Dani Harmer returns to Tracy Beaker next month as skint, single mum whisked off her feet by millionaire footballer

DANI Harmer will be returning to our screens next month as her iconic alter-ego in a brand new series - My Mum Tracy Beaker.

The 31-year-old actress, who is best known for her role in the popular CBBC drama which first hit our screens in 2002, is about to embark on a new chapter of her character's life.

The Story of Tracy Beaker, which is based on the novel of the same name written by Jacqueline Wilson, premiered almost 20 years ago on TV.

It has gone on to become one of the most popular franchises of all time, with six books, three TV series, a number of successful spin-offs and a television movie.

In 2013 Dani decided to step down from her role as Tracy, but now she's finally back.

The latest spin off explores the bond that Tracy (Dani Harmer) has with her 10-year-old daughter Jess (Emma Maggie Davies) - something that Tracy has longed for since she was a little girl.

Their story is told through Jess' eyes and follows how they struggle to get by as just the two of them.

When Sean Godfrey (Jordan Duvigneau), a rich retired footballer comes on the scene, Tracy thinks that all their money problems will be solved...

Will Tracy's foster mum Cam step in if she gets in trouble like when she was younger?

Dani isn't the only star reprising her role on the show.

Lisa Coleman will be returning to our screens as Tracy's loving foster mum Cam, many will also recognise Ruth Gemmell as Tracy's distant mother Carly and Montanna Thompson will be remitting her role as the protagonist's bitter rival Justine Littlewood.

The franchise began all the way back in 1991 when author Jacqueline Wilson wrote The Story of Tracy Beaker, a book about a 10-year-old girl in foster care who lashed out at the world due to all the neglect she received as a child.

It was then turned into a TV show in 2002 and ran for three years - with Dani as the lead star.

It explored the lives of many characters who lived in a foster home Elm Tree House, which they nicknamed "The Dumping Ground".

Fans of the show become firm favourites of the original characters - which include the likes of Tracy, Justine, Louise, Lol, Bouncer and Tracy's best mate Ben.

The care workers who looked after them - Jenny, Shelley, Nathan, Duke, Elaine and Mike - also made a huge name for themselves.

Four years later, the first spin-off - Tracy Beaker Returns - aired for a total of three series before finishing up in 2012.

After going behind foster mum Cam's back, Tracy ran back to Elm Tree House and asked for a job off her good pal Mike, who looked after her as a child.

She becomes an assistant care worker and uses her past to try and help the children with their problems.

The second spin-off The Dumping Ground hit our screens in 2013 and is currently on its eighth series.

The show follows the lives of children living in the Ashdene Ridge foster care home and explores many important issues surrounding family, relationships, mental health and LGBTQ+ whilst growing up in care.

My Mum Tracy Beaker will premiere on CBBC and BBC iPlayer at 5pm on Friday 12 February.