Gladiators star Fury nearly pulled out of Strictly Christmas Special after dad died
Gladiators star Jodie Ounsley, aka Fury, was in "two minds" about pulling out of the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special after her "hero" dad died, but her mum encouraged her to "carry on" with the festive show.
Jodie Ounsley nearly pulled out of the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special after her dad died.
The Gladiators star - who is known as Fury on the BBC One show - was "in two minds" about withdrawing from the festive episode of the Latin and ballroom show, which airs on Christmas Day (25.12.25).
It came after her "hero", West Yorkshire Police inspector Phil, passed away after collapsing during a hike in Yorkshire earlier this year.
She told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "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.
"I think if my mum had not encouraged me to carry on, I wouldn’t have. It sounds cheesy but he was literally my hero. We trained together all the time, he'd just be there any day if I needed help."
Jodie admitted she is still "heartbroken" by her father's passing, but she has been supported by her Strictly Christmas Special dance partner Neil Jones, and others at the BBC show.
She added: "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."
Jodie feels her dad will still be watching her dance on the Christmas Day episode.
She added: "I do feel like he's kind of not left me. I'm just gonna imagine that he's there watching and I'm gonna dance like he's there and then do my best."
Jodie and Neil are dancing Street Commercial to Red Christmas by Kylie Cantrall (from Descendents: The Rise of Red), and she will attempt to lift her pro partner during the routine.
She said: "It’s a great nod to Gladiators and there’s some coal carrying too.
"We’ve got some fun bits in there: I’m going to try and flip Neil!"
Neil added: "It’s high energy and lots of fun."
