Gladiators star Fury 'heartbroken' as father dies suddenly while climbing Three Peaks in Yorkshire
A Gladiators star has been left heartbroken after a family tragedy.
Jodie Ounsley, better known by fans of the BBC show as Fury, took to social media to announce that her father, Phil Ounsley, died suddenly while hiking one of the Three Peaks in Yorkshire.
Phil, a 56-year-old mixed martial arts expert, collapsed on Pen y Ghent on Sunday, November 30. Paramedics airlifted him from the 2,277ft summit and tried to resuscitate him, but he is believed to have suffered a fatal heart attack.
Ounsley is scheduled to film the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special next Tuesday, although questions are now circulating about whether or not she will take part.
Posting on Instagram, the 24-year-old said: “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.”
Phil, from Dewsbury in West Yorkshire, was thought to be training for his social media project, Big Phil Gets Fit. He previously served as a West Yorkshire Police officer, competed in the World Coal Carrying Championships, and even ran a cat hotel.
Jodie, who appears on BBC’s Gladiators, played rugby sevens for England and had spells with Sale Sharks and Exeter Chiefs before a shoulder injury forced her to retire at 23.
Born deaf and wearing a cochlear implant, she now brings her athletic background to her Gladiators role, following the path set by her dad, who competed as a contender on the show’s 2008 reboot. She is also a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu British champion and a five time World Coal Carrying champion.