Dani Dyer has revealed being the daughter of EastEnders star Danny Dyer isn’t her only claim to fame.
The 21-year-old, who is set to star in ITV2’s new reality show Survival Of The Fittest, has admitted she used to hang out with a two-time Oscar nominee.
Sharing the identity of her A-list pal, she said: “I’ve been baby sat by Keira Knightley. I was really young. My dad was filming with her ex-partner who she was with and she was on set.
“I must have been about seven or eight. She used to take me swimming. She was like a bigger sister to me and I loved her. It’s only when I got home that I realised she was in Bend It Like Beckham.”
She added: “Now look at her! I hope she remembers me.”
Keira went on to win high acclaim for roles in films such as Atonement and Pride and Prejudice, and is one of Hollywood’s most in-demand actresses.
She now needs her own babysitters, as she had daughter Edie with husband James Righton in 2015.
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Meanwhile, Dani is hoping her participation in Survival Of The Fittest will enhance her own fame and work opportunities.
She’s had a number of small acting roles but her occupation is described as “barmaid” in the TV show’s promotional material.
On the new ITV2 show, from the makers of Love Island and hosted by Laura Whitmore, she’ll join a team of girls pitted against the boys in a battle of the sexes.
The contestants – who are all single – will face a series of mental and physical challenges on the set in South Africa.
Dani said she can’t wait to take part but she’ll miss her family as she’ll have no contact with the outside world.
She said her dad, who plays Mick Carter in EastEnders, is proud of her for taking part.
“He is excited about me being on the show. When I first told him, like any dad, he had his protective hat on and said, ‘Don’t do anything silly.’ Now he is getting it and he said ‘it feels real now and I’m so proud of you,’ she said.
“He knows the person I am and he is really excited and it’s nice to have that support at home.
“He probably will be emotional as well. My mum and dad will be watching it every single night.”
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Survival Of The Fittest starts on Sunday, 11 February at 9pm on ITV2.
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