Danny Dyer and Dani Dyer take on caravan park challenge
Danny Dyer and his daughter Dani Dyer are now managing a holiday park on the Isle of Sheppey, England, in an effort to revive the fading charm of the British caravan holiday. Their new roles come as the park faces skepticism from residents about their abilities to turn it around, reports BritPanorama.
They have been documenting their experiences at Priory Hill and Nutts Farm for a new Sky series, The Dyers’ Caravan Park. The pair are embracing their responsibilities, having taken on tasks such as grass mowing and maintenance around the park. “We’ve mowed the grass,” Dani shared, while Danny humorously noted, “Yeah, we f**ked the grass up,” highlighting the learning curve they are encountering.
The park, consisting of two sites—Priory Hill with chalets and Nutts Farm with caravans—was chosen by Dyer for its potential, though he acknowledges that the reputation of such holidays has declined. “It’s just not got a good reputation at the moment,” he explained. “It’s about trying to get the next generations coming through involved.” This reflects a larger sentiment as many younger people may favour international travel over domestic holidays.
Their beginnings have not come without challenges. Dyer admitted to facing resistance from staff and residents who were initially skeptical about the celebrity-led management. On their first day, he had to miss the park’s opening to present a Brit Award for a movie, frustrating some early visitors. “Some people were a bit pissed off,” he admitted. Balancing responsibilities between the park and his acting career, which includes projects with Disney+ and Channel 4, creates a busy schedule for Dyer.
Dani, meanwhile, is coping with her responsibilities as a mother of three while managing her role at the park. “I am 80 per cent exhausted,” she noted, but expressed her love for the work. “I love what I do, and I adore my children so much.” Her efforts to take on practical tasks at the park provide her with a sense of fulfillment, contrasting the pressures of her public persona.
Both Dyers are motivated by personal connections to caravan holidays; for Danny, they represent cherished childhood memories. “We used to piss in a bucket; now all caravans need Wi-Fi because children are obsessed with their screens,” he said, reflecting on how times have changed and the need to adapt to new expectations.
Their involvement in the park is a significant personal investment, with Danny having put his own money into it. This venture is more than mere entertainment for the audience; it reflects a deeper commitment to restoring the traditional British holiday experience. The strategy pursuing a renewed appreciation for caravan parks appears to come with sincerity and an understanding of the challenges involved.
As they strive to engage with the community, the Dyers are also exploring innovative ideas, like holding fun events for residents. “We had the Granddaddy National, which is the old boys having a race, and the winner got a week of free fry-ups,” Danny said. These initiatives may contribute to rekindling community spirit within the park.
Having garnered some acceptance from residents, the Dyers face the ongoing task of establishing their credibility and proving their dedication. Danny reflects, “I’ve always been very much me and I love these surroundings. Around the other peasants!”
With the launch of The Dyers’ Caravan Park, viewers will witness the tribulations and triumphs of Danny and Dani as they try to restore not just a park, but a sense of community and belonging to the great British holiday tradition.
The Dyers’ Caravan Park starts on Tuesday at 9pm on Sky Max.