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Privacy NoticeWhen we catch up with Aljaž Škorjanec and Tasha Ghouri for our glamorous, Bridgerton-esque OK! shoot (which is complete with moments of dancing where appropriate), they can’t stop smiling. And it soon becomes apparent that these two, who are partnered up on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing, match each other’s energy perfectly. Full of positivity, glancing at each other supportively as they chat, it’s hard to imagine one bringing the other down. And their palpable chemistry is already wowing viewers on the BBC show. This series marks a milestone for both of them. Dancer and model Tasha, 26, made history in 2022 as Love Island’s very first deaf contestant. Since then, she has continued to pave the way in spreading awareness for the deaf community (although she claims Strictly 2021 winner Rose Ayling-Ellis is the real “trailblazer” on that front) and admits that being on Strictly is a “dream come true”.
Tasha and Aljaz have been wowing on the Striclty dancefloor
(Image: OK! Magazine / Alex James)
Slovenian pro dancer Aljaž, for his part, confesses he is “emotional” to be back after a year away, looking after his adorable one-year-old baby daughter Lyra who he shares with wife Janette Manrara, co-host of Strictly: It Takes Two. Here, the pair talk about their experience so far, the people that inspire them and “blocking out the noise”… Hi, you two! You make a gorgeous partnership on Strictly. Were you happy when you found out who your partner would be? Tasha: Super happy from the day we met, he has such a great energy. Aljaž: Oh, the same. Getting to not only return to Strictly but dance with someone like Tasha is the absolute dream. Was it a long-held ambition of yours to do this show, Tasha? It was top of my list. After Love Island, I kept knocking on doors going, “Please, give me a chance!” When the phone call came saying I’d got it, I cried my eyes out. It’s a dream come true. That’s why I come into training with a huge smile on my face – every single day. And how has training been? Tasha: Physically, it’s been tough at times, as initially it shocked my body – I hadn’t moved in this way for a few years! Butit’s keeping the right mentality, you just have to push through. Aljaž is an amazing teacher, though, and so much fun. Training’s been joyful, really wholesome.
It’s always been a dream of Tasha’s to take part in Strictly
(Image: OK! Magazine / Alex James)
What do you think of your chances of winning the Glitterball Trophy? Aljaž: I think… we have just as much of a chance as the 14 couples we are competing against! It’s a great answer, isn’t it?! But it’s the truth. The way I see it, we need to find our own lane and compete with ourselves, every single week. We’re going on our own journey of hard work, progress and… love of dance. Is Andrew [Le Page, Tasha’s boyfriend] coming to watch, Tasha? Oh, yes. My circle’s very small really, I have like five good friends, then family. Andrew’s just so happy that I’ve stopped talking about it and am finally doing it. I’ve been in his ear, probably once a day, for two years, saying, “I want to do Strictly SO much!” But he’s super proud. Aljaž: Andrew came into rehearsals and learnt a bit of our first dance! He was good. He’s a very fit guy.I think he’d look amazing in a tight, sequinned shirt… He’s got moves. Do you feel proud to be representing those with “super powers”, Tasha? It’s the best feeling ever. I’ve been so lucky for the past two years, to be able to raise awareness around the deaf community. Someone messaged me the other day and said, “Because of you, I feel confident today.” That means so much – that’s what makes me smile. And Strictly is another massive part of that… Exactly. It’s showing people with disabilities that when you put your mind to it, you can do hard things. It shouldn’t define you, but it’s a special and unique part of you. Just look at Chris [McCausland] – he’s so inspiring. He’s blind but showing everyone he can still dance. I feel so honoured to be able to help all the young “Tashas” out there, maybe watching the show.
She’s inspiring other people with “super powers” to have confidence
(Image: OK! Magazine / Alex James)
Rose Ayling-Ellis won the show in 2021. Did you follow her incredible journey? Tasha: Oh, not only that – Rose for me was the first person on TV that I could totally relate to. I felt seen and heard. Before Rose, there was nobody like her. If it wasn’t for her, I probably wouldn’t have done Love Island, she opened up conversations that had to happen. She was the trailblazer. Have you had any advice from former Strictly contestants, Tasha? Layton Williams, from last year, who I’ve known for quite a while now. He messaged me and was like, “Block out all the outside noise and enjoy the moment.” We met last year at a show at London Fashion Week, while he was on Strictly. I remember telling him how much I wanted to do it. Crazy how the universe works, sometimes. Tasha, some people have said that you have an “advantage” because of previous dance experience. What do you say to them? Strictly is a total mix of people with some dance experience and some with none – especially this year, and I like that. But don’t get me wrong, I still have to re-learn a lot. My commercial dance hasn’t really benefited me doing Latin, for instance. All that’s outside noise though, I’m here to make the people I love proud.
She’s scared by head judge Shirley Ballas
(Image: OK! Magazine / Alex James)
Which judge scares you guys the most? Tasha: Hmm… Shirley?! When she’s watching the dances you feel she’s got laser beams on your feet,your posture… Aljaž: Oh, how I’ve missed those judges… Are you enjoying all the spray tans and the sparkly outfits? Tasha: I’ve actually never ever had a spray tan so that’s very new to me! Not even for Love Island, that was all my natural tan. But I love the sequins and the hair, all of it. Aljaž: I don’t get spray tans. I try to portray my… natural glow as much as I can! And I don’t know what hair removal wax is, ha! I am excited to be back in those amazing costumes. They finish the telling of the story for me, they’re like the last piece of the puzzle. How do you feel now Tasha, looking back at your time in Love Island? If I hadn’t done it I wouldn’t be here, or have my platform. I’ll always be forever thankful to Love Island for that and of course, I met my amazing boyfriend Andrew on the show. Are you a Love Island fan, Aljaž? I’ll be honest, I don’t think I’ve ever watched a single episode of Love Island. I know faces that I’ve seen after they’ve been on it, at events, but no. At home, I don’t have normal telly, I only have iPlayer and Netflix. I try not to watch TV, so I can enjoy proper downtime with Lyra and Janette. After meeting Tasha though? I might. I’m her number one fan. Tasha: I think it’s lovely that you hadn’t watched it, actually. You came in not knowing who I was and you got to know me for me, without any preconceptions.
Aljaz is happy to be back after a break – he’s since become a father
(Image: OK! Magazine / Alex James)
And how does it feel to be back in the Strictly fold, Aljaž? Brilliant. I was there for nine years before I left. It’s like returning to my alternative family. I was probably more excited coming back than I was when I first started. Janette’s also kind of happy to have me out of the house a bit! No, she’s very proud of me. We’re a team. Is it hard to be away from baby Lyra, now you’re back on the show? Of course it’s hard – but if I look back, I did this so many times. I’d do it for myself, and Janette. But now, doing it for my little family, puts a whole new spin on it. It’s difficult, but I do it for all of us. As much as I miss Lyra now, I know I was so lucky that I got to have that whole year with her, to do the stay-at-home dad thing. Not everyone gets that. Nobody can ever take that away from me and when it gets hard, I remember those days. Janette’s amazing, but Lyra’s even better! Tasha: I actually met Lyra in training and got a cuddle the other week. She’s just adorable!
Tasha has had a cuddle with Aljaz’s baby daughter Lyra
(Image: OK! Magazine / Alex James)
They’re one of the favourites to take home the glitterball trophy
(Image: OK! Magazine / Alex James)
Aljaž, are you still dancing Lyra around the living room when you’re home? Yes, and now I have a new quality control checker for my choreography, which is Lyra. Even the group numbers with the props, I show her. Some she approves of, some she doesn’t. If it’s too fast of a spin, she gets a bit scared, so we slow it down. She loves dancing with me! And Tasha, what about you and Andrew? Have you talked about starting a family? In all honesty? We’re really enjoying what we have now. Andrew’s my main man, he’s always held my hand. We’re not putting pressure on ourselves to think about a family any time soon. For us, we’re enjoying refurbishing our house, living in the moment and making memories. When the time comes, we’ll have that conversation. Right now I am doing this, and am absolutely loving being Strictlyfied! Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnTasha GhouriAljaz SkorjanecAndrew Le PageJanette ManraraStrictly Come DancingLove IslandRose Ayling-Ellis
