hopefully when we’re back for rehearsals I’ll have time to wander round a bit!

Is there anything on your check list to do whilst you’re here in Bath?

Oh gosh! I have no idea – I could really do with a tour guide! I need some sort of map, and someone to point out where I should go.

Obviously, you rose to fame as the star of Tracey Beaker, how did you manage to land the role?

I was just really lucky, I went to the audition and I got it! It was a bit like a job interview; I went to the audition, and they must have liked me and I got it! It was all very quick really – and I was only 12 and I was really excited as I was already a huge fan of Jacqueline Wilson. It was such a great experience, we had so much fun and had no idea how popular it would become – so looking back now it was just crazy!

What are you doing now?

I’ve been very busy, obviously I appeared in Strictly and I’ve been touring with them for a couple of years now. I then went straight into the Rocky Horror show and I’ve opened my own performing arts school – so I’ve been super busy!

I've always wanted to open a school, I had a bit of experience going to a performing arts school I just wanted to give something back. I knew who I wanted to work with in term of the staff and it is something I’ve thought about for years. So, after strictly happened I thought well now's the time. I’ve had one open for about a year now, with plans for the next one to open in January - so it’s all a bit busy really!

Let's talk Strictly – what was it like touring with Pasha and having Vincent as your partner on the show?

It was lovely dancing with Pasha on tour, obviously Vincent was my partner on the show, and although they are completely different dancers, it was a pleasure dancing with both of them.  But if I’m honest, I didn’t mind getting that close to Pasha as he is quite gorgeous!

What’s your favourite thing about Christmas?

Because I work every Christmas, to me Panto is Christmas! I think that’s probably the most exciting thing for me, being in a show – and obviously the presents and the food!

I will be in Bath all over Christmas for the Panto – but I’ll be coming back Christmas eve to see my family and then coming back to bath on Boxing Day. It’s only a short amount of time with them but it’s worth it!

What’s top of your Christmas list this year?

I have no idea! I always struggle with Christmas lists. I prefer to give presents rather than receive them - so I don’t really know what’s on top of my list! Although some new clothes would be nice!