Tasha Ghouri is the “real winner” when it comes to cashing in millions from Strictly, a PR expert told Yahoo.
Press Box’s Talent Manager Lynn Carratt told Yahoo UK: “Tasha is poised to be the real winner in terms of financial opportunities and brand deals. Her social media content is attractive to fashion and beauty brands, and I can see her developing a fashion edit with someone like In The Style.”
Blind comedian Chris McCausland was crowned the winner of Strictly‘s 2024 series, alongside his dance partner Dianne Buswell, in Saturday’s live final. He faced fierce competition from Love Island’s Ghouri, JLS star JB Gill and actor Sarah Hadland, all of whom had a degree of dance experience behind them except McCausland.
While McCausland took home the coveted sparkly trophy, it’s believed his Strictly rival and runner up Ghouri could be dancing her way to the bank.
Tasha Ghouri
Ghouri was born deaf and has worn a cochlear implant that improves her hearing since the age of five. She has never let it hold her back and, during the final, judge Anton Du Beke declared the TV personality could be the best dancer they’ve had on Strictly yet in its 20-year run.
Strictly and Love Island mark only the beginning of Ghouri’s entry into the celebrity world. Now it has been predicted the Love Island alumni — who was dancing with returning pro Aljaž Škorjanec — could be looking at some very lucrative offers following the BBC show, by one industry expert.
Speaking on behalf of Stocklytics.com, the talent manager said: “Tasha is keen to draw attention to ableism, and would love to develop a BBC Three type of investigative documentary. Personally, I feel confident in my ability to host documentaries, following a path similar to Zara McDermott, who also appeared on Love Island.
“While there are similarities between them, Tasha has her own unique style and also like Zara has possibly to make a few million in the next year.
“Her newly found mainstream popularity will also boost her podcast listenership and book sales, further increasing her value to brands and saleability to broadcasters and producers.”
Chris McCausland to be ‘in-demand’ for TV work
McCausland is going to be missing the Strictly live tour as he had already been booked to resume his own stand up tour in the UK in January. It’s clear the comedian will be in more demand than ever when it comes to TV work, with one talent manager highlighting McCausland’s big potential.
“Chris is already a much-loved comedian and his willingness to give anything ago, including dancing on national television every week in front of millions, has only increased his popularity,” Carratt added.
“This will have a knock-on financial benefit for the size of the venue and price of tickets he will be able to charge for future stand-up gigs and make him more in-demand for TV work, allowing him to raise his fees.
“This should be a great move for him and his career. He’s eponymous chat show aired this summer on ITV, but with his popularity shining through on Strictly, TV executives will be looking at his Primetime option.
“And there is nothing stop him following in the footsteps of Jonathan Ross. Or even a replacement for the Jonathan Ross show — if bosses wanted to shake things up.”
Read more: Chris McCausland says stand-up tour will be ‘a doddle’ after Strictly
JB Gill ‘prefers quiet life’ to showbiz success
JB Gill‘s Strictly experience seemed to be more about personal achievement than a career boost, according to the industry expert. However, talent manager Carratt suggested the boyband star could follow up his experience with presenting roles.
Carratt said: “JB is widely popular with the audience and is an exceptional dancer, possibly due to his experience in the boy band JLS since 2008 and winning the Strictly Christmas dance competition in 2012.
“Despite his success, he prefers a quiet life on his Turkey farm in Kent. While he continues to perform with JLS and participate in reality shows like MasterChef and The Jump, it seems more like a personal challenge for him rather than a career advancement.
“Considering his diverse talents, he could be well-suited as a presenter for a country-style TV show such as Springwatch or Countryfile, given his previous appearances on similar programs. (He presents Down on the Farm on CBeebies) Additionally, a reality show featuring him and his family at home on their farm could be a hit with viewers.”
Sarah Hadland is the ‘real dark horse’
Sarah Hadland, who danced with 2019’s champion Vito Coppola, could walk away from the competition with millions, according to a PR expert.
“Sarah was the real dark horse of the competition this year,” Carratt said. “An extremely talented actress, but someone with not a huge amount of mainstream fame. After building her popularity on Strictly, winning over fans with her dancing and bubbly personality — I personally love her.
“She can step out from the Miranda show and show TV execs what she can really do and finally become a household name. I believe she will have her pick of TV offers and maybe even the opportunity of her own comedy show and making at least £2m next year.”