Gladiators star Jodie Ounsley has shared her heartbreak after nearly pulling out of the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special following the sudden death of her father.
A Devastating Loss
The 24-year-old athlete, known as Fury on the hit BBC show, was announced for the festive line-up in November. However, her world was shattered when her father, aged 56, died during a hike at Pen-y-Ghent in the Yorkshire Dales on December 1.
In an emotional tribute on Instagram, Ounsley wrote: ‘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.
The Decision to Dance
In the wake of the tragedy, Ounsley seriously considered withdrawing from the special, for which she was partnered with professional dancer Neil Jones. She confessed to The Mirror that she was ‘in two minds’ about going ahead.
‘I think if my mum had not encouraged me to carry on, I wouldn’t have,’ she admitted. ‘It sounds cheesy but he was literally my hero. We trained together all the time.’
She explained that her father had been incredibly excited about her Strictly casting, seeing it as a wonderful new challenge for her. Ultimately, the thought of his support motivated her to perform.
Finding Strength and Smiles
Ounsley, who is also a trailblazing deaf rugby sevens international and has worked on Channel 4's Paralympic coverage, said the Strictly team helped her through her grief.
‘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 revealed.
The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special, which also features stars like Scarlett Moffatt and Brian McFadden, will air on BBC One at 5:30pm and on BBC iPlayer on Christmas Day. It will be the final pre-recorded appearance for hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
