Tasha Ghouri, widely known as Love Island’s first-ever deaf contestant, is set to take on a new challenge as she joins the cast of Strictly Come Dancing. The 26-year-old model, TV personality, and charity ambassador rose to fame during her time on Love Island and gained attention for her appearance as an ASOS model proudly showcasing her cochlear implant and hearing aid. Hailing from Thirsk in North Yorkshire, Ghouri was born deaf and received her first cochlear implant just before her fifth birthday, which greatly improved her hearing by stimulating the auditory nerve.
Having appeared on popular shows like Countdown, CelebAbility, and The Weakest Link, Ghouri is no stranger to the spotlight. She co-authored a novel titled Hits Different, which tells the story of a woman with disabilities pursuing a career in dance and touring with a global superstar. Additionally, Ghouri hosts a podcast called Superpowers with Tasha and has a background in dance training from Creative Academy, where she has competed in various dance events and music videos.
Expressing her excitement about joining Strictly Come Dancing, Ghouri shared her disbelief that she is part of the show she watched while growing up and described it as a dream come true. Drawing inspiration from dancer Rose Ayling-Ellis, the show’s first deaf contestant who won in 2019, Ghouri aims to represent the deaf community and make her family proud on the dance floor. Known for her advocacy work with organizations like the Department of Education and charity MED-AL, she continues to raise awareness about issues affecting the deaf community.
Ghouri’s journey in the entertainment industry extends beyond her TV appearances, as she has collaborated with brands like Ann Summers, L’Oreal, and Lullabellz. As an advocate for normalizing the deaf accent, she uses her platform to promote inclusivity and challenge stereotypes. Despite referring to her deafness as a ‘superpower,’ Ghouri has acknowledged the challenges she faces, including sensory overload leading to exhaustion and migraines.
With her passion for dance stemming from feeling music’s bass and vibrations, Ghouri is eager to push her limits on Strictly Come Dancing and explore new styles outside her comfort zone. As she embarks on this new chapter of her career, Ghouri’s journey from Love Island to Strictly Come Dancing serves as an inspiring example of determination and resilience in pursuing one’s dreams.