A surprising revelation has stirred the memories of Emmerdale fans and stirred up some major “what if” scenarios in the world of British television. Actress Dani Harmer, best known for her iconic role as Tracy Beaker in the beloved CBBC franchise, recently opened up in a TikTok video about the roles she nearly landed early in her career. Among them was none other than Debbie Dingle in Emmerdale—a role that eventually went to Charley Webb and became one of the soap’s most complex and beloved characters.
Harmer revealed that before she stepped into the role that defined a generation—Tracy Beaker—she was actually a strong contender to play Debbie Dingle. She recalled getting “quite far” in the audition process, suggesting she was seriously considered for the role. However, in her own words, she believed she ultimately didn’t land the part because she wasn’t Northern, a factor that likely influenced casting given Emmerdale’s Yorkshire setting. Harmer candidly admitted, “I don’t think I was ever right for that, but what could have been. But definitely weren’t right for that one.”
Reflecting on her audition history, Harmer seemed amused at the idea of being part of the Emmerdale universe, calling it “weird” to imagine herself in the Dales. Despite missing out on the role of Debbie, she didn’t have to wait long for her breakthrough. A year later, she was cast as Tracy Beaker—a role that would not only catapult her to fame but remain central to her career for decades through sequels and spin-offs like My Mum Tracy Beaker and The Beaker Girls.
Interestingly, Debbie Dingle would go on to become a staple in Emmerdale history. Portrayed by Charley Webb from 2002 to 2021 in several stints, Debbie evolved from a rebellious teen to a fierce, independent mother with a dark and complex storyline. It’s hard for fans now to imagine anyone else in that role, but Harmer’s revelation opens the door to imagining an entirely different direction for both her and the character.
But Emmerdale wasn’t the only near-miss in Harmer’s early career. She also shared that she was in the final running for one of the leading roles in the hit children’s sitcom My Parents Are Aliens. Though she didn’t get the part, Harmer admits she was “gutted” by the loss. However, not long after that setback, she secured her breakout role as Tracy—a character whose tough upbringing, fiery attitude, and fierce independence struck a chord with millions.
Perhaps the most unexpected audition she mentioned was for the role of Lilly Truscott, Miley Cyrus’s best friend in the Disney Channel mega-hit Hannah Montana. While Disney briefly considered casting a British actor to star alongside Cyrus, Harmer was given a very quick, almost blink-and-you-miss-it audition. “It was about a three-second audition,” she laughed, noting how producers eventually went with American actress Emily Osment. Even so, the idea of Dani Harmer living the Disney Channel dream and sharing screen time with Miley is a tantalizing alternate reality.
Reflecting on all the opportunities she almost had, Harmer seems philosophical. “What could have been, eh?” she mused in the video, before concluding with wisdom that only someone seasoned in the unpredictable entertainment industry could deliver: “Everything happens for a reason.”
In an interesting twist of timing, the character of Debbie Dingle was actually mentioned in a recent Emmerdale episode. As her daughter, Sarah Sugden, braced herself to share some serious news, Debbie interrupted the conversation with a shocker of her own: she’s emigrated to Australia. The off-screen revelation left fans stunned and added another chapter to Debbie’s unpredictable story, even if she’s not currently on screen.
It’s poetic, in a way, that Debbie’s name is still making waves just as Dani Harmer shares how close she came to becoming her. The mention of Debbie’s move abroad also suggests the door is being left ajar for future storylines, perhaps even a dramatic return someday. As for Harmer, her legacy as Tracy Beaker is firmly cemented, but it’s fun to think about the path not taken—a world where she was causing chaos in the Dales instead of the Dumping Ground.
In the end, both Harmer and Charley Webb found their perfect roles, each captivating audiences in their own right. But fans now have an intriguing bit of TV trivia to mull over: a parallel universe where Dani Harmer wasn’t Tracy, but Debbie Dingle—trading social workers and sassy comebacks for love triangles, long-lost relatives, and the rolling hills of Yorkshire.
Whether it’s on the cobbled streets of Weatherfield, the fields of Emmerdale, or the brightly colored bedrooms of CBBC, one thing is clear—Harmer’s talent was always destined to find its spotlight. And as she reminded fans with a smile: every missed opportunity led to the role she was meant to play.
