Strictly Come Dancing professional Aljaž Škorjanec is reportedly being paired with former Love Islander Tasha Ghouri for the upcoming series of the BBC show.
According to The Sun, the pairing was revealed on Wednesday as bosses want to bring back a ‘feel-good factor’ to the programme, amid the recent string of bullying allegations.
A source told the publication: ‘Strictly execs want to produce the most incredible, warm and fluffy show possible. There can be no scandal.’
‘They want to create moments that win awards, not land complaints.’
Slovenian born professional dancer Aljaž, 34, announced his return to the ballroom in July of this year for the show’s 20th anniversary, after it was confirmed that Giovanni Pernice would not be rejoining the lineup.
Strictly Come Dancing professional Aljaž Škorjanec is reportedly being paired with former Love Islander Tasha Ghouri for the upcoming series of the BBC show
According to The Sun , the pairing was revealed on Wednesday as bosses want to bring back a ‘feel-good factor’ to the programme, amid the recent string of bullying allegations
The star, who welcomed daughter Lyra with his partner Janette Manrara in July last year, said he hoped to make the one-year-old proud following his two year hiatus from the BBC show.
And it looks like he will as the rumoured pairing comes as 26-year-old Tasha, who is trained in commercial dance, is said to be the one contestant all the male professional dancers want to be partnered with.
Meanwhile Nick Kowles, 61, is the ‘standout favourite’ among the female pros.
It comes after fans declared that bosses have made a ‘bad call’ after it was reported that professional Kai Widdrington will not have a celebrity partner in the new series.
The dancer was paired with Angela Rippon for the 2023 run, but sources said that due to the lesser number of female celebrities, he’s missed out this year.
Fans have taken to social media to share their fury at the news, admitting they’re ‘absolutely devastated’ that Kai won’t be dancing with another star this year.
One was also quick to question the decision to bring back pro Aljaž, if at least one professional dancer wasn’t going to be paired with a female celebrity.
Posts to X included: ‘What!!! No!!! @kaiwidd must have a partner. Does that mean @Mr_NJones is partner-less too?’
asha appears to be in high spirits ahead of her Strictly stint and last week she shared a slew of sweet snaps from her holiday in Marrakesh with her boyfriend Andrew Le Page
The star, who welcomed daughter Lyra with his partner Janette Manrara in July last year, said he hoped to make the one-year-old proud following his two year hiatus from the BBC show
It comes after fans declared that bosses have made a ‘bad call’ after it was reported that professional Kai Widdrington will not have a celebrity partner in the new series
‘No way!! Kai is one of the best and a true gent; I think the Strictly shine is tarnishing before our eyes!’
‘Gutted Kai isn’t getting a partner this year. He’s an absolutely sweetheart and surely is a great ambassador for #Strictly after the recent controversies;’
‘This is a very bad call. Kai is a huge audience favourite; Kai is one of my favourite male pros too;’
‘If it’s true Kai has been benched this year I will be absolutely devastated’
Noting Aljaz’s recent return, one fan also posted: ‘They’ve brought back an old pro and given him a partner so they could bench those… what in the world is going on! Why??’
However, Tasha appears to be in high spirits ahead of her Strictly stint and last week she shared a slew of sweet snaps from her holiday in Marrakesh with her boyfriend Andrew Le Page.
The model and influencer, who first met Andrew, 29, on the 2022 series of Love Island, shared with her followers a series of loved-up snaps, sensational fits, and picturesque dinner locations after ringing in her 26th birthday in style.
In one candid snap, the couple looked more loved-up than ever as they gazed into one another’s eyes while wearing stylish get-ups for the evening.
Tasha is already the favourite to win the 20th anniversary series, currently priced by BetMGM at 4/1
The model and influencer, who first met Andrew, 29, on the 2022 series of Love Island, shared with her followers a series of loved-up snaps, sensational fits, and picturesque dinner locations after ringing in her 26th birthday in style
The couple recently sparked rumours they had secretly married in August.
The reality TV star, posted a series of loved-up snaps to her Instagram wearing a white dress and holding a bouquet of flowers.
And fans came to the conclusion that the pair had finally tied the knot.
Tasha was revealed as the sixth celebrity confirmed for Strictly, beginning in September.
She is already the favourite to win the 20th anniversary series, currently priced by BetMGM at 4/1.
She’s closely followed by JB Gill, member of boy band JLS, who is the currently priced at 5/1, and 2005 X Factor Winner Shayne Ward, priced at 11/2.
Commenting on Strictly’s upcoming series, UK Director at BetMGM, Sam Behar, said: ‘Tasha Ghouri’s previous dance experience as a commercial street style dancer potentially gives her an edge where she’s currently the favourite, priced at 4/1.
‘JB Gill should also feel at home on the dance floor, thanks to his years of performing with JLS, and is priced at 5/1.
‘But it’s still early days with the show not expecting to start until mid-September, and with such a strong lineup, we’re expecting some fierce competition and surprises as the season gets underway.’
MailOnline has contacted representatives for Strictly Come Dancing and Tasha Ghouri for comment.
STRICTLY LINE-UP 2024
Chris McCausland
Age: 46
Profession: Comedian
Chris says: ‘If anybody out there is thinking – How the hell is he going to do that? – then rest assured that I am thinking exactly the same thing.’
Dr. Punam Krishan
Age: Unknown
Profession: GP and broadcaster
Punam says: ‘I have watched Strictly every year and it feels extra special that it’s the 20th year, I can’t believe I will be the one getting Strictly-fied.’
Toyah Willcox
Age: 66
Profession: Singer, actor, presenter
Toyah says: ‘I’m super excited and love this show. To be a part of it, the spray tan the glitter. Its a landmark year for me I came a pensioner, Glasto and now I get spray tans.’
Pete Wicks
Age: 36
Profession: Reality star
Pete says: ‘Dancing live in front of the nation every Saturday? Absolutely terrifying.’
Shayne Ward
Age: 39
Profession: Actor and singer
Shayne says: ‘I’m no stranger to live TV, but dancing Latin and Ballroom in front of millions is a whole new level.’
Tom Dean
Age: 24
Profession: Olympic medal winning swimmer
Tom says: ‘Now I can officially talk about how excited I am to get stuck into something new, meet some brilliant people and get dancing’
Nick Knowles
Age: 61
Profession: TV presenter
Nick says: ‘I am going to really go for it I will throw myself at it 100 per cent!’
JB Gill
Age: 37
Profession: Singer
JB says: ‘A lot of the ballroom styles are very alien to me – I didn’t do those dances growing up. I am not a trained dancer.’
Wynne Evans
Age: 52
Profession: Opera singer, presenter
Wynne says: ‘The stuff I’m nervous about is the ones that involve jumping, I don’t really want to do the jive, I’m nervous about that.
Tasha Ghouri
Age: 25
Profession: Model and reality star
Tasha says: ‘I’ve been watching the show since I was little – it’s a firm Ghouri family favourite – so this is a total dream come true.’
Sarah Hadland
Age: 53
Profession: Actress
Sarah says: ‘I feel particularly excited to be part of such an iconic show in its 20th year.’
Jamie Borthwick
Age: 30
Profession: EastEnders star
Jamie says: ‘I had a ball doing the Christmas special, so when I was asked to join it was the easiest yes!’
Sam Quek
Age: 35
Profession: Former GB hockey player and presenter
Sam says: ‘I am so relieved it is out there now it has been hard to keep a secret! The rumours were spreading and I had to lie! I am used to dancing on a girls night out but I will give it my all’
Paul Merson
Age: 56
Profession: Former footballer
Paul says: ‘I won’t worry about it until it starts but when it does I will be nervous – I have only danced three times in my life!’
