Get ready Great Britain, there’s a new pop princess in town, in the form of none other than Tracy Beaker actress Dani Harmer. Having recently signed a £3m record deal with Universal Music/Decca Records, I caught up with the rising star to find out more about her venture into the music industry.
Congratulations on the record deal Dani. How do you feel about been tipped as Britain’s answer to Hilary Duff?
Really good actually, I’m proud to be waving the flag for us British.
So how did the pop career come about? Had you always wanted to sing?
It’s something that I’ve never thought about doing to be honest. I’ve trained to sing since I was younger because I enjoy singing but I never really thought about it as a career and I was asked to do it a couple of years ago and I thought it was such a good idea so I went with it.
What genre of music will you be singing?
Pop, rock, indie, dance, it’s all in there really.
Who are your musical idols?
I really like old classic rock bands like Queen and Led Zeppelin and Guns N' Roses but I like all the new indie bands like the Wombats and Scouting for Girls too.
Have you written any of the material for the upcoming album?
No, maybe on the second album if this one goes well. I’m actually learning to play the ukulele at the moment, an interesting instrument!
Do you have diva potential?
I’m really not like that. I don’t have that in me. I’ve got such good friends and a wicked family who always keep me grounded. I just don’t have that diva side in me.
You’re best known as your role as Tracy Beaker. Did you expect it to become as popular as it has?
We started it so long ago and back then we just planned to do one series, 26 episodes, 15 minutes long. It started at 4:00 and I thought ‘who’s going to watch that? Hardly anyone will be back from school’ but now, I think it’s been repeated 80 times which is just insane. I really had no idea it was going to be as big as it was.
So do you and Tracy share any similarities?
I think we’re quite different, well, I hope we are anyway! She’s a real brat. I do sometimes have my temper tantrums like most people but I’m not as bossy as her.
So will we not see a return of the Beaker?
No, we did five series. We finished it about four years ago but whether she’ll return again or not, you’ll have to keep your eye out I suppose.
Who have you enjoyed working with the most in your career so far?
That’s so difficult. I’d have to say Celia Imrie who plays my nan in After You’ve Gone. I’ve always wanted to work with her since I was young and I didn’t know she was going to be in it so when I first turned up for the read-through, she was sat next to me and I was just so star struck. I could watch her all day, she’s amazing.
Been star struck by anyone else?
Yes, I met Pierce Brosnan once. He was at Pine Wood Studios. I was doing a crime drama and he just randomly came up and started speaking to me, but it’s so weird that people get star struck because they really are just normal people, but he was very tall and very handsome.
I’ve heard rumours that you’re in the running to be Doctor Who’s next assistant. Any truth in that?
I know I’ve heard that too, I wish! To be honest, I’ve not heard anything but if they want to come knocking at my door, feel free!
Apart from the single, any more projects in the pipeline?
Yes, we’re doing two more series of Dani’s House this year which is awesome so I think that will take up the rest of my year but you never know what’s around the corner really.
Thanks for talking to us Dani and good luck with everything!
Thankyou.
Dani’s debut single Free is released on 25 May.
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