Gladiators star Fury reveals she nearly ‘pulled out of Strictly Christmas Special’ after her ‘hero’ father died suddenly aged 56

Gladiators star Fury has revealed she almost pulled out of the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special following the sudden death of her ‘hero’ father, aged 56.

The BBC athlete, 24 – whose real name is Jodie Ounsley – is one of six celebrities competing for the glitterball trophy on Christmas Day. 

However, tragedy struck just days after it was announced that she had joined the lineup.

Jodie’s father, mixed martial arts expert Phil Ounsley, is believed to have suffered a heart attack while hiking Pen-y-Ghent, a mountain he had climbed ‘countless times’ throughout his life. 

According to reports, paramedics attempted to save him and he was airlifted from the 2,277ft peak, but the rescue mission came too late.

Devastated by the loss, Jodie admitted she considered withdrawing from the festive dance special, before her mother reminded her how proud her father had been when she agreed to take part.

Ahead of filming which took place earlier this month, Jodie, who’s dancing with 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.

‘It’s weird because on the inside I am heartbroken but people like Neil and the guys at Strictly are just putting a smile on my face.’

She continued: ‘I’m just gonna imagine that he’s there watching and I’m gonna dance like he’s there and then do my best.’

It comes after Jodie took to Instagram to share the news of her father passing away.

She penned: ‘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. I don’t have the words…

‘All I can say is that he was, and always will be, my absolute hero. He encouraged me to dream big and loved me wholeheartedly, and for that I will be forever grateful. Until we meet again, Dad.’

Alongside her heartfelt message, Jodie shared a number of images from her childhood through to adulthood alongside her beloved father.

The avid sportsman was seen throwing himself into a host of sporting actitivies with his famous daughter in her sweet carousel of images.

A source 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. And he was always exercising and pushing himself to help others.

‘Phil is the last person you would expect something like this to happen to due to the lifestyle he lived.

‘It is such a surprise for his wife Jo, daughter Jodie and son Jack and his whole family are all obviously devastated.’

The heartbreaking news comes after Jodie became the third celebrity to sign up to Strictly Come Dancing’s Christmas special.

The BBC athlete will be one of six stars to take to the dance floor to battle it out for the famous glitterball trophy on the hit competition on Christmas Day.

Profoundly deaf from infancy, Jodie received a cochlear implant as a child, becoming one of the youngest people in the UK to undergo the procedure.

Jodie, who is a former rugby union player and jiu jitsu champion, gushed she ‘can’t wait to get stuck in’ to learning her routine.

She 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, I’m used to smashing into people so this is definitely going to be a challenge!’