Love Island star Tasha Ghouri, hailing from North Yorkshire, has been confirmed as the sixth celebrity participant for the upcoming season of Strictly Come Dancing.
Tasha, a model, author, and podcaster who uses a cochlear implant, made history as Love Island’s first deaf contestant in 2022, finishing in joint fourth place with her boyfriend Andrew Le Page. Born deaf and raised in Thirsk, Tasha is a passionate advocate for the deaf community.
Expressing her excitement, Tasha said, “I can’t believe I’m going to be on Strictly Come Dancing. I’ve been watching the show since I was little, and it’s a firm Ghouri family favorite, so this is a total dream come true.”
In addition to her TV fame, Tasha released her debut novel, Hits Different, in June and hosts the podcast Superpowers with Tasha. Reflecting on her early years, her dance teacher Hannah Tweddle from Thirsk recalled, “When she was younger, we didn’t really make too many changes for her. She could hear enough, and with very bassy music, she picked up the rhythm and sound easily. She was good.”
With over 2.2 million followers on social media, Tasha has also collaborated with Number 10 Downing Street and the Department for Education to advocate for the deaf community. She expressed her enthusiasm for joining Strictly Come Dancing, calling it “an unforgettable experience,” and added, “I hope to represent and make everyone proud out on that dancefloor.”
In 2021, actress Rose Ayling-Ellis became the first deaf contestant to win Strictly Come Dancing. The show returns to BBC One this autumn for its 20th season, featuring other contestants like comedian Chris McCausland, JLS singer JB Gill, and opera singer Wynne Evans.
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