Her new skilled dance associate has additionally been by way of the identical heartbreaking loss forward of the BBC One present’s particular
One of this yr’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas particular stars has addressed her continued participation within the present after she was rocked by a ‘sudden demise’.
Gladiators star Jodie Ounsley revealed she was ‘heartbroken’ after the demise of their ‘absolute hero’ dad final week. Jodie, who goes by Fury on the programme and one of many BBC revival collection hottest stars, took to social media to announce to her followers that her dad Phil Ounsley had died on the age of 56.
The martial arts professional handed away after collapsing on one among Yorkshire’s Three Peaks the day prior. Alongside footage of them collectively, she wrote on Instagram: “Heartbroken.Yesterday, my dad immediately handed away whereas doing one among his favorite issues—strolling Pen-y-Ghent.
“He had hiked that peak numerous instances all through his life, however none of us knew he wouldn’t stroll again down that day. I don’t have the phrases. All I can say is that he was, and all the time can be, my absolute hero. He inspired me to dream massive and liked me wholeheartedly, and for that I can be perpetually grateful. Until we meet once more, Dad.”
Now, Jodie has returned to social media to talk about her persevering with her deliberate participation within the upcoming Strictly Christmas 2025 particular, the place she has been paired with skilled dancer Neil Jones, who heartbreakingly additionally lately misplaced his personal father.
On Friday morning (December 5) she posted a photograph of her in coaching on Instagram, together with a message: “I needed to handle the questions on my involvement within the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas particular. Over the previous couple of weeks, I’ve been in rehearsals and coaching. However, as a few of you understand, my dad immediately handed away over the weekend, which got here as an entire shock.
“For context, he was completely over the moon about me participating. He had by no means seen me dance earlier than. So, the thought of watching me on the present and seeing me push myself in a brand new means made him extremely proud and excited. He was the form of one that would have been devastated if he thought I had stepped away from this chance due to what’s occurred.”
Jodie admitted that her mum has “inspired” her to “stick with it”. And she agrees that it’s the “proper resolution. But that she is now not dancing for herself.
She defined: “It seems like precisely what I would like proper now. Something to give attention to. And someplace to channel my feelings. I’ve by no means danced earlier than. But one factor I promise is that I’ll dance my coronary heart on the market. For Dad.”
Neil was fast to point out his assist, as he commented on the put up: “He can be with you each step of the best way. Proud is an understatement.” And fellow Christmas particular star Scarlett Moffatt wrote: “We are so pleased with you and your energy Jodie. Your dad goes to be with you each step of the best way. And he’s going to look at you shine. I don’t suppose you realise how wonderful you might be.”
Strictly professional Jowita Przyatal additionally shared: “He could be so very pleased with you,” whereas actress and former Strictly contestant Kym Marsh added: “Oh darling. I’m so sorry to your loss. I do know it hurst like hell however I do know my dad would have been the identical! You go on the market for him and make him proud. Sending love.”
