SHE’S the second most famous Dyer around.
But Dani Dyer wasn’t actually named after her famous dad Danny, her mum Juana has explained.
Juana said Dani was actually named after Portuguese footballer Dani – seen here on the pitch in the red and white strip[/caption]
Juana revealed that she actually came up with the moniker because of West Ham player Dani – aka Daniel da Cruz Carvalho.
In a chat with Dani on her and Danny’s Live and Let Dyer podcast, the former Love Island star read out a question from a listener: “Why did you name Dani after Danny?”
But Juana replied: “I didn’t! I named you after Dani, the West Ham football player.
“And that’s why you’re spelt D-A-N-I after Dani.”
Dani then chimed in to say that most of the other women she knows with the same name spell it with two N’s.
“So everyone spells my name wrong whenever they write it down,” she said.
The 28-year-old also asked Juana what she would have called her if she was a boy, to which her mum replied: “Jose…”
“I would have named you Jose Pepito!”
“Mum, what the hell?” Dani exclaimed.
What makes thinks even more surprising is that Dani’s fiancé Jarrod Bowen plays for West Ham.
“The fact that that she named him after a West Ham footballer and now she is with a West Ham footballer,” one wrote in the comments of the video of Dani and her mum, as a clip of the podcast was shared on TikTok.
“I used to love Dani!” another added.
“I remember going to the training ground to see him.”
“I met the Portuguese player Dani,” a third commented.
“He was a handsome b**ger.”
“I used to fancy that Dani the footballer,” someone else said.
How Dani Dyer transformed her reputation
The daughter of everyone’s favourite EastEnders geezer Danny, is currently living the high life.
But Dani has had a rollercoaster few years, from her Love Island win back in 2018, to watching her son’s father Sammy Kimmence go to prison for fraud, and now navigating her glamourous new life as a WAG and mother of twin babies.
In recent years, Dani has completely shaken off the ‘chav’ persona, and has become one of the most well-known of the current England WAGs.
Fabulous spoke to celebrity PR expert Ed Hopkins to find out the key steps Dani has taken to reinvent herself, including the tips she has borrowed from iconic WAG Cheryl Cole.
Ed revealed that Dani’s ability to navigate personal challenges, such as the scandal involving Sammy, has greatly played a crucial role in her reinvention.
Ed said: “By openly discussing her struggles and triumphs, she has built a strong, relatable persona.
“Her transparency about her personal life, including solo parenting and dealing with public scrutiny, has garnered significant public support and empathy.”
He also shared that Dani’s openness in discussing the challenges of motherhood, has helped to transform her reputation.
Ed said: “This openness has made her more relatable to a broader audience, particularly young mothers. She balances her public image by sharing both the joys and hardships of parenting, creating a more nuanced and authentic brand.”
Dani is often seen supporting West Ham winger Jarrod, including during England’s devastating loss to Spain in the 2024 Euros.
Her unwavering support for her partner, has cemented her as one of the most well-known WAGS of this generation, according to Ed.
He said: “Her active support for Jarrod, including attending football matches and engaging with fans, mirrors the strategies used by high-profile WAGs like Cheryl Cole and Victoria Beckham, who also stood by their partners publicly and built their own identities alongside them.”
Not only this, but Ed revealed that Dani has been able to stay relevant over the years due to her candid use of social media.
He said: “Dani has consistently used media platforms to share her narrative, from interviews to social media updates.
“She has managed to stay relevant by engaging with her followers through candid posts and professional collaborations.
“This approach is reminiscent of how Victoria Beckham transitioned from pop stardom to a respected fashion designer, using media to reframe her public image.”
As another laughed: “Dani, you know this already, surely?!”
“No… cause shut the f**k up,” someone else marvelled.
“She named you after that hottie Dani? So what’s the lore?
“Your mum thought he was hot?”
“People always spell my name with ‘NN’, but I’m a Dani (name’s actually Danielle),” another said.
“Really annoys me when it gets spelt with double N!”
Dani and Jarrod – who share daughters Star and Summer together – are engaged and due to wed later this year.
Ex Islander Dani is also mum to three-year-old son Santiago from a previous relationship.
Dani and sister Sunnie are seen with dad Danny here at the Brit Awards[/caption]
