Tasha Ghouri shared a touching video on her Instagram on Sunday in which she surprised her old elementary school teacher.
The Strictly Come Dancing star, 26, posted a black and white snap of herself standing outside her former teacher’s house with a large bouquet of flowers before knocking on the door.
The pair then reunited, with Tasha visibly emotional at the meeting and embracing before heading inside.
And the former Love Island star explained that the gesture was so important to her because Mary-Anne Aitken helped her with her early education and taught her British Sign Language after she was fitted with a cochlear implant at the age of five.
Tasha added that she wouldn’t be where she is today without her and added that she ‘left a huge mark on my heart’.
Captioning the adorable video, she wrote: ‘I have to say a huge thank you to @maryanne.aitken.9 when I was little in primary school, she was my carer at school and at home, she became a family friend.
‘He taught me, my family and friends British Sign Language. She was with me the whole time.
Even today she reminded me that I gave up playtime in elementary school to work on my graduate language and speech, that I worked twice as hard to get to where I am now, but she was a big part of my life that got I am where I am today and I cannot thank her enough.
Tasha Ghouri (26) shared a touching video on her Instagram on Sunday in which she surprised her old primary school teacher Mary-Anne Aitken
The former Love Island star explained that the gesture was so important to her because Mary-Anne was learning her British Sign Language after having a cochlear implant at the age of five
The Strictly Come Dancing star, 26, posted a black-and-white snap of herself standing outside her former teacher’s house with a large bouquet of flowers before knocking on the door
‘I surprised her today after not seeing her since I left primary school, which is 15 years. We laughed, laughed, ate cheesecake…
‘she is the best baker and i missed your cakes!! You left a huge mark on my heart and I will always love you!’.
Tasha’s emotional gesture comes after it was revealed she inspired a new dating show.
Earlier this month it was announced that a brand new exciting dating series is in the works following the success of series such as Love Island and My Mum, Your Dad.
The new show is set to focus on individuals who use sign language, taking inspiration from deaf celebrities who have used their platforms to raise awareness such as fworms EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis.
The star made history as the first deaf participant of Strictly Come Dancing 2021, and eventually won the competition.
And model Tasha made it to the finals on Sunday, December 8.
TV bosses are reportedly looking for singles who are deaf, use British Sign Language or CODA (children of deaf adults), aged between 25 and 35, for the upcoming series.
Tasha added that she wouldn’t be where she is today without her and added that she ‘left a huge mark on my heart’
In her Instagram caption, Tasha explained that she will be forever grateful to her teacher for teaching her sign language
An insider told The Sun: ‘The makers have just put out a casting call for people in their twenties and thirties to take part.
‘Although it’s not clear which channel it will air on, ITV and Channel 4 are the most likely takers as they like to explore new territory with their shows.
‘As far as the dating show genre goes, producers are always looking for new ways to explore what attracts people to each other.’
While it is not publicly known which channel will air the show, ITV and Channel 4 are thought to be likely candidates due to their desire to explore new concepts, reports The Mirror.
As for the dating show genre, producers are constantly looking for new innovative perspectives on what brings people together romantically.
Tasha’s emotional gesture comes after it was revealed she inspired a new dating show which will focus on individuals who use sign language
Producers were impressed by Tasha’s appearances on shows such as Love Island and Come Dancing to raise awareness of disability
It comes shortly after production company Gold Wala released an advert which read: ‘Live casting has begun for a super-exciting, brand new British Sign Language dating show for a major new channel.
‘We are looking for all Deaf, BSL users and CODAs who are aged 25-35, single and ready to take part in what will be an incredibly fun, exciting opportunity.’
Tasha, who was born deaf and received a cochlear implant when she was five, made history as the first deaf contestant on Love Island.
But Tasha admitted she ‘felt like she’d let the whole deaf community down’ after receiving hundreds of cruel comments about the way she speaks after her stint on the show.
