From the moment she stepped onto the dance floor on Strictly Come Dancing this autumn, Love Island's Tasha Ghouri marked herself out as one to watch. And with the reality star going from strength-to-strength, a spot in this year’s final seems all but guaranteed.
The sequins and sparkle of Strictly are worlds away from Tasha’s first introduction to the public, as a contestant on Love Island in 2022. The model, 26, made history as the first ever deaf islander, and is continuing to break boundaries with her moving performances on the dance floor with partner Aljaž Škorjanec.
How has your Strictly experience been so far?
Tasha: I’ve loved every single second, it’s genuinely been the best time of my whole career so far.
You two get on like a house on fire. What kind of teachers and students are you both?
Tasha: I remember when we all first met each other, I pretty much said, ‘I want Aljaž to be my teacher’ straight away. I go into rehearsals with a massive smile, and I leave with a massive smile.
Aljaž: I feel on Strictly, whoever is in front of you, as long as you find your little way of doing this show for the love of it, you can’t go wrong. But having someone like Tasha, who is so up for the training and able to take the information in to get better every single week, that makes it even more rewarding. It’s the easiest thing to choreograph, to teach, to perform.
Tasha: We’ve formed a great friendship throughout this, especially with Janette [Manara], too. They are both such lovely people inside and out, and it’s nice to be around that energy. Honestly, he’s been an incredible teacher. So patient, so understanding. I can’t fault him in any single way.
There’s been a lot of talk about your dance experience and position on the show – how has that affected you?
Tasha: There was a lot of noise after we did the Charleston and I started feeling like, ‘Do I even deserve to be here?’ There was a point in rehearsals where Aljaž and I had a heart-to-heart and he picked me up and said I do deserve to be here. We’re in this together.
Aljaž: We have a great relationship, I feel like it’s the easiest thing to overcome.
Tasha: I let that noise cloud my head a bit in rehearsals, but eventually I thought, ‘I’m here for myself. I’m not going to let it get to me and I’m going to work hard.’
It must be wild watching this sassy version of yourself back on TV…
Tasha: When I watch it back on YouTube, it doesn’t feel real. But in ten years’ time, when I’m old and maybe have a child, you never know, I can watch these videos back and be proud of what I’ve done and the sass I’ve shown. And that’s the beauty of it, you know. I’ve seen so much improvement already from week one, so I’m excited to see where else I can go now.
Have you noticed many changes in your body, too?
Tasha: I mean, my stamina is definitely better. I couldn’t even get through the Cha Cha in the first week – after doing one run through, I was literally struggling and sweaty. I definitely have got a lot fitter. It really is amazing how your body can just transition. It’s only been a few weeks, but it’s an everyday process.
Would you describe yourself as body confident?
Tasha: I would say so. I haven’t always been body confident growing up, but I am happy with where I am and my image now. But I love takeaways, I love having Domino’s. I love having a curry, so I’m not massively conscious about my body image. I love every part of it.
We’ve all seen Andrew supporting you in the front row – how is he helping you out behind the scenes?
Tasha: He’s been great. You know, it’s a lot. I don’t see him as much, obviously, because I’m at rehearsals, I go home late, I’m tired. But he’s been so supportive and I couldn’t ask for anything more. He watches it on a Saturday night, comes to rehearsals sometimes and we’ve been on a double date, which is lovely.
So would the Glitter Ball and an engagement ring make the perfect Christmas?
Tasha: The goal for Strictly, for me, is not necessarily winning. Just being in the final would be an absolute honour. And the engagement ring, there’s no pressure for that. You know, when it happens, it’ll happen. Trust the process!
