Tasha Ghouri and Pete Wicks Confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2023

Tasha Ghouri makes history as the first deaf contestant on the show

Former Love Island contestant Tasha Ghouri has become the sixth famous face confirmed to be competing on this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing.

During Wednesday’s edition of the Kiss FM Breakfast Show, Tasha revealed she’d signed up for the long-running BBC dancing show, which is set to return to our screens later this year for its 22nd series.

The reality star, influencer, model, and activist rose to fame on the eighth series of Love Island in 2022, where she made history as the franchise’s first-ever deaf contestant.

She and boyfriend Andrew Le Page made it all the way to the final, finishing in fourth place overall.

Reacting to the news of her casting, Tasha enthused: “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 out on that dance floor.”

Pete Wicks to swap TOWIE for the dance floor

Shortly afterward, it was also revealed that The Only Way Is Essex cast member Pete Wicks would also be competing on Strictly this year.

“Dancing live in front of the nation every Saturday? Absolutely terrifying,” he admitted. “But anyone who knows me knows I love a challenge and trying new things, so I’m genuinely looking forward to getting stuck in.”

Tasha and Pete’s names on the leaked Strictly Come Dancing lineup

Tasha and Pete’s names were previously both featured on a supposed “leaked” Strictly Come Dancing lineup that was published by The Sun on Tuesday night.

Other celebrities rumored to be joining the show this year include Coronation Street star Kym Marsh, singer Fleur East, and former England footballer Tony Adams.

The full lineup for Strictly Come Dancing 2023 is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Strictly Come Dancing 2023: Everything we know so far

* Tasha Ghouri and Pete Wicks are the first two celebrities confirmed for the show.
* The new series will be the 22nd season of Strictly Come Dancing.
* The show is expected to return to BBC One in September 2023.
* The full lineup for the show is yet to be announced.
* Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will return to present the show.
* Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke will return as judges.
* Anton Du Beke replaces Bruno Tonioli as a full-time judge.