Shoppers at Merry Hill shopping centre were left astonished when a woman dancing outside a Bodycare store turned out to be a familiar face from children's television. The performer, dressed in a bright orange Bodycare uniform, was later identified as Montanna Thompson, best known for playing Justine Littlewood in the CBBC series The Story of Tracy Beaker.
The 37-year-old actress was at the centre to mark the launch of a new Bodycare store, and she did not hold back as she danced to a remix of Britney Spears' hit Toxic. Onlookers watched as she gestured for members of the crowd to join her on stage, and it was only then that many realised who she was.
Shoppers react to surprise celebrity sighting
Once the penny dropped, reactions poured in from shoppers and fans alike. One person wrote: "She is such a sweetie. We did love her before, but even more so now we meet her inna di flesh. Love love love!" Another added: "She's exactly who I thought she would grow up to be."
Some fans went further, suggesting she should be "put in the next Celebrity Big Brother" because she would create brilliant television. The idea of a Dani Harmer, who played Tracy Beaker herself, and Montanna Thompson combination in the house was also floated by fans, who said they would love to see the two on screen together again.
From TV nemesis to beloved icon
Montanna first appeared as Justine Littlewood in The Story of Tracy Beaker in the early noughties. She later reprised the role in Tracy Beaker Returns, My Mum Tracy Beaker and The Beaker Girls. The character was famously Tracy Beaker's nemesis, but fans have noted that the actress herself comes across very differently in real life.
People described her as a "lovely" individual who "comes across so well" in interviews, in stark contrast to her on-screen persona during her childhood years. The actress has also featured on social media alongside Dani Harmer, lip-syncing to original Tracy Beaker content, which has delighted fans. One follower commented: "Omg lol this is so cute! Mad we're all grown now lol feels like yesterday getting home watching you two lol."
Life beyond the screen
Away from acting, Montanna is a mother to a son named Coby, who was born in 2017. In various interviews, she has revealed that both she and her son have Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a rare and hereditary skin condition that causes fragile skin to blister and tear easily.
Otherwise, she keeps her private and romantic life mostly out of the public eye. The event at Merry Hill marked a rare public appearance for the actress, who continues to be remembered fondly by fans of the beloved children's series.
