Strictly Come Dancing's Tasha Ghouri issues 'honest' verdict on BBC show after controversy
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Strictly Come Dancing finalist Tasha Ghouri has opened up on her experience on the beloved BBC show.
After first gaining public attention in 2022 following her stint in Love Island, Tasha's star has continued to rise. In the years since then, the 26-year-old has used her platform to raise awareness for the deaf community, after she herself was born with the condition.
Tasha, who had already made her name in reality TV after a fourth-place finish on Love Island, returned to our screens when she competed in the most recent instalment of Strictly Come Dancing.
Seen as a frontrunner for the Glitterball trophy with partner Aljaž Škorjanec, Tasha ultimately fell just short in the fiercely competitive December final, where comedian Chris McCausland and his dance partner Dianne Buswell came out triumphant.
(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
This series commenced amidst recent controversies surrounding the welfare of celebrities, with the likes of Amanda Abbington's criticism towards pro dancer Giovanni Pernice, describing his behaviour as "unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean".
Subsequently, complaints regarding verbal bullying and harassment were held up by the BBC.
(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
Yet, Tasha recalls nothing but delight during her time on Strictly, expressing to the Mirror: "My experience was really positive. I look back and I was super happy with how my journey went. I had the best time. And yeah, honestly, I look back with pure happiness and joy because I just loved every single second.
"To make it to the final was just a dream come true. That TV show was just the biggest dream of mine since I was a kid and to say that I made it to the final and I did the tour, I did the whole experience, is a pinch me moment for sure, you know. To be dancing and dance is my biggest passion."
She added: "It was a perfect show for me, I was dancing, having the time of my life. I looked back with such fond memories of, you know, the cast, the magic of Strictly, it's just so incredible."
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With the new series of the show set to air later this year, Tasha revealed how she is eagerly awaiting to see who will be competing for the Glitterball trophy. She continued: "I'm so excited to see the new cast this year, you know. Honestly, the people that are doing it this year, they are going to love it. It's such an incredible show to be part of."
Away from her time on Strictly, Tasha has been lending her support to A Disney Wish UK. This year's event welcomed 200 families for a magical three-day experience, with children enjoying an immersive experience that brought the happiness, joy and magic of Disney to life.
Looking back on her time spent with the children at the event, Tasha said that it "was such a beautiful, magical day, that I look back on and feel grateful to be part of".
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