Find local news in Kent

Home   Dartford   News   Article

I'm A Celeb star Vernon Kay scared by snake on ITV Game of Talents by Dartford care home's Danielle Martin

17:33, 21 May 2021

updated: 15:12, 24 May 2021

I'm A Celeb star Vernon Kay thought his days facing creepy crawlies were behind him but that was until he came across a Kent care home worker whose snake charming routine gave him another hair-raising moment on TV.

Danielle Martin, whose day job sees her work alongside residents at The Old Downs in Hartley near Dartford, took to the stage in ITV's new show Game of Talents.

Snake charmer Danielle Martin gives Vernon Kay a fright on ITV's Game of Talents. Video: ITV/YouTube

Performing under her stage name Daniella D'Ville, Danielle brought her 7ft albino Burmese python on to the stage draped over her shoulders and charming the reptile in front of Vernon.

The routine, performed to Hugh Jackman's The Greatest Show from the hit musical movie, saw her whip cracking and dance routines which culminated in Danielle ending the performance with the splits.

Danielle, who has held seven Guinness World Records and worked alongside Hollywood stars including Julie Walters and Samuel L Johnson, has not taken to the stage at all during the pandemic and it was her comeback performance.

Having worked as a classical dancer and performing around the world in horror-themed circus act and spending 11 years performing her one-woman show, theatre shows, festivals, cabarets, TV and corporate events, Danielle is now recreation and wellbeing champion at The Old Downs bringing her shows to residents at the home.

Former I'm A Celeb star Vernon Kay is given a fright by Danielle Martin, who works at a Dartford care home, and her 7ft albino Burmese python. Picture: Thames/ITV
Former I'm A Celeb star Vernon Kay is given a fright by Danielle Martin, who works at a Dartford care home, and her 7ft albino Burmese python. Picture: Thames/ITV
Snake charmer Daniella D'Ville, whose real name is Danielle Martin and works at a care home near Dartford, gives Vernon Kay a fright with her 7ft albino Burmese python. Picture: Thames/ITV
Snake charmer Daniella D'Ville, whose real name is Danielle Martin and works at a care home near Dartford, gives Vernon Kay a fright with her 7ft albino Burmese python. Picture: Thames/ITV

She was cheered on by colleagues and residents back home in Kent when she appeared in the show's sixth episode which aired last Saturday.

Combining the spectacle of a large-scale variety show with a game show concept, two teams of contestants are joined by celebrity guests to figure out the surprising talents of the mystery performers. The series aired for the first time last month.

In Danielle's episode, contestant Matt joined radio presenter Clara Amfo and successfully guessed her hidden talent.

Speaking after the performance, Daniella said: “It felt so great to put on a costume and get back on stage after a year off."

Snake charmer Daniella D'Ville, whose real name is Danielle Martin and works at a care home near Dartford, gives Vernon Kay a fright with her 7ft albino Burmese python. Picture: Thames/ITV
Snake charmer Daniella D'Ville, whose real name is Danielle Martin and works at a care home near Dartford, gives Vernon Kay a fright with her 7ft albino Burmese python. Picture: Thames/ITV

The episode is available to watch again on ITV Hub.

For more quirky and unusual stories, click here

Read more: All the latest news from Dartford

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More