BBC Strictly hit with complaints after Tasha Ghouri unveiled in line-up as fans blast 'unfair advantage'

Ghouri was previously rumoured to be in this year's line up, but the news was officially confirmed on Wednesday.

The model and TV personality is passionate about raising awareness of the deaf community and will become the show's second deaf contestant after former EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis went on to win the series in 2021.

Ghouri appeared on ITV's Love Island in 2022 and has since amassed a following of more than 2.2 million across her social media network.

The reality star has also worked with 10 Downing Street, The Department of Education and MED-AL to champion issues close to her heart as well as being a published author following her debut novel Hits Different and podcast host on Superpowers with Tasha.

However, Ghouri has also worked as a dancer and has reportedly had some training, which some fans took issue with over her Strictly sign-up.

According to Move It Dance, Ghouri worked as a self-employed dancer behind a bar. She has also appeared in music videos and has in the past suggested that filming for Love Island had obstructed her filming for the 2023 film Barbie, which she had auditioned for as a dancer.

Move It Dance also goes on to say the TV personality graduated from Creative Academy and has "excelled in various dance contracts".

On her signing to Strictly, an excited Ghouri stated: "Pinch me, I can't believe I'm going to be on Strictly Come Dancing!

"I've been watching the show since I was little – it's a firm Ghouri family favourite - so this is a total dream come true.

"I know it's going to be an unforgettable experience and I hope to represent and make everyone proud out on that dancefloor."

Responding to the latest news, some fans of Strictly argued Ghouri has an "unfair advantage", while others weren't impressed by a reality TV star taking part in the show.

"Isn’t she a professional dancer in her own right?" one person asked in the comments section of BBC Strictly's Instagram account while someone else complained: "Shes not a celebrity??"

"She's a trained dancer. It's her actual job," another fumed before someone else added: "Love her but a professional dancer?"

"When it started 20 years ago, it was so loved because of the transformation the celebs go through. Unfortunately, when celebs start with a level of dance experience, the essence of the whole show is lost," another remarked.

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"Isn't this an unfair advantage?" a different Instagram user asked, but it wasn't all negative as others were pleased with the news.

"Well I don’t know of Tasha but I’m looking forward to getting to know her on Strictly," one fan of the show commented.

Someone shared in Ghouri's defence: "Ballroom dancing and dancing like commercial, street etc are totally different and taught totally different. all she’ll have is rhythm and probably just understanding learning a routine. other than that she’s starting from the start like everyone else." (sic)

The other six celebrities confirmed by the BBC to be taking part include Pete Wicks, Dr Punam Krishan, Toyah Willcox, Wynne Evans, JB Gill and Chris McCausland. The rest of the line-up will be announced in the coming days.