Despite ongoing controversies surrounding strictly come dancing, Tasha Ghouri eagerly joins the show, excited to prove herself and unfazed by past scandals and the so-called ‘Strictly Curse.’

Tasha Ghouri, the Love Island star, is set to dazzle audiences on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing, unperturbed by recent controversies surrounding the show. Ghouri, who has been eagerly anticipating this opportunity since her stint on Love Island, expressed her excitement and enthusiasm for joining the BBC1 dance competition despite the current turbulence affecting the show.

Strictly Come Dancing is grappling with significant challenges as it marks its 20th year. The show has been mired in controversy following accusations against several professional dancers. Giovanni Pernice faces allegations of misconduct, which he firmly denies, while Graziano Di Prima, recently dismissed from the show, is suing the BBC for unfair dismissal.

Amidst these issues, insiders have noted a reluctance among female celebrities to join the line-up this year, resulting in the lowest number of women ever participating. Nevertheless, Tasha Ghouri, 26, remains undeterred. She has been vocal about her desire to be part of Strictly, which she has been “manifesting” since leaving Love Island in 2022. Ghouri even documented her aspirations in her phone notes, writing, “I will be on Strictly Come Dancing in 2024 or 2025.”

Ghouri’s excitement was palpable when she received the news. She described a deeply emotional moment of disbelief and joy when her management confirmed her participation. “I broke down when my management told me. I actually cried, I didn’t believe it at first,” she shared, recalling the moment she was sitting with her boyfriend, Andrew Le Page, and their dog, Luna.

Despite being an ex of Giovanni Pernice, Ghouri maintains a positive outlook. She dismisses any concerns related to past allegations and focuses on her personal journey on the show. “Me and Giovanni – it’s ancient history. I’m so happy with Andrew,” she says, emphasizing her commitment to her current relationship.

Tasha’s involvement in Strictly also highlights her determination to overcome personal challenges. Born completely deaf and fitted with a cochlear implant at age five, Ghouri has navigated significant hurdles throughout her life. She has received support and advice from Rose Ayling-Ellis, the first deaf contestant to win Strictly, which Ghouri finds invaluable. “Rose’s support gave me a huge confidence boost. She inspired me to take this step,” Ghouri explains.

As she prepares for her dance journey, Ghouri acknowledges the challenges she may face due to her hearing difficulties but is enthusiastic about embracing the experience. “Strictly has been so supportive and said whatever I need, to let them know,” she notes. She is particularly excited about experiencing live music, which she hears through vibrations, and is eager to tackle the new dance styles that Strictly will introduce.

Regarding the infamous ‘Strictly Curse,’ which has previously led to the end of several relationships, Ghouri and Andrew Le Page are not concerned. Ghouri finds the notion of the curse laughable and reassures that her focus is solely on performing well and enjoying the show. “Andrew was so happy for me. He said: ‘I always believed that you would do it,’” she reveals.

The couple, who moved into a new house earlier this year and are enjoying their time together, are not in a rush for any big changes, such as a proposal. Ghouri laughs off speculation about the possibility of receiving both the Glitterball trophy and an engagement ring, saying it’s up to Andrew and she prefers to be surprised.

As Tasha Ghouri gears up for her Strictly journey, she remains focused on showcasing her talent and representing the deaf community with pride. Her determination to enjoy every moment and embrace the experience reflects her positive attitude and readiness to face the challenges ahead.

Analysis:

Political:
Tasha Ghouri’s participation in Strictly Come Dancing amidst controversies reflects broader political and social themes related to public figures and media scrutiny. The show’s challenges and controversies highlight the intersection of entertainment and governance, particularly in how public perception and media coverage can impact the careers and personal lives of celebrities. Ghouri’s resilience and focus on her personal journey rather than the controversies underscore the impact of media narratives on public figures and their ability to navigate such challenges.

Social:
Ghouri’s experience underscores social issues related to disability representation and the personal challenges faced by public figures. Her openness about her deafness and the support from Rose Ayling-Ellis highlights the importance of representation and the impact of visible role models on public perception. Ghouri’s enthusiasm and determination serve as an inspiration, demonstrating how public figures can positively influence societal attitudes towards disability and personal challenges.

Racial:
Although the primary focus of Ghouri’s story is not racial, her participation in Strictly and her candid discussion about her experiences contribute to broader discussions on diversity and representation in the media. By overcoming personal and professional hurdles, Ghouri contributes to a more inclusive narrative, reflecting the ongoing need for diverse representation in entertainment and media.

Gender:
Tasha Ghouri’s involvement in Strictly Come Dancing also touches on gender dynamics within the entertainment industry. The show’s current controversies and the underrepresentation of female celebrities highlight ongoing gender issues in media and entertainment. Ghouri’s participation and her comments on the past allegations involving male dancers reflect the complex interplay of gender, media scrutiny, and public expectations.

Economic:
The controversies surrounding Strictly Come Dancing have potential economic implications for the show and its stakeholders. The ripple effect of negative publicity can impact viewership, sponsorships, and overall financial performance. Ghouri’s participation in the show, despite the controversies, represents an effort to maintain audience engagement and mitigate potential economic losses by highlighting the show’s commitment to diverse and engaging content.