Her new professional dance partner has also been through the same heartbreaking loss ahead of the BBC One show’s special
One of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special stars has addressed her continued participation in the show after she was rocked by a ‘sudden death’.
Gladiators star Jodie Ounsley revealed she was ‘heartbroken’ after the death of their ‘absolute hero’ dad last week. Jodie, who goes by Fury on the programme and one of the BBC revival series most popular stars, took to social media to announce to her followers that her dad Phil Ounsley had died at the age of 56.
The martial arts expert passed away after collapsing on one of Yorkshire’s Three Peaks the day prior. Alongside pictures of them together, she wrote on Instagram: “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.”
Now, Jodie has returned to social media to speak about her continuing her planned participation in the upcoming Strictly Christmas 2025 special, where she has been paired with professional dancer Neil Jones, who heartbreakingly also recently lost his own father.
On Friday morning (December 5) she posted a photo of her in training on Instagram, along with a message: “I wanted to address the questions about my involvement in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special. Over the last few weeks, I have been in rehearsals and training. However, as some of you know, my dad suddenly passed away over the weekend, which came as a complete shock.
“For context, he was absolutely over the moon about me taking part. He had never seen me dance before. So, the idea of watching me on the show and seeing me push myself in a new way made him incredibly proud and excited. He was the kind of person who would have been devastated if he thought I had stepped away from this opportunity because of what’s happened.”
Jodie admitted that her mum has “encouraged” her to “carry on”. And she agrees that it’s the “right decision. But that she is no longer dancing for herself.
She explained: “It feels like exactly what I need right now. Something to focus on. And somewhere to channel my emotions. I have never danced before. But one thing I promise is that I will dance my heart out there. For Dad.”
Neil was quick to show his support, as he commented on the post: “He will be with you every step of the way. Proud is an understatement.” And fellow Christmas special star Scarlett Moffatt wrote: “We are so proud of you and your strength Jodie. Your dad is going to be with you every step of the way. And he is going to watch you shine. I don’t think you realise how amazing you are.”
Strictly pro Jowita Przyatal also shared: “He would be so very proud of you,” while actress and former Strictly contestant Kym Marsh added: “Oh darling. I am so sorry for your loss. I know it hurst like hell but I know my dad would have been the same! You go out there for him and make him proud. Sending love.”
