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BRAVE Gladiators star Fury will perform on the Strictly Christmas special to honor her father, who sadly passed away this weekend.
Jodie Ounsley has been diligently preparing for filming next Tuesday.
Jodie Ounsley is dancing in memory of her late father on the Strictly Christmas specialCredit: Instagram
Super fit Phil Ounsley passed away while hiking Pen-y-GhentCredit: Instagram
He was an avid fitness enthusiast and was hiking one of Yorkshire’s three peaks on Sunday.
Paramedics worked tirelessly to save him while rescuing him from the 2,277ft peak of Pen-y-Ghent, but it is believed that it was too late.
Jodie, 24, shared the heartbreaking news online yesterday, expressing that she was “devastated.”
The Gladiators favorite is one of six stars participating in the show on Christmas Day, but this tragic news had cast doubt on her involvement.
It has now been confirmed that she will proceed with her training.
A source stated: “Jodie is heartbroken but wants to continue dancing in her father's honor. He always encouraged her to dream big and was thrilled about the exciting changes in her life after becoming a Gladiator, so she knows he would want her to carry on.”
Jodie posted on Instagram on Monday: “Heartbroken. Yesterday, my dad suddenly passed away while doing one of his favorite activities—walking Pen-y-Ghent.
“He had hiked that peak countless times throughout his life, but none of us anticipated that he wouldn’t return that day.
“I lack the words. All I can express is that he was, and will always be, my absolute hero.
“He inspired me to dream big and loved me unconditionally, for which I will be eternally grateful.
“Until we meet again, Dad.”
A source mentioned: “Phil was perfectly fit and healthy. His death has shocked everyone who knew him.
“He was genuinely a remarkable individual who contributed significantly to charity. He was always exercising and pushing himself to help others.
“Phil is the last person anyone would expect this to happen to, given his lifestyle.
“His wife Jo, daughter Jodie, son Jack, and the entire family are understandably devastated.”
Fitness enthusiast Phil, from Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, was reportedly training for his social media series, Big Phil Gets Fit.
He was a former West Yorkshire Police officer who also competed in the World Coal Carrying Championships and operated a cat hotel.
Jodie played for England's rugby sevens team as well as Sale Sharks and the Exeter Chiefs.
She was compelled to retire early at just 23 due to a shoulder injury, but she has effectively utilized her rugby skills in her new role.
Jodie was born deaf and wears a cochlear implant. By appearing on the show, she is following in her father's footsteps—her dad Phil was a contender in the 2008 reboot.
She is also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu British champion and a five-time World Coal Carrying champion.
Jodie said, ‘All I can express is that he was, and will always be, my absolute hero’Credit: Instagram
Jodie is one of six celebrities participating in the festive dance showCredit: BBC
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Jodie Ounsley participating in the Strictly Christmas special?
Jodie Ounsley is participating in the Strictly Christmas special to honor her late father, Phil Ounsley, who recently passed away.
What happened to Phil Ounsley?
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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