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?
Denne historien er fra October 07, 2024-utgaven av OK! UK.
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Denne historien er fra October 07, 2024-utgaven av OK! UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
A CITY OF TWO HALVES
There's a holiday for every budget to be found in Dubai, as OK!'s Faith Richardson discovered
'Christmas is a double whammy'
Chef James Martin on the pressures of dividing his time between his restaurants and his family over the festivities
LEARN HOW TO PLEASE YOURSELF
The festive season can be an incredibly stressful time, particularly for people-pleasers who struggle to put their own needs first
'There's a bit of faking it until you make it'
Actor Paul Mescal on entering the Gladiator II arena, building a blockbuster body for his role as fighter Lucius Verus, and heading up an A-list cast of Hollywood's finest stars
THE A-LIST HAIL HOLLYWOOD'S BIG HITTERS
A line-up of the film world's best-known faces attended this year's Governors Awards to celebrate lifetime achievements
'I think we arrived right on time'
The stars of the long-awaited film Wicked, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, tell us why its themes are so relevant right now and why the musical is so dear to their hearts
'No one knows who I am'
Having first found fame on social media, GK Barry has become the breakout star of this year's I'm A Celebrity
'I still pinch myself about how we met'
Now legally married, MAFS Uk’s Adam and Tayah Aveling are looking forward to Christmas with their daughter and welcoming baby number two in 2025
THE ROYAL WEEK
It was a sad week for Queen Camilla, but a good week for the royal family’s charities with visits to hospitals and homeless centres
WILLIAM AND KATE'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS
After a challenging year for the royal family, the Prince and Princess of Wales plan to give their children an unforgettable time filled with fun and festivities
