Everything you need to know about Strictly 2024 contestant Tasha Ghouri
She's paired with Aljaž
It's been two years since she made history by becoming the first deaf contestant to appear on Love Island, and now we are going to be seeing a lot more of reality star Tasha Ghouri, as she's one of the confirmed celebs for this year's Strictly Come Dancing.
As Tasha shows off her moves during the 20th anniversary series, here's everything you need to know about the model from Thirsk.
Who is Tasha Ghouri?
Tasha Ghouri is a reality TV star who appeared on series eight of Love Island in 2022. Before appearing on the show, Tasha worked as a model and dancer.
It's safe to say Tasha was most certainly a marmite contestant with viewers during the first few weeks, before going official with Andrew Le Page and going on to make it all the way to the final on Monday 1st August in 2022.
Since leaving the villa, Tasha has been passionate about raising awareness for the deaf community, working with Number 10 Downing Street, The Department of Education and MED-AL to champion issues close to her heart.
In 2024, Tasha published her first novel called Hits Different, which is a story about how life hits different when you learn to love yourself first.
She also hosts her very own podcast called Superpowers with Tasha.
Is she on Strictly?
She is! Tasha was the sixth celebrity to be unveiled for this year's Strictly Come Dancing, alongside the likes of Shayne Ward, Pete Wicks, JB Gill and Toyah Willcox.
Tasha said of her involvement on the show: “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."
It was later announced that Tasha had been paired with returning pro dancer Aljaž Škorjanec.
Check out the full Strictly line-up below:
Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec
Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe
Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas
Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola
Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell
JB Gill and Amy Dowden
Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal
Wynne Evans and Katya Jones - ELIMINATED
Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu - ELIMINATED
Eliminated in Week Eight.
Sam Quek and Nikita Kuzmin - ELIMINATED
Eliminated in Week Seven.
Dr Punam Krishan and Gorka Marquez - ELIMINATED
Eliminated in Week Six.
Paul Merson and Karen Hauer - ELIMINATED
Eliminated in Week Five.
Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk - ELIMINATED
Eliminated in Week Four.
Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones - ELIMINATED
Eliminated in Week Three.
Tom Dean and Nadiya Bychkova - ELIMINATED
Eliminated in Week Two.
Tasha's Strictly journey:
Week One:
Tasha performed a Cha Cha to 'Espresso' by Sabrina Carpenter in the first week. She finished in second place on the leaderboard with an impressive score of 30 (8+8+7+7).
Week Two:
Tasha topped the leaderboard in Week Two after a stunning performance of a Viennese Waltz to 'Misty Blue' by Dorothy Moore. The pair scored 32/40, with a number of the judges calling it the 'dance of the night'.
Week Three:
Tasha topped the leaderboard for the second week running during Movie Week, scoring 34/40 following a Rumba to 'What I Was Made For' from Barbie. Tasha received a nine from both Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke.
Week Four:
Following a Charleston to 'Unhealthy' by Anne Marie and Shania Twain, Tasha topped the leaderboard with a score of 39/40 during Week Four, her highest score so far!
Week Five:
Performing a Tango to Florence + The Machine's 'Dog Days Are Over', Tasha and Aljaž bagged another impressive score of 34/40.
Week Six:
During Halloween Week, Tasha performed a Samba to 'I Like To Move It Move It'. It was another great week for Tasha, who scored 37/40.
Week Seven:
For Icons Week, Tasha and Alijaz took on a couple's choice routine to 'What About Us' by P!nk. She picked up 37/40 points from the judges, sitting in third on the leaderboard.
Week Eight:
Tasha was back to the top of the leaderboard in Week Eight following a Quickstep to 'Fantasy' by Mariah Carey. Tasha and Alijaz scored 37/40.
Week Nine:
Taking to the iconic ballroom floor in the Blackpool Tower, Tasha once again impressed with a Paso Doble to 'Torn' by Nathan Lanier. Tasha and Alijaz scored 39/40, topping the leaderboard alongside Sarah Hadland.
Is Tasha a dancer?
Tasha does have a little bit on background in dance, taking up ballet when she was just three-years-old. However, appearing on KISS Breakfast in August to announce her upcoming role on Strictly, Tasha confessed she wasn't very good at it.
Later on in her life she trained in commercial streetstyle, featuring in MNEK and Sleepwalkrs music video for their track 'More Than Words' in 2020.
After receiving some criticism for 'having a background' in dance and still appearing on the show, Tasha took to social media to clear things up. She said: 'This has been the hardest secret to keep.. IM GOING ON STRICTLY COME DANCING!!! @bbcstrictly It has been no secret I have craved this challenge for years - I’m still speechless that this is actually happening!
'My passion for dance started when I could feel the bass and vibrations through my body by the huge floor standing speakers in our family home. Hearing the lyrics was down to lip reading the videos on the TV or going on Google and learning them which I still do now and still get them wrong! 😂 I’ve never learned or been taught any of the styles on Strictly so I’m buzzed to push myself past my knowledge and limits 💫
'I hope everyone watching enjoys the entertainment and family togetherness Strictly brings to every living room on a Saturday and Sunday evening!!
'I am dancing to represent and offer confidence to anyone, with a disability or not, that struggles to believe in themselves or the opportunities they could take 💘
'As well as this being my dream, it’s also my families and Andrew’s. Every dance I do is for you all. I can’t wait to make you all proud on the ballroom floor 🤍
'I can’t wait to meet the rest of the contestants. Over the years I have seen how they all connect as a strictly family and push their own limitations so I am super excited & buzzed to really take part in the iconic strictly experience, give it my best shot, work hard & to just put a smile on your faces! ALSO 20th YEAR!! LETS DO THIS!! 💃🤩💘'. (sic)
How old is she?
Tasha Ghouri is 26-years-old.
When is her birthday?
Tasha was born on 11th August in 1998.
After celebrating her 26th birthday in 2024, Tasha took to Instagram to write: 'Chapter 26
'What a week it’s been, I have no words for this year I just feel so so grateful and lucky to be surrounded by incredible people! Very excited for this chapter.
'watched my beautiful best friend get married and I can’t wait to see your journey together! I had the beautiful birthday gift of being your bridesmaid 🤍 Yesterday was just so magical but no more tequila please 😂 @ffion_rrees
'@andrewlepage I love you, thank you for being amazing 🤍'. (sic)
Where is she from?
Tasha is from Thirsk in the county of North Yorkshire, England.
Is Tasha deaf?
Tasha made history when she become the first ever deaf person to appear as a contestant on Love Island.
Tasha quickly told her fellow Islanders, admitting she wears a cochlear implant, which is a complex electronic device that can help to provide a sense of sound to a person who is profoundly deaf or severely hard-of-hearing.
Admitting her family and friends find her inspirational, she said: "They would definitely describe me as wild. I can get very wild on a night out, I’m definitely a party animal. I love my prosecco and to have a dance - I’m always on the dance floor. I’m very loyal to my friends and family, I’ll always have their backs. I’m the type of person to put others before me.
"They would definitely say I’m a nap queen - I love napping! I think they’d also say I’m inspirational because of my hearing and my cochlear implant. I inspire quite a lot of people because I’m really open about it."
Tasha will be the second deaf contestant to appear on Strictly, following in the footsteps of Rose Ayling-Ellis, who was crowned the champion in 2021.
Did Tasha Ghouri win Love Island?
Although she made it all the way to the final, Tasha didn't win Love Island in 2022.
Alongside boyfriend Andrew, Tasha finished in fourth place behind Indiyah Polack and Dami Hope, Gemma Owen and Luca Bish, and winners Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and Davide Sanclimenti.
WINNERS: Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and Davide Sanclimenti
63.69% of the vote.
2ND PLACE: Gemma Owen and Luca Bish
14.47% of the vote.
3RD PLACE: Indiyah Polack and Dami Hope
11.77% of the vote.
4TH PLACE: Tasha Ghouri and Andrew Le Page
10.07% of the vote.
How tall is she?
Tasha is 5ft 7inches tall.
Is Tasha still with Andrew?
She is! After becoming an official couple in the Love Island villa and saying the 'L' word, Tasha and Andrew's romance is still going strong in the real world.
Andrew has been spotted at the Strictly studio supporting Tasha, and she's recently admitted she will marry him one day.
Check out their entire relationship timeline below:
June 2022: Andrew enters the Love Island villa
27-year-old real estate agent Andrew Le Page entered the Love Island villa on Day One in June 2022, admitting he fancied giving the show a go because he was 'single for once'.
June 2022: Tasha enters the Love Island villa
23-year-old model and dancer Tasha Ghouri made history during the 2022 series when she became the first ever deaf contestant to enter the Love Island villa. Just like Andrew, Tasha joined on Day One.
June 2022: Love Island viewers pair Tasha and Andrew
With both Tasha and Andrew entering the villa on Day One, viewers at home decided to pair them together during the first vote.
June 2022: Tasha and Andrew get to know each other
After enjoying a week getting to know each other, Andrew chose to stay coupled with Tasha during the first recoupling of the series.
June 2022: Tasha and Andrew spend a night in The Hideaway
Following a successful two weeks together, the Islanders voted that Tasha and Andrew become the first couple to gain access to The Hideaway, a private room in the main villa.
June 2022: New boy Charlie takes Tasha on a date
Despite being coupled up with Andrew, bombshell Charlie Radnedge chose to take Tasha on a day in The Hideaway's hot tub, where she admitted she was "open to having conversations".
June 2022: Andrew recouples with Tasha much to the disappointment of other boys
After new boy Charlie chose to couple up with Ekin-Su, Andrew once again chose Tasha, leaving the rest of the boys in the villa disappointed in his decision, with them thinking Tasha was 'playing' Andrew.
June 2022: Tasha and Andrew argue over the Heart Rate challenge
After bombshell Danica Taylor admitted she fancied Andrew earlier in the day, things took an awkward turn during the 2022 Heart Rate challenge, when Andrew's HR was raised the most by Danica, not Tasha!
Not taking kindly to the news, this resulted in an argument between Tasha and Andrew.
July 2022: Tasha and Andrew escape being dumped
After failing to win over viewers, Tasha found herself in the bottom three of least popular girls, whilst Andrew was in the bottom of the least popular boys.
Luckily for the pair, their fellow Islanders chose to save them!
July 2022: Andrew kisses Coco during Casa Amor
Although it had looked like Andrew was going to remain loyal to Tasha during the infamous Casa Amor week, after the Casa bombshells entered and 'warned' Andrew about Tasha's behaviour, he didn't waste time in getting to know Coco Lodge.
Speaking on The Terrace, Andrew said: "I did want to talk to you, as I know we had a chat this morning. You know you are my type and I definitely wanna get to know you more."
Coco replied: "Cute, why do you wanna get to know me?"
With Andrew adding: "I'm not going to lie, you're a bit of me."
July 2022: Tasha kisses Billy during Casa Amor
Andrew wasn't the only one who swayed during Casa Amor week, Tasha also kissed new boy Billy Brown!
July 2022: Both Tasha and Andrew recouple after Casa Amor
Following their antics during Casa Amor week, it perhaps wasn't too surprising when Andrew chose to recouple with Coco, and Tasha returned to the main villa with Billy.
Despite both being unfaithful, Andrew couldn't control his emotions during the most dramatic Casa recoupling in history, calling Tasha 'fake' and branding her 'Pinocchio' in front of their fellow Islanders.
July 2022: Andrew "licked her t-- or whatever"
After being annoyed that Andrew cooled things off with her, Coco revealed some intimate details to her fellow Islanders about what really went on with Andrew under the covers.
With the gossip making its way around the villa, Andrew chose to confess to Tasha, leaving fans in hysterics with his now iconic line of: "I licked her t-t or whatever."
July 2022: Tasha asks Andrew to be her boyfriend
In one of the biggest U-turns in Love Island history, after making up and forgetting about Casa Amor, Tasha decided to make things official with Andrew, enlisting the help of her fellow Islanders to ask him the big boyfriend question.
Tasha set up a number of hand-written notes in special places for Andrew to find in a treasure hunt, whilst she hid nervously awaiting his response.
Luckily, Andrew said yes!
July 2022: Tasha and Andrew recouple after Casa Amor drama
Tasha and Andrew were officially reunited during the seventh recoupling, looking happier than ever.
July 2022: Tasha and Andrew become parents
Well, not officially! But Tasha and Andrew did take part in the 2022 Baby Challenge, which involved them being parents to their fake son Leo.
Andrew melted the hearts of viewers during the task when he told his son about Tasha's 'superpower', being that she wears a Cochlear implant.
July 2022: Tasha and Andrew enjoy epic final date on Love Island
Tasha and Andrew left the villa to enjoy an incredible Kardashian-inspired epic date before the final.
As they reminisced, Andrew said: "I literally adore you."
Tasha added: "I never thought I'd ask a guy to be my boyfriend. I felt it had to be me to do it, to prove to you, to show you, I'm willing to do this, I'm ready to be 100% for you and all for you. That shows to me how it should be."
July 2022: Tasha and Andrew meet each other's parents
Just days before the final, Tasha and Andrew's parents both entered the villa! Although Tasha's dad Tarek grilled Andrew on his fling with Coco, the families seemed to get along just nicely.
August 2022: Tasha and Andrew finish in fourth place
After making it to the final, Tasha and Andrew finished the series in fourth place with 10.07% of the vote.
The pair finished behind Dami and Indiyah, Luca and Gemma, and winners Ekin-Su and Davide.
August 2022: Tasha and Andrew return to UK and discuss plans to move in
Upon returning to the UK and sharing this selfie at the airport, Tasha discussed the idea of moving in with Andrew, saying: "I like to have a bit of banter. I've never been in love before, and the way I love Andrew is the first time I've felt it. I do get a bit ahead of myself.
"I need to remember to live in the moment and just think one step at a time. Definitely we'll move in, for sure, as we're both in London."
August 2022: Andrew gushes over Tasha as she celebrates her birthday
When Tasha turned 24 on 11th August, Andrew paid tribute to his girl on social media with a gushing tribute. He wrote: 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY 🍾🎊Tasha Amber Ghouri happy birthday, you honestly deserve the world and I feel like the luckiest lad in the world to be celebrating it with you.
'I'm so proud of everything you've achieved in such a short space of time. You really are SO special and if I'm honest my inspiration. Tonight we celebrate you being you which if you didn't know is the most beautiful, caring and loving girl on the planet.
'Hope you have the best day/night or whatever 😘I love you with my whole heart ❤️ @tashaghouri'. (sic)
August 2022: Tasha and Andrew get matching tattoos
Tasha and Andrew cemented their love for each other just weeks after returning to the UK, opting to get matching rose tattoos. Whilst Tasha was inked on her neck, Andrew got his tat on his hand.
August 2022: Andrew commits to BSL course with Tasha
In a Q&A video on Tasha's YouTube page, Andrew admitted he was going to complete a British Sign Language (BSL) course. He said: "It's definitely something I definitely wanna learn. I know it means a lot to Tash and it would be a pretty cool skill to have."
September 2022: Andrew and Tasha reveal they are moving in together
Speaking to the Mail Online in September, Tasha confirmed she was moving into a two-bedroom apartment with Andrew in east London!
In late September, the pair then documented their move on Instagram.
October 2022: Andrew and Tasha enjoy a trip to Dubai
Love bird Andrew and Tasha enjoyed their first proper holiday together since meeting on Love Island, taking a trip to Dubai in October. The couple share a number of cute snaps from their time in the UAE.
October 2022: Andrew and Tasha attend the Pride of Britain Awards
On Monday 24th October, Andrew and Tasha walked the red carpet together at the 2022 Pride of Britain Awards, looking more loved-up than ever. The pair attended the event alongside the likes of Ekin-Su and Davide, and Gemma and Luca.
October 2022: Andrew surprises Tasha with sign language tattoo
Andrew reminded Tasha just how special her 'super power' is to him in October when he surprised her by getting a tattoo in tribute to her. The cute tattoo is hand signing the words 'I love you' in British Sign Language, whilst holding a cochlea implant.
November 2022: Andrew and Tasha attend the TV Choice Awards
Andrew and Tasha looked more loved-up than ever in November 2022 as they attended the TV Choice Awards hand-in-hand.
January 2023: Andrew and Tasha celebrate 6 month anniversary
Following a lovely holiday together in Australia to ring in the New Year, Andrew and Tasha celebrated their six-month anniversary in the second week of January. Both shared cute messages to mark the occasion on social media.
March 2023: Tasha spoils Andrew for his birthday
To celebrate his 28th birthday on 7th March, Tasha went out all to make her man feel special! She wrote on Instagram: 'Happy birthday to my lover, best friend and soul mate. I'm eternally grateful that you came into my life in 2022. Ever since then we've just grown together. I'm such a lucky girl to be able to experience your love, smile and just you every single day. Here's to 28! I'm proud of you 🌹'. (sic)
June 2023: The pair adopt a dog together
In June 2023, Tasha and Andrew announced the sweet news that they had adopted a dog together! Sharing a series of cute pics on Instagram, they revealed she is called Luna. Tasha wrote: 'We the cool dog parents now 🐾 🐶🫶🏼 Luna we love you so much! Thank you @aloradogrescue and Homeward bound for getting her to us safely 🥹 anyone looking to adopt I can't recommend Alora dog rescue enough! Huge thank you 🤍'. (sic)
July 2023: Tasha and Andrew celebrate one year together
On 13th July 2023, Andrew and Tasha celebrated their one-year anniversary since becoming official boyfriend and girlfriend in the villa! Posting this cute snap, Andrew wrote on Instagram: '1 whole year with this unbelievable human ❤️ she truly is one of a kind and I am so lucky to be by her side everyday. This year has been a whirlwind for both of us but I couldn't be prouder of everything you've achieved. 1 year complete, now for the rest of our lives to go 🫶🏼❤️ I love you so much @tashaghouri'. (sic)
August 2023: Andrew shares a sweet message for his girl's birthday
On 11th August 2023, Andrew shared a sweet message for Tasha on his Instagram page, wishing her a happy birthday as she turned 25-years-old. Sharing a series of playful photos of Tash, Andrew wrote: 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATASHA! Woohoo celebration time ahhhhhhh 🤘🏻🤘🏻 I hope you have the bestest day ever you little worldie. I love you so much 🤍 25 😅🫣you're getting old babe but I still love you. Thank you for always making me laugh I dunno where I'd be without you'. (sic)
The Love Island star then added: 'Swipe for some fit pics 🔥🤣', with the post containing some more 'candid' snaps, should we say, of Tasha. Fans were quick to comment on the lovely post, with many overjoyed at how strong the couple still are since appearing on the show.
December 2023: Tasha and Andrew celebrate Christmas together
Sharing a cute photo alongside their dog Luna on Christmas Eve, the loved-up pair wrote: 'Merry Christmas from us! Second Christmas together and we have Luna with us, our little family🎄🤍 @lunalepage_'. (sic)
February 2024: Tasha and Andrew become homeowners
After moving in together in 2023, Tasha an Andrew took things a step further in early 2024, buying their first home together and becoming homeowners! The pair shared this cute photo in their front garden, writing: 'From the love island villa to home owners 🏡 We're so excited that we'll be doing a full house renovation and making magic! We'll be sharing all the transformations on @lepageproperties it's going to be a wild ride but there's no-one else we'd both rather do it with! We already have exciting plans for this house.. let's get our renovation boots on and work some magic ☁️🤍 Also we're just happy for @lunalepage_ to have her own garden now eeeek!!!'. (sic)
March 2024: Tasha gushes about Andrew for his birthday
Whilst enjoying a holiday together in the Maldives, Tasha shared a gushing tribute to her boyfriend as he celebrated his 29th birthday in March 2024. She wrote: 'Happiest of birthdays to this one @andrewlepage, celebrating you! Nearly two years we've been together and everyday I look at you and think how did I get so lucky. 💫
'I love your resilience, the way you turn any negatives into positivity always, you always make me laugh until my cheeks hurt, your kindness.. the way you are just so kind with integrity, the way you lead with love, the way you make sure everyone around you is okay and feel welcomed, you create such a safe space where I feel relaxed and safe in your arms, your bravery inspires me with what you've gone through in life but yet you push through and show that you are unstoppable. You are my rock and I'm your biggest cheerleader 📣 you're so so special to me 🫶🏼
"True love is six little words, "no matter what, I got you."
'I love you endlessly. Here's to many more candles to blow, cards to read, you're the person I want to grow old with, hand in hand, we always have each other through the highs and lows, you stole my heart and it's always yours, you take such good care of it, my soulmate. Every chapter with you is so magical 🧚♂️🥹🤍'. (sic)
July 2024: Andrew and Tasha celebrate two-year anniversary
Two years after meeting in the Love Island villa, Tasha and Andrew celebrated their two-year anniversary on 13th July 2024. Sharing the cute snap to her Instagram, Tasha wrote: '2 years together. Forever to go 🤍♾️'. (sic)
August 2024: Andrew supports Tasha and she's announced for Strictly
Tasha was the sixth celebrity to be announced for the 2024 series of Strictly Come Dancing in 2024, and Andrew was quick to publicly express his pride and support for his girl. He commented: 'Dream come true 👏❤️'.
Andrew was spotted in the crowd as Tasha performed her first live dance on Saturday 21st September.
September 2024: Tasha calls Andrew her Prince after Strictly support
After Andrew was in the crowd supporting Tasha during her first dance on Strictly, she later took to Instagram to call him her Prince. She wrote: 'My man, my everything. I once dreamed of having my prince and I found him @andrewlepage I know at the moment i don't get to see you much, I come home from rehearsals and he is always there ready for cuddles on the sofa with Luna and a cheeky takeaway! (Sometimes 😉) most of the time I take out my implant and I fall asleep early but you are so understanding and know that's what I need, my anchor 💫
'Seeing you at the live show meant the world, this picture makes me smile in so many ways because this is so magical, cheering me on! And I'm always cheering you on. I'm so grateful for you 🥹
'Thank you for being patient with me and supporting me so much on this amazing journey!! 🤍 at least now I don't have to keep mentioning everyday how much I want to do strictly! 😂 we did it and you believed in me so much I could do it 🌟 we have each other always, thank you and I love you. I hope I'm making you proud x' (sic)
September 2024: Tasha admits she will marry Andrew one day
During an appearance on Strictly: It Takes Two with her pro partner Aljaž Škorjanec, Tasha said about Andrew: "He's just so supportive in everything I do, and he knows how much this really means to me. That's my future husband right there. He's so amazing and I love him to pieces."
Did Tasha from Love Island date Giovanni Pernice?
According to reports, Tasha briefly dated former Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice before entering the Love Island villa.
A source close to Tasha told the Daily Mail: "Giovanni was persistent when it came to Tasha.
"They have a lot in common, both being dancers, and he had just learned a lot about the deaf community performing with Rose on Strictly, who Tasha really admires.
"Tasha was impressed by how gentlemanly he was, taking her out to top London restaurants and offering to send cars to collect her, but she's independent and always made her own way to see him.
"Their romance didn't progress because Giovanni was travelling a lot with the Strictly tour and Tasha was already involved with someone else."
Why did Tasha sign up for Love Island?
Speaking about why she signed up for Love Island, model and dancer Tasha told bosses: "My dating life has been a shambles. This is an opportunity for me to find ‘the one’ and have a great summer at the same time.
"I’m definitely ready for a relationship. I’m 23 now so I’m ready to get to know someone, go on holidays and travel with them. "
What is Tasha Ghouri's Instagram?
You can follow Tasha on Instagram at @tashaghouri
She currently has over 1.4 million followers.
You can watch Tasha every weekend on Strictly Come Dancing.