The REAL reason Tasha Ghouri and Giovanni Pernice’s romance fizzled out – as deaf Love Island star signs up for Strictly Come Dancing
It was confirmed on Wednesday morning that Love Island star Tasha Ghouri will be the sixth celebrity to take part in Strictly Come Dancing this year.
The 25-year-old blonde beauty has a large fan base and is committed to raising awareness for the deaf community.
However, eyebrows were raised over her contract due to her professional dancing experience and the fact that she was previously linked to Giovanni Pernice, who left the show after being accused of abuse, allegations he denies.
However, it is unlikely that her involvement with Giovanni will affect the show, as their involvement was limited to two years ago. There will be no hard feelings between the two, as their breakup was a friendship.
A source previously told MailOnline: ‘Their romance didn’t develop because Giovanni was travelling a lot with the Strictly tour and Tasha was already in a relationship with someone else.’
Tasha Ghouri and Giovanni Pernice’s romance hit the rocks as the dancer was on the road a lot with the Strictly tour and the Love Island star was already in a relationship with someone else
Tasha was confirmed as the sixth celebrity to take part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing on Wednesday morning
It was reportedly Giovanni who continued the relationship and contacted Tasha in January 2022, a month after he won Strictly with Rose Ayling-Ellis.
He is currently single after splitting from girlfriend Molly Brown last month, while Tasha is in a relationship with her Love Island boyfriend Andrew Le Page.
The insider stated: ‘Giovanni was persistent with Tasha.
‘They have a lot in common, they’re both dancers, and he’d just learned a lot about the deaf community when he performed with Rose in Strictly, a role Tasha really admires.
‘Tasha was impressed by how courteous he was. He took her to the best restaurants in London and offered to send her a car to pick her up. But she is independent and always went to him on her own.’
Five months later, Tasha appeared on Love Island and became the first star to appear on the show with a cochlear implant, an electronic device she had fitted at age five.
The star’s parents discovered she was deaf when she was 12 months old and Tasha received years of speech therapy.
She says the disability has become her “superpower” and before going on Love Island she vowed to become an inspiration to the deaf community, just like her idol, former Strictly champion Rose Ayling-Ellis.
Tasha told MailOnline in June 2022: ‘I love Strictly and as a dancer Rose is such a great role model, it was so powerful what she did. She represented me, and also the deaf community, and I just thought it was amazing. It was a beautiful message.’
Giovanni is currently single after splitting from girlfriend Molly Brown last month, while Tasha is in a relationship with her Love Island boyfriend Andrew Le Page (pictured)
Meanwhile, Strictly is in danger of becoming embroiled in a new row after signing Tasha, a trained dancer
The news that she is joining Strictly was announced on Wednesday’s KISS FM Breakfast Show, with Tasha excitedly saying: ‘Pinch me, I can’t believe I’m on Strictly Come Dancing!’
‘I’ve been watching the show since I was little – it’s an absolute Ghouri family favourite – so this is a dream come true. I know it’s going to be an unforgettable experience and I hope to represent everyone and make them proud on that dance floor.’
However, Strictly is at risk of becoming embroiled in a new feud after the arrival of Tasha, a trained dancer.
MailOnline reported that the reality star has competed in a number of major dance events and appeared in music videos, raising concerns that she may have an unfair advantage over her celebrity co-stars.
Last year’s series was tarnished by accusations that actor Layton Williams, a veteran West End performer, had the upper hand over his opponents because of his extensive dance background.
And Tasha’s participation in the BBC One programme could prove just as controversial, given she has been dancing since she was five and has entered competitions.
An insider from the show said: ‘Tasha’s contract has definitely raised some eyebrows. She’s a dancer by trade and a reality star and model, so it feels like she’s overqualified to be on the show.
‘Tasha is certainly no novice and will always have a big head start on her fellow players, even before practice has started.
‘I feel like her being on Strictly is a bit unfair to all the other contestants, especially those who are completely new to the dance world.’
Strictly announced the line-up for its 20th season this week, but on Tuesday night it appeared the full celebrity cast had already been leaked.
In addition to Tasha, Chris McCausland, JB Gill, Toyah Wilcox, Punam Krishnan, Wynne Evans and Pete Wicks have also been confirmed.
STRICT LINE-UP 2024
Chris McCausland
Age: 46
Occupation: Comedian
Chris says, “If there’s anyone out there who’s thinking, ‘How on earth is he going to do that?’ – I’m sure I’m thinking exactly the same thing.”
Doctor Punam Krishan
Age: Unknown
Occupation: general practitioner and announcer
Punam said: ‘I’ve watched Strictly every year with my family and it feels extra special that this is the 20th year. I can’t believe I’m the one getting Strictly-inspired now.’
Toyah Willcox
Age: 66
Occupation: Singer, actor, presenter
Toyah says: ‘I’m super excited and loving this show. To be a part of it, the spray tan, the glitter. It’s a milestone year for me, I came in as a pensioner, Glasto and now I’m getting spray tans.’
Peter Wicks
Age:36
Occupation: Reality star
Pete says: ‘Dancing live in front of the crowd every Saturday? It’s absolutely terrifying. But anyone who knows me knows I love a challenge and trying new things, so I’m really looking forward to diving in.’
JB Gill
Age: 37
Occupation: Singer
JB says, “A lot of the ballroom styles are very foreign to me — I didn’t do those dances growing up. I’m not a trained dancer.”
Wynne Evans
Age: 52
Occupation: Opera singer, presenter
Wynne says, “What I’m nervous about is the things that involve jumping. I don’t necessarily want to do the jive, I’m a little nervous about that.
Tasha Ghouri
Age: 25
Occupation: Model and reality star
Tasha says: ‘I’ve been watching the show since I was little. It’s a real Ghouri family favourite. So this is a dream come true.’