A MODEL and TV star who had a cochlear implant fitted at Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI) when she was younger is lighting up the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom.

Tasha Ghouri is the second deaf contestant to take part in the hit BBC One show.

The 26-year-old, who soared to prominence in 2022 after appearing on Love Island, is partnered with professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec on Strictly - and together they are wowing viewers.

Earlier this month, Tasha and Aljaž scored the first 10s of this year's series for their Charleston, which judge Anton Du Beke said was "practically perfect".

Head judge Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Du Beke all awarded 10s, with Craig Revel Horwood scoring a nine to total 39 points.

And over the weekend, the pair performed an impressive tango to the hit song Dog Days Are Over by Florence + The Machine.

Their routine scored them 34 out of a possible 40 on the competition - with the dancing duo waltzing through to next week.

Last year, Tasha was joined by her parents, Nicky and Tarek, on her SUPERPOWERSWITHTASHA podcast.

Tasha has been deaf since birth and received a cochlear implant - an electronic device which improves hearing - at BRI when she was five-years-old.

In the podcast, Nicky said: "You flew through the assessments and then they gave us a date for an implant, it was really quick."

Tarek praised the team at the BRI, saying: "They were outstanding - the whole team there."

Nicky added: "We can't fault the NHS in the care that you had for this.

"They were fantastic."

Tasha agreed and then talked about how she learned to speak after having her cochlear implant fitted.

The celebrity has recently penned a romance novel called Hits Different, featuring a protagonist with hearing loss. 

Tasha said she wanted to take part in Strictly "for myself and the deaf community, and for people who struggle with their confidence."

"I want people to feel seen and heard and understood when they see me dance," she added.

"I want to bring people along with me on my journey and feel it all with me.

"I really hope they feel represented and heard.

"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."