Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani, Jade Times Staff
V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Entertainment News
Tasha Ghouri's Journey of Resilience and Representation on Strictly Come Dancing
Strictly's Tasha Ghouri Opens Up About Online Abuse Over Disability
Tasha Ghouri, the former Love Island contestant and current Strictly Come Dancing star, shared a deeply emotional moment on Saturday night’s episode as she revealed her experiences with online abuse over her disability. The 26 year old model, author, and podcaster, who was born deaf and uses a cochlear implant, was visibly moved as she described the hurtful comments and mocking videos she encountered after appearing on Love Island in 2022.
Paired with professional dancer Aljaz Skorjanec, Ghouri wowed judges with a powerful routine to Pink’s What About Us, scoring 39 points the joint highest score of the season. Before taking to the dance floor, she spoke candidly about the emotional toll of online trolling, explaining how comments about her speech made her feel like she had let down the entire deaf community. Ghouri explained, “I wanted to represent the deaf community, but I felt like I had failed, not only myself but also everyone I wanted to inspire.”
Determined not to be silenced, Ghouri now aims to use her platform to raise awareness and educate others. “I’m going to use my platform to educate people,” she stated. Today, she has over 2.2 million followers across social media and has worked with Number 10 Downing Street and the Department for Education to advocate for deaf issues.
Ghouri’s appearance on Strictly comes three years after Rose Ayling Ellis became the show’s first deaf contestant, going on to win the competition. Reflecting on her own journey, Ghouri shared, “Being on Strictly Come Dancing is a dream come true. I’ve been watching the show since I was little, and it’s a family favorite.”
Saturday’s episode of Strictly Come Dancing was part of its inaugural Icons Week, where contestants honored musical legends including Taylor Swift and Beyoncé. Ghouri and Skorjanec shared the top of the leaderboard with JLS’s JB Gill, who, with stand in partner Lauren Oakley, also scored 39 points.
The celebration of icons continues on Sunday with the professional dancers performing a Beyoncé medley, featuring Johannes Radebe channeling the singer’s Sasha Fierce persona.
Through her journey on Strictly, Ghouri remains an inspiration, showing resilience and dedication to representing the deaf community on one of the UK’s biggest stages.
