Tracy Beaker Returns interview with CBBC star Dani Harmer
Tracy Beaker Returns star, Dani Harmer chats to NG Kids about the new series, Jacqueline Wilson, and Miley Cyrus...
NG Kids Hi Dani! What can we expect from the new series of Tracy Beaker Returns?
Dani Harmer Oh my gosh, so much happens! We've got stunts, a new character coming in and more madness and mayhem. There's a lot more drama than in previous years and there's some really brilliant storylines where some of the kids find out more about their families.
NGK What funny stuff happened on the set when you were filming the series?
Dani There have been loads of times when we've got into massive laughing fits because someone can't say a line. You just can't stop laughing, so you end up trying to finish the same scene for hours!
NGK Who's your favourite character in Tracy Beaker Returns?
Dani There are so many brilliant characters, but I think my favourite is Gus – his way of looking at life is great. If I wasn't playing Tracy I think I'd like to play Gus. The actor who plays him is nothing like him, none of the cast are really like their characters apart from Amy who plays Carmen, she's equally as dappy as Carmen and we love her for it!
Carmen (played by Amy-Leigh Hickman)
and Gus (played by Noah Marullo)
NGK You must get mistaken for Tracy sometimes – what do you say when that happens?!
Dani People call me Tracy all the time. I don't really mind, it makes me feel like I've done a good job if people actually think I am Tracy. I just go along with it!
NGK How has Tracy changed since you've been playing her?
Dani She's changed quite a lot in the last 10 years. She used to dream a lot about her mum being in Hollywood and make up a lot of elaborate stories but Tracy's realised that's not what happened, and has grown up.
NGK How does it feel when you look back at old episodes of The Story Of Tracy Beaker?
Dani Oh gosh I cringe so much looking back on that series! It was bad enough wearing those clothes that Tracy used to wear but my hair! How could the make-up lady do that to me?! All the time people ask me if my hair was actually cut like that – no it wasn't cut like that, my hair was not like that they used to pin it up!
Dani isn't keen on Tracey's old hairstyle!
NGK What would you like to see Tracy doing in the future?
Dani I have no idea – I was even talking to Jacqueline Wilson about it the other day! I'm not sure whether she'd try and follow her dream of being a writer. She could go anywhere really. I'd like to see her be able to settle down with a family and forget about all her troubles.
NGK We love Jacqueline Wilson – which of her books is your favourite and why?
Dani She is just an amazing writer and she's done so many great books. I've got two favourites – The Suitcase Kid and Double Act. I loved Double Act because it was about twins and one of them wanted to be an actor, so I warmed to that character. And The Suitcase Kid was just brilliant as well because quite a lot of families do go through divorce and it really helped me to realise I wasn't the only one going through it.
NGK What's it like being compared to Miley Cyrus?
Dani I get compared to her quite a lot. It's not a bad comparison but she's a lot younger than me. I don't think Hannah Monatana and Tracy would get on if they met. They'd end up having a massive row and I think Tracy would definitely win!
Catch the new series of Tracy Beaker Returns on CBBC Channel at 5pm from Friday, 7 January! Check out the Tracy Beaker Returns website to find out more, and click here to see which episodes are available on iPlayer. Beakerise yourself here!
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Words: Vincent Vincent
