Dani Harmer has the kind of fanbase many performers her age dream of.

As Tracy Beaker in the hugely popular CBBC programmes, based on Jacqueline Wilson’s books about a headstrong girl growing up in care, she gained a loyal following of young fans.

Dani, 23, went on to make her mark in the pop world, clinching a £3 million record deal and recording an album, Superheroes, in 2009. She also became a children’s TV presenter and starred in her own sitcom, Dani’s House.

When she competed on last year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing she became the judges’ sweetheart, reaching the semi-final with her professional partner, tango champion Vincent Simone.

Dani is putting her dancing skills to use in a new production of The Wizard of Oz, rolling into Bradford this spring. She stars as Dorothy, alongside impressionist and former EastEnders actor Bobby Davro as the hapless Scarecrow.

The show is billed as a pantomime version of the much-loved musical.

“The Wizard of Oz has always been a favourite of mine but, let’s face it, there’s only one Judy Garland! What a legend,” she says. “As this is a pantomime version, I can put my own spin on the character.

“I love panto. I love to combine the acting, singing and dancing. It’s such fun, especially working with this team. We have a right giggle.”

Danie was 12 when she landed the role of Tracy Beaker, a role that came with quite a bit of responsibility.

“I learned so much, not just about acting but also life in foster care,” says Dani. “I met foster children and carers and it gave me a real insight into how the system works. It’s been fantastic to hear how Tracy Beaker has had a positive effect on some children in care.”

She may be all grown up these days, as she showed with a few raunchy numbers on Strictly, but she still gets stopped by fans who will always see her as Tracy Beaker.

“It still feels a bit surreal, to be honest,” she says. “I’ve recently finished the last series of both Tracy Beaker Returns and Dani’s House so I think that’s the last of children’s TV for the time being. My other potential projects are aimed at a more mature audience, but I can’t really say any more.”

Strictly introduced her to a new audience, and rekindled her love of dancing.

“I’ve danced since the age of three and apparently I was always performing. I started part-time drama school at the age of six and landed the part of ‘Tommy, age four’ in Tommy The Musical (based on music by The Who) in the West End,” she says. “I was then offered a scholarship for a full-time theatre school which had its own agency, and from then on I was auditioning for TV and film.

“Strictly Come Dancing was the best experience of my life. We lived in each other’s pockets for ten weeks and it upsets me to think I’m not going to be seeing my Strictly family every day anymore.”

Dani remains refreshingly down-to-earth for someone who has grown up in the spotlight. “It’s been manic work-wise so I tend to spend my spare time just chilling. I love just watching TV and DVDs and listening to music. Give me a sofa, duvet and the box set of Friends or Glee and I’m happy!”

The Wizard of Oz is at St George’s Hall on April 12 and 13. For tickets ring (01274) 432000.