Tasha Ghouri finally speaks out on Strictly controversy with 7-word statement
Love Island bombshell and now TV personality, campaigner and author, Tasha Ghouri is going from strength to strength. After finishing second in Strictly Come Dancing last year, the inspiring reality star launched her book, Your Superpower, in February, detailing the hurdles she battled to get where she is now. Tasha, who was born deaf and has a cochlear implant, tells OK! she 'still faces difficulties' when it comes to her deafness.
But in the spirit she's embraced everything so far in her career, the 26-year-old from Thirsk, North Yorkshire, won't let it stop her. Here, Tasha – whose split from Andrew Le Page was confirmed by her ex in February– tells us about being a celebrity ambassador for Make-A-Wish and Disney, where she lent her support to A Disney Wish UK – a three-day experience at Hoar Cross Hall in Staffordshire that brought the magic of Disney to more than 200 children living with critical illness.
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She also looks back at her unforgettable Strictly journey, partnered with Aljaž Škorjanec, and her pride at representing the deaf community...
Hi, Tasha! You've partnered with Disney and Make-A-Wish – can you tell us more?
The work they do is incredible. They're a great charity, providing magical, beautiful experiences for all these families. I felt so honoured to be a part of that, to just make them happy, make them go away with these beautiful memories. It was so emotional and magical– I look back on it and just feel grateful to be part of that.
You've talked about facing discrimination for being deaf. Do you still face that?
Yeah, I do still face difficulties today, but, you know, it doesn't compare at all to that these children go through every single day. Everyone has their own difficulties, dealing with disabilities and illnesses, but these children live in a hospital, and for Make-A-Wish to provide an experience where it's all accessible, they can travel and they look after them. It's so important to have that in the world, because the world can be so sad and scary sometimes. It's nice to have that positive light in their lives.
Now that the dust has settled, how do you look back at your time on Strictly?
To make it to the final was just the 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, the whole experience, is a pinch-me moment for sure.
You've always said you adore dancing. Was this the perfect show for you?
Oh yes, dance is my biggest passion. It was the perfect show for me. I was dancing and having the time of my life and making new friends. I look back with such fond memories of the cast, Strictly really is magic. I'm so excited to see the new cast this year. Honestly, the people doing it are going to love it. They're in for a treat.
There's been controversy around celebrity welfare on Strictly. How did you find it?
My experience on Strictly was really positive. I had the best time. I look back with pure happiness and joy, because I just loved every single second.
Do you have any exciting work projects coming up?
I want to keep doing charity work, be a real advocate for the deaf community and work with charities like Make-A-Wish. These are the things I'm passionate about, I want to help people when I can. That's what is really important to me.
Is there any more fun TV stuff you're working on?
I don't know yet, but the future looks bright. I want to do more presenting and documentaries. I've done a few TV appearances that are coming out soon, but I want to push myself and challenge myself in that direction this year.
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