Strictly Come Dancing star Tasha Ghouri backs British Sign Language campaign

Strictly Come Dancing star Tasha Ghouri has spoken out as new research shows almost a quarter of people would avoid someone who is deaf if they thought communicating with them would be too difficult.

The findings from hearing loss charity RNID show the extent to which deaf people still face significant barriers in everyday life, such as shopping, visiting the doctor or socialising.

Ghouri, who was born deaf, is backing RNID’s It Does Matter campaign, which equips people with simple communication tips and videos to learn basic phrases in British Sign Language (BSL).

She said that living in “a world made for hearing people can feel like being in an invisible box,” but added: “With a few simple changes, we can include everyone.”

RNID, which offers support to the 18 million people who are deaf in the UK, have hearing loss or tinnitus, released the figures to mark Deaf Awareness Week, which runs from May 4-10.

It found that despite an increase in representation on shows like Strictly and The Great British Bake Off, 23% of people questioned said they would avoid a conversation with someone who is deaf or has hearing loss, if they thought communicating with them would be too difficult.

Almost a third (32%) worry about saying or doing the wrong thing when communicating with someone who is deaf or has hearing loss.

And more than two in five (43%) of those questioned said they worry they may seem patronising when trying to communicate with someone who is deaf or has hearing loss.

The study suggested that many people do want to communicate better with people who are deaf or have hearing loss, but think they may lack the necessary skills and confidence.

The research found that more than two thirds (69%) of those asked think knowing how to communicate with deaf people and people with hearing loss is everyone’s responsibility.

The majority (78%) said they would be willing to learn simple ways to communicate with deaf people and those with hearing loss better.

Ghouri, who took part in the 2024 series of BBC show Strictly, said: “Being deaf in a world made for hearing people can feel like being in an invisible box. With a few simple changes, we can include everyone.

“Nobody should struggle doing everyday things like shopping, visiting the doctors or socialising. It’s time to smash the invisible barriers and build a society where everyone is included.

“I was born deaf, so I’m familiar with everyday challenges people with hearing loss face. How you’re forced to adapt, just to survive modern life. Things have moved on since I was younger, but this research shows there’s still a way to go.

“The good news is, a more inclusive world is within reach. By changing the way we communicate, with a few small adjustments we can ensure deaf people are part of the conversation and no longer face barriers and hurdles.”

Published: 06/05/2026 by Radio NewsHub