BBC Strictly risks 'fix' row as rumoured line-up 'leaks' and professionally trained celeb 'signs up'
Tasha Ghouri (right) is rumoured to be taking part in this year's Strictly Come Dancing
BBC/Getty
Strictly Come Dancing has been embroiled in controversy this year even before the 2024 series has begun, and now a "leaked" line-up has sparked further outrage.
The BBC dance contest is rumoured to have signed up a trained dancer in the form of former Love Island star Tasha Ghouri who is reported to be taking part in the series later this year.,
The popular show usually starts airing in the autumn, and while the BBC hasn't released an official line-up for the celebrities yet, some of the rumours from a "leaked" list have resulted in a public backlash.
MailOnline reports Ghouri, 25, is set to be taking to the dance floor after being signed up for the show, but some have argued she has an "unfair advantage".
A source said of the potential "fix" row: "Tasha's signing has certainly raised a few eyebrows. She's a dancer by trade as well as a reality star and model, so it feels like she's too qualified to appear on the show."
Speaking to the publication, they continued to say the Love Island star is "certainly no novice" and would be far ahead of her co-stars in terms of ability when training starts.
Tasha Ghouri is part of the "leaked line-up" of this year's Strictly contestants
Getty
"There is a feeling her being on Strictly is a touch unfair on everybody else competing, especially those totally new to dance," they added.
The Move It Dance website explains that the reality star has "excelled in various dance contracts and music videos," The Mirror reports.
A resurfaced interview from November 2022 shows Ghouri gushing over Strictly and how she would love to take part.
Speaking to On Demand Entertainment at the TV Choice Awards, she remarked: "It's honestly one of my biggest dreams to do it so hopefully one day I'll be able to do Strictly."
Tasha Ghouri is rumoured to be taking part in this year's Strictly Come Dancing
Getty
After interviewer Lucy Jones pointed out she has a dancing history, Ghouri replied: "I know but, do you know what? I've never actually trained in ballroom or salsa.
"I trained in commercial so I've never done all these styles before so it would be a challenge to me."
It comes as the BBC programme is in the midst of a reputation crisis following a scandal that has rocked the show all year.
After Amanda Abbington made claims about "abusive" behaviour from her dancer partner Giovanni Pernice, a BBC probe was launched.
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Strictly Come Dancing has been plunged into chaos following a BBC probe into alleged misconduct
BBC
Pernice has since left the show's professional dancer line-up and his colleague Graziano Di Prima has been axed from the series over misconduct claims.
Pernice, 33, has vehemently denied the accusations, while Di Prima admitted to having "kicked" Zara McDermott last year but denies other claims.
The BBC has said it will be introducing new measures on this year's series.
Meanwhile, when contacted by GB News about the "leaked line-up," a BBC spokesperson commented: "The celebrity contestants for this series will be announced in due course."