Strictly’s Tasha Ghouri ‘dated’ Giovanni Pernice before joining the show

Deaf activist and star Tasha Ghouri reportedly “dated” former Strictly Come Dancing champion Giovanni Pernice.

According to MailOnline, the Italian pro dancer, 31, and the former Love Island star, 23, connected via Instagram in 2021. They messaged privately and eventually met in person in January 2022.

Sources claim Giovanni wined and dined Tasha, who is also a dancer and has performed with pop star MNEK. However, their romance fizzled out after Giovanni participated in the Strictly nationwide tour.

An insider revealed, “Giovanni was persistent with Tasha. They shared a lot in common as dancers, and he had recently learned about the deaf community through Rose on Strictly, whom Tasha admires.”

“Tasha was impressed by Giovanni’s gentlemanly behavior, taking her to top London restaurants and offering to send cars for her.

However, Tasha, being independent, always made her own way to see him. Their romance didn’t progress because Giovanni was often traveling with the Strictly tour, and Tasha was already involved with someone else.”

The Daily Star has contacted both Tasha and Giovanni’s representatives for comments. This news comes as Tasha was announced as the seventh contestant for the brand-new BBC series.

On Wednesday (August 7), it was revealed that she will be taking to the dancefloor this autumn, with the announcement made live on KISS FM during the breakfast show with hosts Jordan Banjo and Perri Kiely.

She told listeners, “I feel nervous, excited, like I’m about to throw up. It didn’t feel real until I got here, but I’m so gassed and thrilled.” When asked which pro dancer she would like to partner with, she gushed, “I do have a dream partner in mind, even though I haven’t met him yet. It would be Jojo (Johannes Radebe); I would love to work with him.”

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Tasha also addressed potential backlash regarding her previous career as a professional dancer, stating, “I haven’t danced in quite a few years since Love Island, and my career has taken a very different path. The dance style is different too, so I may not be great at it. But I’m excited for the challenge.”

Speaking to the BBC this morning, Tasha expressed her excitement: “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 favorite—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 on that dancefloor.” Tasha will be competing alongside 80s pop legend Toyah Wilcox, comedian Chris McCausland, JLS singer JB Gill, and Go Compare opera singer Wynne Evans.

Source: LIB