Love Island star Tasha joins Strictly line-up

Tasha Ghouri is a model, author and podcaster from Thirsk in North Yorkshire

Love Island star Tasha Ghouri, from North Yorkshire, has been announced as the sixth celebrity contestant to take part in the next series of Strictly Come Dancing.

The model, author and podcaster, who uses a cochlear implant, became Love Island's first deaf contestant when she appeared in 2022, eventually finishing joint fourth on the ITV show with boyfriend Andrew Le Page.

Ms Ghouri, from Thirsk, was born deaf and is an advocate for the deaf community.

She 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 favourite, so this is a total dream come true.”

Ms Ghouri released her debut novel, Hits Different, in June and she hosts the Superpowers with Tasha podcast.

'Make everyone proud'

As a child, she attended a dance school in Thirsk run by teacher Hannah Tweddle.

In 2022, before Ms Ghouri's appearance on Love Island, Ms Tweddle told the BBC: "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 the sound really easily. She was good."

Today, Ms Ghouri has more 2.2 million followers across her social media networks.

She has worked with Number 10 Downing Street and the Department for Education to champion issues on behalf of people who are deaf.

She said going on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing would be "an unforgettable experience".

"I hope to represent and make everyone proud out on that dancefloor," she added.

In 2021, actress Rose Ayling-Ellis was the first deaf contestant to win Strictly Come Dancing.

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One for the 20th year this autumn, with other contestants including comedian Chris McCausland, JLS singer JB Gill and opera singer Wynne Evans.

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