I'm absolutely loving being Strictlyfied!'

Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec chat about their Strictly partnership, love of dance and chances of lifting the Glitterball Trophy

- SHELLEY SPADONI

When we catch up with Aljaž Škorjanec and Tasha Ghouri for our glamorous 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 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".

Slovenian pro dancer Aljaž, 34, for his part, confesses that 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?