SHE’S wowed the judges and impressed the fans on Strictly – and Tasha Ghouri will be dancing her way to the bank once the series is over.
The 26-year-old, who was born deaf, has inspiringly vowed to raise awareness of her disability, which she calls her “superpower.”
But she’s not just got a good heart, she’s got business brains too – as shown by a canny media strategy that appeals to everyone from teens to mums, all while tying up with top brands like Ebay and L’Oreal.
For PR and brands expert Carla Speight, it’s proof Tasha – who has already raked in her first million – is a cut above your average Love Island influencer.
Thanks to her down-to-earth nature and talent in front of the screen, the PR guru says Tasha is destined for a career that glitters more than the trophy she hopes to win this Saturday.
“The world’s her oyster,” said Carla, who predicts a battle between the major TV channels to snap her up.
“And if she goes to the right places, she could make millions,” added Carla, who foresees prime morning shows such as Morning Live and This Morning splashing the cash to get Tasha on their sofas as a guest host.
Carla predicts Tasha’s work with the deaf community could see her present a number of documentaries about the subject – following in the footsteps of fellow Love Islanders Zara McDermott and Olivia Attwood, who have also made shows about their life experiences.
“I think Tasha is in a perfect position to start blowing people’s minds and raising that awareness and bringing in that inclusion,” said Carla.
“She’s got the world at her feet at the moment. She’ll be keen to do what she cares about, which is what sets her apart from many of the Love Islanders so far.
“If she goes to the right channels, she could make millions. I think the BBC will want to keep hold of her, but I could see her going to Netflix or Amazon.”
After appearing on the fourth series of Love Island, Zara has gone on to make a number of acclaimed documentaries that dive deep into her experience of having nudes leaked as a teenager, struggles with eating disorders, and the threat of sexual assault.
Meanwhile Olivia has also delved into the world of documentary making, presenting shows on cosmetic surgery, online trolling, and sex work.
Tasha was born without hearing and has had a cochlear implant since she was five years old, making her only the second deaf person to have appeared on Strictly.
Rather than hide her implant behind her hair or something else, she’s had it covered in jewels and has made it an integral part of her costumes, winning praise from fans.
Speaking about the chance she’s had to raise awareness on Strictly, Tasha said: “The messages I’ve got from younger women, younger children, teenagers, have said ‘I felt represented because I’ve seen you on TV, I started decorating mine as well’.
“I feel like it’s just been such a special year to be a part of because representation is so important to have and I feel so passionate about it, honestly.
Tasha has also been canny in her efforts to appeal to a wide range of audiences.
Since leaving Love Island, she’s made a name for herself in young adult literature with her debut novel Hits Different, has modelled for Ann Summers, and reached out even further with her appearance on Strictly.
“She’s swerved all the typical he-said-she-said gossip and held her head high,” said Carla.
“Tasha comes with a higher purpose – she can definitely give Molly-Mae a run for her money.”
She’s even made appearances on Countdown, and through her activism work has taken part in government campaigns and taught Queen Camilla how to tap dance – proof that everything is on the table for her.
She’s here for the long term. She wants to be someone that makes a difference
PR Expert Carla Speight
Carla said: “It comes down to the fact that she’s been very considered with every decision she’s made – she’s not just here for the immediate likes.
“She’s here for the long term. She wants to be someone that makes a difference. And you can tell that with everything she’s doing – she’s looking to create a legacy.”
“And the ones that make sure that every decision counts are the stars that have the longest careers.
“As far as other brands are involved, working with her is a great opportunity for them to say everyone’s welcome,” she added.
Other brand partnerships include Ebay – which she chose out of a desire to back pre-loved over fast fashion – and L’Oreal, showcasing her knack for associating herself with trusted, legacy names.
She’s also launched a clothing range with Sisters & Seekers and has designed her own line of hair extensions alongside the company LullaBellz.
Finance data has revealed that Tasha is as good a businesswoman as she is a dancer – and has already made her first million.
Her firm Apricus Decor Ltd made a whopping £1.4 million in profit last year alone.
Of this, a sizable £706,408 is “cash in the bank” – over double the same figure for the year before.
Tasha and her partner Andrew bought a countryside pad which the couple are now doing up, with plans to sell it on for profit.
The dance-show favourite first came to prominence back in 2022 when she appeared on hit series Love Island.
It was there that she met her current partner, Andrew Le Page, with the couple ending the series in fourth place overall.
The 26-year-old has broken records during her time on Strictly and is set to give it her all in the final of the dance competition this Saturday by dancing an American Smooth.
STRICTLY first kicked off back in 2004, and over the years has crowned 21 winners.
Here is a full list of who has been lucky enough to win the famous Glitterball Trophy:
