She skyrocketed to fame after winning Love Island in 2018, becoming a recognised face, even to A-listers such as Margot Robbie and Eddie Redmayne, who both knew her from the show. And, six years after finding stardom, Dani Dyer, 28, is at the start of another life-changing chapter.
Following their July engagement and welcoming twin girls Summer and Star last May, the former reality star is preparing to tie the knot to West Ham captain and boyfriend of three years Jarrod Bowen, 27. In an exclusive interview with Closer, Dani – who has partnered up with her dad, famous East Ender Danny, for a candid podcast – lifts the lid on planning her big day, being a mum to three (she also has a three-year-old son, Santi, from a previous relationship), and what she really thinks of people fancying her dad…
Where are you at with wedding planning?
It’s not really the exciting part at the moment – the beginning bit is always hard, as you’re getting everything organised. But we’ve got the venue booked, and next month I’ve got the dress fitting, which I am really excited about.
Are you going to be a bridezilla?
I’m quite a stressful person. Things can get on top of me sometimes and I’m like, ‘Oh, my god…’ But I do want pastels, and I want the wedding to be beautiful. I want it to be like Bridgerton, with violins and a saxophone player. But then my mum’s like, ‘You’re asking far too much.’ I don’t want to be a bridezilla, but I probably will be to my mum.
What’s on the agenda for the hen do?
There are 17 of us going to Ibiza. I know that I’m going to be put in a football kit, and I really don’t want to be. I was like, ‘I want to look nice. I’m five foot one. Do not put me in football socks.’
What was going through your head when Jarrod proposed?
It was so special. I was a bit like, ‘No, I don’t think he will [propose], because I would know.’ I’m a little bit of a control freak, if I’m being perfectly honest. When we got off the boat and he did it, it was so weird because it was like my heart was beating completely out of my chest. He didn’t realise that he had to put the ring on me. He was like, ‘Oh, do you?’ I said, ‘Did you not watch any TikToks or anything like that?’ And he was like, ‘Nah’, so that’s why I put it on. I was like, ‘We’ll be here all day otherwise!’
What role will the children play on the wedding day?
The twins will be the flower girls. I want Santi to be ring bearer, but Jarrod’s like, ‘He will run off with the rings.’ We’re keeping the wedding for family and really close friends, because it can just go crazy. It’ll be so special seeing the twins walk down the aisle. However, there’s going to have to be rehearsals. They will be two years old, so they might have a little bit more understanding. But we might have to put chocolate buttons or something down the aisle, so then they’ll follow the route to the end. I can’t wait to see Santi in his little suit.
Is life as a mum of three getting easier or harder?
It’s so hard, but I absolutely love it. Having the twins with a three-year-old has been challenging, but it’s so beautiful. Santi is four in January and he’s so much fun – there’s a little bit more negotiation with him. The twins… I’m literally just keeping them alive at the moment. They’re so feral.
You said on the podcast no more children – could you be swayed?
I love newborns and the cuddles, but do I want to do it? You can never say never, but I am swaying more to no than yes.
Does it give you the ick that everyone fancies your dad in Rivals?
It doesn’t! I’ve been so used to it growing up. I’m so proud of him, he’s absolutely smashed it. I think whenever he brings up that he’s involved in something, he’s always so nervous about how he’s going to be perceived. If people fancy him with the wig and the moustache, then they can go for it. I’ve seen it all. He’s had a lot worse with his calendars back in the day.
Why are you two a perfect podcast pairing?
We’ve always been so close – I don’t know if it’s because he and my mum had me so young that I’ve sort of been brought up with them. He’s literally my best friend, and we really enjoy working together. We hope it’s a safe space for people to enjoy it. Nothing is off-topic – we’ve always worn our hearts on our sleeves.
