Tasha Ghouri has spoken about her dancing experiences so far ahead of her debut on Strictly Come Dancing.

The Love Island star was confirmed as part of the Strictly 2024 star line-up earlier this week and has now shared her excitement on social media.

“It’s no secret that I’ve been craving this challenge for years – I’m still speechless that it’s actually happening now!” she wrote in a post on Instagram.

Tasha, who is deaf, also spoke about her “passion for dancing” and her past experiences that “started when I could feel the bass and vibrations of the huge floor-standing speakers in our parents’ house through my body.”

Related: Love Island’s Andrew Le Page reacts as girlfriend Tasha Ghouri joins Strictly

She continued, “To hear the lyrics, I had to either lip-read the videos on TV or learn them from Google, which I still do today and I still get them wrong!”

Despite some negative reactions from her fans regarding her commercial dance background, Tasha stated that she “never learned or was taught any of the dance styles on Strictly”, which mostly consists of Latin and ballroom dancing.

“So I’m looking forward to pushing myself beyond my knowledge and boundaries,” she added. “I hope all viewers enjoy the entertainment and family togetherness that Strictly brings to every living room on a Saturday and Sunday night!!”

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Tasha concluded by saying that she “dances to represent and give confidence to anyone, with or without disabilities, who struggles to believe in themselves or the opportunities they could pursue.”

The reality star added: “This is not only my dream, but my family’s dream and Andrew’s dream too. Every dance I do is for all of you. I can’t wait to make you all proud on the dance floor. I can’t wait to meet the other contestants.”

“Over the years I’ve seen them all grow together as a Strictly family and push their own boundaries, so I’m super pumped and excited to really be part of the legendary Strictly experience, do my best, work hard and just put a smile on your faces!”

Be sure to come and dance will return to BBC One later this year, while the spin-off Strictly speaking: It takes two is broadcast on weekdays on BBC Two. Both shows can be streamed on BBC iPlayer.

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