Tasha Ghouri's Transformative Pilgrimage Experience
From Love Island's sun-drenched villa to the windswept trails of Northumberland, Tasha Ghouri has embarked on a remarkable television journey that reveals new dimensions of her character. The 27-year-old Yorkshire native, who gained fame on the 2022 series of Love Island, has since captivated audiences with her runner-up finish on Strictly Come Dancing in 2024 alongside professional partner Aljaž Škorjanec. Now, in the new BBC series Pilgrimage: The Road To Holy Island, viewers witness a more vulnerable, introspective side of the reality star.
An Open-Hearted Journey Begins
Ghouri entered the pilgrimage as a self-described atheist, approaching the experience with what she calls "complete open-mindedness." "I went in completely open-minded and ready for a whole new experience," she reveals. "I'd watched the show before and when I arrived that first day and met all the other pilgrims, I was really excited — and so curious." Her fresh-faced enthusiasm and sweet nature quickly endeared her to fellow pilgrims, including Ashley Banjo, whom she immediately asked about joining his dance troupe Diversity.
The pilgrimage involved a 390-kilometer trek through Northumberland, from Whitby to Holy Island (Lindisfarne), following trails honoring Northern saints and visiting historical sites like Warkworth Castle. Unlike previous series that traveled abroad, this journey remained firmly on British soil, which Ghouri appreciated as a native of North Yorkshire.
Discovering Faith and Connection
Despite initially identifying as an atheist, the pilgrimage prompted Ghouri to reconsider her spiritual perspective. During deep conversations with fellow pilgrim Jayne Middlemiss, Ghouri began to recognize that she might have always possessed some form of faith. "I think I had to have it in some form, to get through every obstacle life has thrown at me," she reflects, referencing her experience growing up profoundly deaf and navigating celebrity scrutiny with her cochlear implant, which she affectionately calls her "superpower."
The pilgrimage environment fostered what Ghouri describes as "real conversations" that allowed participants to connect on a deeper level. "Having real conversations with every single person, leaving everything else at home, it was really special," she says. "You have to open up your heart to it. If you're closed off, you're not going to learn or grow. And I felt my heart getting more open."
The Profound Lesson That Resonated
The most significant takeaway from Ghouri's journey came during a chance encounter at Holy Island. "I met this incredible lady there, you know. We were chatting and she said to me, 'Don't let the world come rushing in' — and that just really hit me deep," Ghouri shares. "Ever since coming home, every day I've said that to myself."
This simple yet powerful advice has become a daily mantra for Ghouri, helping her maintain perspective amid life's distractions. "I think it's really important to remember to not get sucked into so many silly things in this crazy world we live in," she explains. "What really matters is who you are and the people around you. It was a simple sentence, but really powerful for me."
Forming Lasting Bonds and Memories
Throughout the pilgrimage, Ghouri developed meaningful connections with her fellow travelers. Her shared love of dancing created a special bond with Ashley Banjo, who became something of a big brother figure. She even convinced him to film TikTok dances in challenging weather conditions. "One day the rain was torrential," she recalls with a laugh. "It was the windiest, wettest day ever. Ashley just wanted to get back to the warm fire and I was like, 'Shall we do a TikTok?' But he did, bless him."
Ghouri also formed a close connection with EastEnders actress Patsy Kensit, the oldest pilgrim at 58. "Hearing about Patsy's journey was really inspiring," Ghouri says. "She gives great advice, too. I loved her telling me I don't need to marry all my boyfriends. That's kind of iconic. She was definitely like a mother figure." Other pilgrims like Hermione Norris and Jayne Middlemiss also provided maternal guidance, with Ghouri noting that the group has maintained contact since filming ended.
A Different Kind of Television Experience
Compared to her previous reality television appearances, Ghouri found Pilgrimage to be a distinctly different experience. "With Pilgrimage, I felt more vulnerable. You're stripping yourself back," she admits. "I was leaving the TV Tasha at home and going in and just being myself. You're so comfortable in this safe space, with a small, intimate team, that you can just be human."
This emphasis on authenticity resonated deeply with Ghouri. "People forget to just be human sometimes. That's what was so great about this show," she reflects. "I loved it, feeling present, grounded and enjoying all this beautiful nature in front of me. Yes, there were steps — a lot of steps — but being surrounded by such beautiful landscapes was just wow, incredible."
Ghouri particularly cherished the arrival at Holy Island, describing it as a magical moment. "It's a two-hour walk in the sand to get there, but it was amazing," she says. "The sun came out as we arrived – this blazing sun, reflecting on the sand. It looked like you were walking towards this amazing light. And when you get there it's intimate and small, but it's beautiful. The aura is so precious."
As Ghouri continues to navigate her television career, this pilgrimage experience has provided her with valuable perspective and lasting friendships. The journey reminded her that amidst the whirlwind of celebrity life, maintaining one's humanity remains paramount.
