Gladiators star Fury has shared her heart-wrenching decision to almost pull out of the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special after the sudden death of her beloved father, Phil Ounsley, aged 56.
A Devastating Loss Days Before Strictly
The BBC athlete, 24-year-old Jodie Ounsley, was announced as one of six celebrities competing for the glitterball trophy in the festive special set to air on Christmas Day. However, tragedy struck just days after the lineup reveal when her father, a mixed martial arts expert, suffered a fatal heart attack.
Phil Ounsley was hiking Pen-y-Ghent, a 2,277ft peak in the Yorkshire Dales he had climbed "countless times" throughout his life. Despite paramedics' efforts and an airlift from the mountain, the rescue mission proved too late.
Finding Strength in Her Father's Pride
Devastated by the loss, Jodie admitted she seriously considered withdrawing from the competition. It was her mother who reminded her how proud her father had been when she agreed to take part, convincing her to go ahead.
Ahead of filming earlier this month, Jodie, who is partnered with professional dancer Neil Jones, told The Mirror: "I was in two minds of whether to go ahead, but my dad was so excited to come and watch and he supported me in everything."
She added: "I'm just gonna imagine that he's there watching and I'm gonna dance like he's there and then do my best."
A Hero Remembered
Jodie took to Instagram to share the heartbreaking news with her followers, penning an emotional tribute. She wrote: "Heartbroken. Yesterday, my dad suddenly passed away while doing one of his favourite things—walking Pen-y-Ghent... He had hiked that peak countless times throughout his life, but none of us knew he wouldn't walk back down that day."
She described him as her "absolute hero" who encouraged her to dream big. Alongside her message, she shared a carousel of images showing her with her father from childhood through to adulthood, often engaged in sporting activities.
A source close to the family told The Sun: "Phil was perfectly fit and healthy. His death has come as such a shock to all who knew him... He was such a genuinely great guy and did a lot for charity."
Jodie, who is profoundly deaf and received a cochlear implant as a child, is a former rugby union player and jiu jitsu champion. She had previously expressed excitement about joining the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special 2025 lineup, which also includes Scarlett Moffatt, Babatunde Aleshe, Melanie Blatt, Nicholas Bailey, and Brian McFadden.
She had said: "I’m absolutely buzzing to be doing the Strictly Christmas Special. Being the first female rugby player means a lot to me too. I honestly can’t wait to get stuck in."
