DESPITE a football legend, an Olympian and a beloved actress in the pack, it is to be expected that some celebrities on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up will be a little less known. But you would be wrong to write off the stars that many fans have deemed “Z-list” additions to the class of 2024 — reality TV stars Tasha Ghouri and Pete Wicks . While she rose to fame on Love Island and he, through The Only Way is Essex , both are now among the highest earners of the lot.
But their value goes far beyond that, as both have blazed a trail away from the spotlight, doing good for society. Born deaf , Tasha has worked tirelessly to support disability awareness and Pete’s passion projects include animal welfare . They are credentials that will be welcomed by the under-fire BBC dance show, which has been rocked in recent months with allegations of toxic behaviour backstage.
READ MORE IN TV Yesterday The Sun unveiled the full list of 15 celebrities taking part, including Arsenal favourite Paul Merson , gold medal-winning swimmer Tom Dean and Miranda star Sarah Hadland . The full list and their odds to win are revealed. Here Deputy TV Editor Felicity Cross looks at how Tasha and Pete have become the most influential celebrities you have never heard of — until now.
GLAM TASHA CAMPAIGNS FOR DEAF AWARENESS TASHA checked into Love Island with all the ingredients to emerge a star. Most read in News TV She had already modelled for online giant Asos and was gaining momentum .