Strictly Come Dancing’s 2024 launch show is hitting screens this weekend, with each of the famous faces set to be partnered up with the professional dancers.
The celebrity line-up was confirmed last month, among them former Love Island Tasha Ghouri, 26. The reality star, who was born deaf, paid a heartwarming tribute to previous winner Rose Ayling-Ellis, 29.
Former EastEnders star Ayling-Ellis was the first deaf contestant on the show and won in 2021 alongside Giovanni Pernice, 34.
When asked about following in the actress’ footsteps, Ghouri paid tribute to Ayling-Ellis, explaining how she “looked up to” the Strictly winner.
“It’s a privilege,” she replied. “Rose opened up the door for all of us. She was the first person I really looked up to on TV.
“She’s the first person that elevated the deaf community. What’s fantastic is that we’ve really got different experiences with our deafness and what we can bring to the table.”
Tasha Ghouri paid a sweet tribute to Rose Ayling-Ellis
PA
Speaking at this week’s National Television Awards, she went on to detail how she trains with a hearing impairment.
“It’s exactly the same for me as Rose, I feel the music, base and the beats,” she explained.
“With the counts, that’s where I’m struggling a little bit. What I’m used to is five, six, seven, eight. But the counts are off with the music, so I feel like I’m not in time.
“I’m having to feel the music and play the sounds in my head. It’s a weird way but that’s how my brain works.”
Tasha Ghouri paid a sweet tribute to Rose Ayling-Ellis
PA
The sign-up of the former Love Island star has been the cause of some controversy though, with many arguing Ghouri is a trained dancer and that she has an “unfair advantage” over the other contestants.
Ghouri appeared on ITV’s Love Island in 2022 and has since amassed a following of more than 2.2 million across her social media network.
The reality star has also worked with 10 Downing Street, The Department of Education and MED-AL to champion issues close to her heart as well as being a published author following her debut novel Hits Different and podcast host on Superpowers with Tasha.
However, she has also worked as a dancer, which some fans took issue with over her Strictly sign-up.
According to Move It Dance, Ghouri worked as a self-employed dancer behind a bar. She has also appeared in music videos and has in the past suggested that filming for Love Island had obstructed her filming for the 2023 film Barbie, which she had auditioned for as a dancer.
Giovanni Pernice and Rose Ayling-Ellis won Strictly in 2021
PA
Move It Dance also goes on to say the TV personality graduated from Creative Academy and has “excelled in various dance contracts”.
As the news broke about her Strictly sign-up, an excited Ghouri stated: “Pinch me, I can’t believe I’m going to be on Strictly Come Dancing!
“I’ve been watching the show since I was little – it’s a firm Ghouri family favourite – so this is a total dream come true.
“I know it’s going to be an unforgettable experience and I hope to represent and make everyone proud out on that dancefloor.”
Quotes provided at the NTAs in association with Fake Bake and Press Box PR.
