The star of “Strictly Come Dancing 2024” talks about the romance with Giovanni Pernice

Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri has spoken about her historic romance with former Strictly Come Dancing pro Giovanni Pernice.

The 26-year-old reality TV star was announced as part of the star-studded lineup for 2024 and has spoken about her “old past” with Pernice, who left the BBC show earlier this year.

His exit came when “Sherlock” actress – and his former 2023 dance partner – Amanda Abbington claimed Giovanni had engaged in “bullying” behavior toward her, which he strenuously denies and says he looks forward to clearing his name.

The results of an investigation into the allegations made against Abbington are expected to be published in the next few days.

Amid all the drama, Tasha – who is still dating her Love Island partner Andrew Le Page after two years – remained fairly diplomatic in a new interview when asked about her former flame, not wanting to give too much away about her past.

“I met him a few times,” Tasha admitted to The Sun. “But that was years ago. We’re not in touch now, it’s like ancient history.”

“I’m so happy with Andrew and he is my future, so I don’t want to talk about the past.”

“It is not my job to comment [the allegations against Giovanni]”I’m here to have my own experiences. I’m here just for myself.”

Tasha is believed to have dated former dance pro Giovanni Pernice for a few months in January 2022 after winning Strictly with Rose Ayling-Ellis and before meeting and settling down with fellow countryman Andrew Le Page that same year.

Tasha – who used to be a dancer – has gained a loyal fanbase since appearing on Love Island, where she became the first deaf contestant to appear in the eighth series of the dating show on ITV2.

When rumors emerged that Tasha would be announced as a contestant for the 2024 series, a source told the outlet that the “connection with Giovanni was unfortunate,” but that Tasha is a “stunning girl who deserves this incredible opportunity.”

In the years leading up to her appearance, Tasha prayed, in true Generation Z style, for a place on the Strictly show and has been “manifestationing” it since leaving the Love Island villa.

According to her chat with The Sun, Tasha even wrote in her notes app: “I will be on Strictly Come Dancing in 2024 or 2025.”

Tasha explained how she burst into tears when she heard the news, adding: “I am [writing the notes] as a manifestation since February 2023, and it must have worked!’

This comes as Pernice has signed for a new television show – Ballando con le Stelle – the Italian version of Strictly Come Dancing.

Pernice was “delighted” about the new job opportunity and thanked her fans for their support on social media.

A source told the Daily Mail: “The deadline was approaching and the BBC delayed their outcome, but Ballando bosses love him, they adore him and have now signed him.”

The newspaper reports that show bosses waited to sign him until the results of the investigation were published, which Pernice found “absolutely appalling” and left her feeling “in limbo”. However, Pernice is delighted by her change of heart.

Abbington and two other women accused Pernice of misconduct, which led to him leaving the show after several years.

After her early exit from the show, which she cited at the time as “personal reasons”, Amanda claimed that her experience left her with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Pernice joined Strictly in 2014, making him the show’s longest-serving male dancer until it was confirmed in June that he would not be returning.

Meanwhile, Strictly professional Graziano di Prima has also been accused of “kicking and punching” his celebrity partner Zara McDermott (27) during rehearsals for training for the 2023 season.

However, he claimed that his foot “grazed” McDermott after he “kicked the floor in frustration” due to the “pressure of the show.”

He will no longer be in the professional squad for 2024.

Meanwhile, the celebrity line-up for 2024 includes comedian Chris McCausland, JLS star JB Gill, opera singer Wynne Evans, singer Toyah Willcox, BBC Morning Live’s Dr Punam Krishan, The Only Way Is Essex star Pete Wicks, singer Shayne Ward and Miranda actress Sarah Hadland.

Also competing against Tasha are EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, Olympic swimmer Tom Dean, Gladiators star Montell Douglas, DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles, broadcaster Paul Merson and former professional hockey player Sam Quek.

Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer later this year.

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