Earlier this week, former Love Island contestant Tasha Ghouri was announced as one of the cast members of Strictly Come Dancing 2024. The 25-year-old shared the news on her Instagram account and was immediately met with a flood of comments from fans and former Lover Islanders congratulating her on the milestone, with many describing it as “iconic”.

However, alongside the overwhelming congratulations, Tasha also received some negative reactions about her experience in commercial dancing, with one person even going so far as to say that it could be an “unfair advantage.”

In the days since she received the criticism – which was surely drowned out by the enthusiasm of fans – Tasha spoke about her dancing history in a lengthy Instagram post, explaining that while she’s no newbie to the dancefloor, she’s “never learned or been taught any of the styles on Strictly,” which, as we all know, consists mainly of ballroom and Latin dancing.

She continued: “I’m excited to push myself beyond my knowledge and boundaries. I hope all viewers enjoy the entertainment and family togetherness that Strictly brings to every living room on a Saturday and Sunday night!!

Tasha, who is deaf, also highlighted the fact that she “dances to represent and give confidence to anyone, with or without disabilities, who may struggle to believe in themselves or the opportunities they could pursue.”

She recalled her passion for dancing and how it all started when she could feel “the bass and vibrations” from the “giant floor-standing speakers” in her family’s house through her body.

Tasha concluded her heartfelt caption with: “I’m so excited and so excited to actually be part of this iconic Strictly experience, do my best, work hard and just put a smile on your faces!”

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One later this year.

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