Family has always been at the heart of Dani Dyer’s world, and as she prepares for her Strictly Come Dancing debut, she’s giving fans a glimpse into her home life, her famous dad’s sense of humor, and the unwavering support of her husband, footballer Jared Bowen.
Why Danny Dyer Won’t Be Doing Reality TV Anytime Soon
When asked if her dad, actor Danny Dyer, would ever consider a stint in the I’m A Celebrity jungle, Dani didn’t hesitate.
According to her, the EastEnders star has no interest.
“He told me, ‘Dan, I’d be bored. I’d just end up snoring everyone to death,’” she laughed.
Strictly had also come knocking for Danny, but he turned down the offer.
Instead, he’s leaving the dance floor spotlight to his daughter.
Dani added that some people even got confused when news of her signing broke: “Because it was on the radio, a lot of people thought it was him!”
Life as a Newlywed and Mum of Three
This year has already been a whirlwind for Dani. She married Jared Bowen in May, and the couple are raising their twin girls, Summer and Star, along with Dani’s son, Santiago, from a previous relationship.
She made sure to stress just how strong her family bond is:
“Dad absolutely loves Jared—he adores him.
And me and Jared are so in love. Honestly, I feel very lucky.”
Her dad may not be swapping EastEnders for a jungle or a dance floor, but he’ll be in the Strictly audience cheering her on.
Dani admitted, “He gets really emotional about things. He’s a proper girl dad, and he’s just so proud.”
Jared Bowen’s Role in Dani’s Strictly Prep
It’s not just her dad who’s excited—her husband Jared is already involved in the Strictly journey.
Dani joked that she’s even roping him into practice sessions at home.
“I told him, ‘We’ve got to have a little dance in the kitchen!’ He’s so supportive, I’m so lucky.”
The couple had a playful first dance at their wedding earlier this year, which Dani recalled fondly:
“We only had two days to practice, and Jared said, ‘I’ll just spin you around, pick you up, and kiss you at the end.’
It wasn’t anything massive, but it was really special.”
Juggling Strictly Training with Parenthood
Strictly rehearsals are famously intense, and Dani admits the hardest part will be spending time away from her children.
But she feels this is an opportunity she couldn’t say no to.
“It’s once in a lifetime,” she said. “And my eldest absolutely loves dancing—he’s into Katy B now, so I know he’ll be proud.”
She’s determined to show her kids the joy of chasing dreams and making the most of opportunities.
Childhood Dance Memories and Facing Criticism
Some critics have questioned whether Dani has an unfair advantage, but she insists her dance experience is minimal.
“When I was little, I went to a small class in East London called Peggy O’Farrells, but once I hit my teenage years, I lost confidence.
I regret stopping because I really loved it.”
Now, she’s thrilled to rediscover that childhood passion.
“Strictly has been even better than I imagined,” she shared. “It’s just so fun. I come home buzzing.”
A Glittering Line-Up for Strictly 2025
Dani isn’t the only big name heading to the ballroom this year.
She’ll be joined by an eclectic cast including Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston, rugby player Chris Robshaw, drag performer La Voix, former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, and reality TV favorites like Vicky Pattison and Thomas Skinner.
For Dani though, the focus is personal.
“Being on Strictly is honestly the second best thing I’ve done this year—marrying Jared will always be first,” she said with a smile.