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Tracy Beaker Star Dani Harmer Is 30 Today

Tracy Beaker Star Dani Harmer Is 30 Today

The star of the classic kids' series turned 30 today

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

You'll no doubt remember Dani Harmer as the actor behind the feisty titular character in the CBBC adaptation of Jaqueline Wilson's The Story of Tracy Beaker.

I mean, who could forget such savage digs as 'bog off' and 'I'd rather be buried up to my neck in cold custard'?

That classic kids' series first aired back in 2002 and ran until 2005 - along with a few special episodes since - telling the story of young Tracy Beaker, her pals and her enemies as they tackled their youths from inside a children's home (or the 'Dumping Ground', as they called it).

A lot has changed in the 14 years since the programme wrapped - not least the fact that Harmer has just turned 30, and she's even become a mother, having given birth to daughter Avarie-Belle Betsy Rachel Brough last December.

Speaking to Hello! Magazine, she said that her and partner, Simon Brough, were 'in a complete little love bubble' following the birth of Avarie-Belle.

Dani Harmer in 2014.
PA

However, she also revealed the birth itself hadn't been quite so idyllic - after a gruelling three-day labour left her exhausted, and in need of a 'traumatic' emergency caesarean.

"I was devastated. I cried a lot," she said.

"My birth plan was literally 'birthing pool, whale music, no drugs, let's just try and be really hippy about it and do some breathing' - but it just turned into the complete opposite.

"This is why I don't think birth plans are a good idea. You really, really can't plan."

Boyfriend Simon said he had 'never felt prouder' of someone after what Dani went through, adding: "What was really incredible was seeing Dani progress through pregnancy. There's that sort of age-old argument that, 'Oh yeah, being pregnant isn't too difficult,' coming from a bloke. But seeing Dani carry a baby, do shows, work around the house, carry on with running her performing arts academy... All of these things.

"It was just the most amazing thing and I've never felt prouder of someone. She's been a real testament to how strong a woman is. She's definitely not one to be trifled with."


via GIPHY

Harmer's recent shift into motherhood has also been mirrored by her Tracy Beaker alter-ego, as the author of the original book, Jacqueline Wilson, revealed in her new title that Tracy would be a grown woman living the life of a single parent on a council estate with her daughter.

Wonder if Harmer would be up for drawing from her new adventures as a mother to reprise her role as Tracy...

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Entertainment, TV and Film, Celebrity, UK