Strictly's Tasha Ghouri in 'really bad place' over break-up and co-star dating rumours

Strictly Come Dancing sensation Tasha Ghouri has candidly revealed her turmoil following the break-up with , saying it plunged her into "a bad place".

Their paths crossed on ITV's last year, where viewers were captivated as the couple's romance blossomed, leading them to declare their love on the show.

Despite not winning and finishing fourth, their relationship thrived after the show ended – a rarity for fleeting on-screen romances. However, earlier this year, fans were shocked to hear that the pair had called it quits.

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During an emotional conversation with Kate Thornton on the White Wine Question Time podcast, the star delved into the difficulties she faced when the break-up hit the headlines.

She reflected: "When the break-up happened, it actually kind of happened around the [Strictly] tour. I just remember pushing it to the back of my head. I didn't really deal with it that well, if I'm honest.

"When I was on the tour, the first week it kind of got leaked to the press. I didn't have the control of how it happened. I remember it was just everywhere."

Kate probed into the Strictly celeb's feelings, asking if it felt like a point of no-return once "everybody knows". Tasha replied: "And especially when it involves public opinions, they kind of create a narrative and that's what serves them best."

Rumours had been swirling that she was seeing her Strictly co-star, actor . But she shut down those whispers, explaining: "And I felt like there was all these narratives happening. Like, the press started making it out like me and Jamie were dating, that was not the case at all. I just felt like I had no voice.

"I just remember after rehearsals, we were in Birmingham, I'd go to the hotel bar and it sounds really bad, but I literally was drinking wine to make me feel numb. I didn't want to feel emotion.

"I was just in a really bad place that week. A really, really bad place. I was kind of close to leaving the tour."

On a cheerier subject, away from her break-up woes, Tasha expressed her deep appreciation for being part of the hit show, saying when asked to join, her response was an eager "absolutely, I would love to".

She didn't just participate; she thrived, dancing her way to the final with partner Aljaz Skorjanec. However, their dreams were dashed as they were narrowly beaten to the top spot.

Dianne Buswell and stand-up comedian Chris McCausland triumphed, taking home the Glitterball trophy in last December's final.