Tasha Ghouri Breaks Down on Strictly Come Dancing Over Online Hate
Tasha Ghouri was visibly emotional on Saturday night’s episode of Strictly Come Dancing, sharing her painful experiences with online hate stemming from her disability. The 26-year-old former Love Island contestant, partnered with professional dancer Aljaz Skorjanec, captivated the judges with their performance of Pink’s “What About Us,” earning a joint high score of 39 for the series.
However, it was before their impressive dance that Ghouri opened up about the cruel comments and videos circulating online that targeted her speech. Born deaf and using a cochlear implant, Ghouri became the first deaf contestant on Love Island in 2022, where she finished in fourth place alongside her partner, Andrew Le Page, with whom she remains in a relationship.
Reflecting on her journey, Ghouri recounted how her time on Love Island, which she joined to find love and raise awareness for the deaf community, quickly turned sour. After her appearance on the reality show, she was inundated with harsh remarks that made her feel she had disappointed not only herself but also the deaf community at large.
“My dad had to sit me down after the show and said, ‘Tash, there’s a lot of horrific stuff that’s been said about you on social media,’” she recalled. “There were videos made about my voice and the way I speak, and it became a trend at one point.” The toll of this online bullying left her feeling like she had hit “rock bottom.”
“I wanted to represent the deaf community, and it felt like I failed, not just for myself, but for everyone else too,” Ghouri admitted, her emotions spilling over during the interview. Despite the negativity, she declared that she wouldn’t allow the trolls to win. “I’m going to use my platform to educate people,” she stated, emphasizing her commitment to advocacy.
With over 2.2 million followers on her social media platforms, Ghouri has leveraged her visibility to work with significant organizations, including Number 10 Downing Street and the Department for Education, to advocate for the rights and issues facing the deaf community.
As she prepared for her debut on Strictly Come Dancing, Ghouri expressed her excitement and disbelief at being part of such a beloved show. “I can’t believe I’m going to be on Strictly Come Dancing. I’ve watched it since I was little, and it’s a family favorite, so this is a dream come true,” she shared.
Her participation in the show marks a significant moment, following in the footsteps of Rose Ayling-Ellis, who made history as the first deaf contestant on Strictly and ultimately took home the trophy. The night’s performances honored various iconic artists, including Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, as part of the show’s inaugural Icons Week.
Ghouri and Skorjanec were not alone at the top of the leaderboard. JLS singer JB Gill, partnered with professional dancer Lauren Oakley, also scored 39 points for their routine, showcasing the level of talent and determination present in this season’s contestants.
The show’s atmosphere was charged with emotion, not only for Ghouri but for the entire cast. However, the night was not without its challenges. Professional dancer Amy Dowden, who was partnered with Gill, had to miss the previous results show after being hospitalized as a precaution due to feeling unwell. Oakley stepped in to perform a lively medley of Bruno Mars songs with Gill, securing their place at the top.
As the celebration of icons continues, viewers can look forward to more stunning performances, including a special Beyoncé medley on Sunday night, featuring Johannes Radebe embodying the singer’s alter ego, Sasha Fierce.
In sharing her story, Tasha Ghouri has not only highlighted the challenges faced by those with disabilities in the public eye but also reaffirmed her dedication to advocacy and representation, proving that even in the face of adversity, one can rise to inspire and educate others.
