Strictly Come Dancing has reportedly signed up Giovanni Pernice’s ex Tasha Ghouri for the scandal-plagued show’s new series.
The Love Island star, 25, who found fame on the ITV2 series in 2022, enjoyed a number secret dates with Italian pro, 33, just months before entering the villa.
Tasha is also a trained dancer and disability campaigner after being born deaf and fitted with cochlear implants aged five, with bosses said to believe she’d be a ‘top draw’ for viewers.
The BBC show has been mired in drama since Giovanni was suspended following Amanda Abbington’s accusations of abusive behavior. He denies the claims.
It was followed by Graziano Di Prima’s sacking over reports he verbally and physically abused Zara McDermott during rehearsals.
Graziano has apologised for kicking his former partner and added other allegations do not align with ‘how he remembers it.’
A source told The Sun: ‘Whilst fans who like a journey will be irked she is a professional dancer, others who enjoy watching incredible moments from the off will be more than satisfied’.
‘She’s also become a powerful force for good campaigning and raising awareness for those with disabilities.
Before adding: ‘The Giovanni link is unfortunate to say the least, but above all else Tasha is a gorgeous girl who deserves this amazing opportunity.’
A BBC spokesperson said: ‘The celebrity contestants for the series will be announced in due course’.
MailOnline have also contacted Tasha’s reps for comment.
Tasha previously danced for the likes of pop star MNEK, before finding fame and love in the villa with boyfriend Tom Le Page.
She has since gone on to bag huge modelling contracts with brands ASOS and Ann Summers.
MailOnline revealed Giovanni and Tasha connected via Instagram and messaged privately on the app, which eventually led to the pair meeting in January 2022 – a month after he won Strictly with Rose Ayling-Ellis.
He wined and dined the stunner but their fling fizzled out due to him being on the Strictly tour.
A source close to Tasha said at the time: ‘Giovanni was persistent when it came to Tasha’.
‘They have a lot in common, both being dancers, and he had just learned a lot about the deaf community performing with Rose on Strictly, who Tasha really admires.
‘Tasha was impressed by how gentlemanly he was, taking her out to top London restaurants and offering to send cars to collect her, but she’s independent and always made her own way to see him.
‘Their romance didn’t progress because Giovanni was travelling a lot with the Strictly tour and Tasha was already involved with someone else.’
MailOnline contacted their representatives for comment at the time.
It comes after the show’s new celeb line up was reportedly been leaked online ahead of the show’s official announcement – however Tasha’s name was noticeably absent.
The celebrity lineup for the 20th anniversary series is due to be released in the next few days.
However, stars have already been reportedly confirmed to be hitting the dancefloor as rehearsals begin.
Earlier this month it was revealed TOWIE star Pete Wicks has signed up, despite the news his close pal Zara McDermott was physically and verbally abused by her professional dance partner Graziano Di Prima last year.
Meanwhile ex Arsenal player Paul Merson and DIY SOS star Nick Knowles have also reportedly put on their dancing shoes.
And now according to a Reddit post seen by Metro, all 15 stars set to compete have been leaked in an ‘alleged list’.
The post reportedly included a screenshot from an Instagram Story shared to someone’s close friends, suggesting it wasn’t meant for public knowledge.
Famous names on the list included Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham, Coronation Street star Shobna Gulati, Loose Women presenter Janet Street-Porter, Blue singer Duncan James and Tracy Beaker Returns star Kia Pegg.
The caption reportedly read: ‘Got this off of a friend, this seems so exciting! Can’t wait for this, especially Hannah Waddingham.
Chris McCausland was also on the list, after the comedian failed to deny the Strictly rumours last month during an interview with Gyles Brandreth, who also made the ‘leaked list’.
Elsewhere Olympic legend Dame Laura Kenny, Outnumbered star Tyger Drew-Honey, Sarah Millican and Doctor Who star Pearl Mackie also appeared on the list.
The final names were reportedly actor Sunil Patel, radio presenter Jordan North, former professional footballer Jermaine Jenas and EastEnders star Shona McGarty.
Meanwhile Death In Paradise actor Ralf Little has also been rumoured to be joining the lineup.
When contacted about the alleged list, Strictly representatives at the BBC told MailOnline that celebrity contestants for this series will be announced in due course.
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Source: Tampa Bay Times
Shaquille O’Neal ANGRY over Brittney Griner’s thoughtless actions: YOU ARE A ‘WOKE’, NOT WORTHY OF REPRESENTING AMERICA’
In the world of professional sports, few athletes command as much respect and admiration as Shaquille O’Neal.
The former NBA superstar and Hall of Famer has long been recognized not only for his dominance on the basketball court but also for his candid and often insightful commentary off it.
Recently, O’Neal has been vocal about his disappointment in fellow athlete Brittney Griner
Criticizing her actions and statements which he deems unworthy of representing America.
Brittney Griner, the Phoenix Mercury star and one of the most prominent figures in the WNBA, has made headlines over the years not just for her athletic prowess but also for her outspoken views on social justice and other political issues. Griner’s activism, particularly around issues of police brutality and systemic racism, has garnered both support and backlash. However, it was her recent actions and comments that have particularly irked O’Neal.
Shaquille O’Neal, known for his patriotic sentiments and support for the armed forces, recently lashed out at Griner during an interview. He accused her of being overly ‘woke’ and acting thoughtlessly in ways that, according to him, tarnish the reputation of American athletes. O’Neal’s anger was specifically triggered by Griner’s refusal to stand for the national anthem during WNBA games, a move she explained as a protest against racial injustice.
“Standing for the national anthem is about respecting the country and those who fought for our freedoms,” O’Neal said. “I understand the need to protest and raise awareness about social issues, but there are ways to do it without disrespecting the flag and our national symbols. Brittney’s actions are thoughtless and send the wrong message to young athletes and fans.”
O’Neal’s comments have sparked a significant debate among fans and commentators. Supporters of Griner argue that her form of protest is a legitimate exercise of free speech and a necessary action to bring attention to critical issues. They point out that athletes have long used their platforms to advocate for social change, citing examples like Muhammad Ali and Colin Kaepernick.
On the other hand, O’Neal’s supporters agree with his stance, believing that national symbols should be honored and that protests can be carried out in other, less divisive ways. They contend that Griner’s approach alienates a significant portion of the fanbase and detracts from the very issues she seeks to highlight.
The debate touches on broader issues of patriotism, free speech, and the role of athletes in political and social discourse. It raises important questions about how public figures should balance their personal convictions with their roles as representatives of their country. For O’Neal, the answer is clear: respect for national symbols should come first, and protests should be conducted in a manner that unifies rather than divides.
Griner, however, remains steadfast in her beliefs. She has stated that her actions are meant to provoke thought and inspire change, not to disrespect the country. In a recent interview, she said, “I love my country, but I believe we can do better. My protest is a call for justice and equality, and I hope it encourages others to think critically about these issues.”
As the controversy continues to unfold, it is evident that the intersection of sports and politics will remain a contentious and evolving landscape. Shaquille O’Neal and Brittney Griner, through their differing perspectives, highlight the complex and often challenging role that athletes play in shaping public discourse. Whether one agrees with O’Neal’s call for respect or Griner’s push for change, the conversation underscores the powerful impact of sports figures in American society.
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Brittney Griner Speaks Out: “I Felt Pressured to Return to Russia,” Cites Public Scrutiny and Depression as Factors Affecting Olympic Performance
In a candid and emotional revelation, WNBA star Brittney Griner opened up about the immense pressure she felt from the public, which has taken a toll on her mental health and Olympic performance. Griner, who has been a prominent figure in women’s basketball, expressed that the intense scrutiny and criticism she faced, particularly regarding her recent stint in Russia, have led to a challenging period in her life.
Griner shared that she felt an overwhelming sense of pressure from some members of the public, who suggested that she should return to Russia and questioned her worthiness to represent the United States. “It felt like everyone was watching and judging every move I made,” Griner confessed. “Some people made me feel like I didn’t belong, like I wasn’t worthy of representing my country.”
This public pressure, coupled with the expectation to perform at the highest level, contributed to Griner’s feelings of depression. She admitted that these mental health struggles affected her ability to compete effectively at the Olympics. “I’ve always been strong, but this time, it got to me,” she continued. “I couldn’t perform at my best because I was dealing with so much internally. It was hard to focus on the game when I was struggling just to get through the day.”
Griner’s openness about her mental health challenges has sparked a conversation about the pressures athletes face, particularly when they are under the intense spotlight of international competition. Her courage in speaking out highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues in sports and the need for a more supportive and understanding public.
As Griner continues to navigate these challenges, her story serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength required to compete at the highest levels while facing personal and public battles.
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