Gladiators' Jodie Ounsley reveals dad who died aged 56 was contender on original series

EXCLUSIVE: Gladiators' Jodie Ounsley reveals dad who died aged 56 was contender on original seriesWhen Jodie Ounsley lost her beloved father to a heart attack last November, it was devastating. She tells of her grief since, and how sport can be a superpower for young girlsComments3amHannah Britt, Senior Reporter Mirror Features06:00, 07 Apr 2026View 4 ImagesGladiators and Strictly star Jodie Ounsley opens up about grief, saying "I’m very up and down. Grief is so different for everyone"(Image: Paul Marc Mitchell)Little fazes Jodie Ounsley, whose incredible speed and strength has won her countless fans as Gladiator Fury. The first deaf England women’s rugby international, a Brazilian ­jiu-jitsu British Champion and a standout dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, she is truly inspirational. But her tough facade crumbles when she speaks about her dad, Phil Ounsley, who died from a heart attack in November, aged 56, while hiking on Pen-y-ghent in the Dales of his native Yorkshire. The ex-West Yorkshire Police inspector was an athlete like his daughter. He won the World Coal Carrying Championship in 2007, and played rugby at Twickenham.‌Opening up about her loss, Jodie, 25, says: “He was my biggest supporter – and my training partner. I’m very up and down. Grief is so different for everyone.” Experiencing conflicting emotions, as her career thrives, but her loss bites, she says: “I’m happy, but feeling a deep sadness at the same time. They coexist, which is mind-blowing to me. I’m doing the things I love, but I miss Dad so much.”‌READ MORE: BBC star Sian Williams on how 'monster' anxiety has become her superpowerPhil died while Jodie was training for the BBC’s Strictly Christmas special last year, but determined Jodie stayed on the show. Partnered with pro dancer Neil Jones, she danced a high-energy street commercial routine, losing out to Gogglebox’s Scarlett Moffatt.‌She says: “It was the most bizarre timing. My dad passed away while we were in rehe...