Tasha Ghouri faced criticism over her Strictly Come Dancing sign-up long before she’d made her dancefloor debut due to the fact she’s had some experience with dance in the past.
Ghouri, 26, has had a successful start to her journey on the BBC competition, with her and dance partner Aljaz Skorjanec consitently impressing the judges, achieving a near-perfect score last weekend.
The reality star is the second deaf contestant on the show after actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, who went on to win the series, but while she’s had a promising stint so far, she’s also facing some backlash due to her background experience with dancing.
The debate and controversy over previous dance experience isn’t new for the show, and one celebrity who faced similar accusations of having an “unfair advantage” was singer Alexandra Burke, 36.
Burke ended up making it to a runner-up position in the 2017 series of the show, but many had criticised her sign-up because she had danced professionally before.
Sharing her thoughts on the similar criticisms Love Island star Ghouri is facing, Burke jumped to the reality star’s defence.
Alexandra Burke has defended Tasha Ghouri following BBC Strictly criticism
BBC
Speaking to The Sun, former X Factor star Burke reflected on Ghouri’s Strictly reception, commenting: “Actually, let her live and let her live her best life, because she’s having the most amazing time, most likely.”
She continued by describing the show as a “once in a lifetime opportunity,” adding: “I didn’t take that moment for granted because I’ve always wanted to do Latin and ballroom, but we couldn’t afford to as kids.
“Everyone needs to let people have fun because it’s a great bubble to be a part of. It’s joyous! Dancing brings out great endorphins, and you want people to have their moment.”
Ghouri also felt the need to address the complaints recently, particularly following last weekend when she received the best score of the series so far.
Ghouri and Skorjanec achieved a very impressive 39 points for their Charleston, but the success has come with louder criticisms from those who think Ghouri’s background in dance is “unfair”.
While Ghouri didn’t address the backlash herself, many current and former Strictly stars were quick to respond to online comments, with Ghouri agreeing with some of the comments defending her.
Last year’s Strictly finalist Layton Williams commented in response to social media complaints: “But she’s a professional… SLAYER! Some of you lot are such haters. Aren’t we bored of the same old argument?”
His message continued: “I wonna see a range of abilities on this show. Just like they have every single year. It’s fun. It’s fab. And I’m obsessed. Keep going girl xxx.” (sic)
Alexandra Burke took part in the 2017 Strictly Come Dancing series
Getty
Ghouri responded to Williams’ argument, commenting: “Love love love you,” along with a love heart emoji.
She hasn’t released any statement or comment addressing the backlash directly, indicating the reality star is refusing to allow the negative remarks to get her down.
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