TRAGIC LOSS: Strictly Star Breaks Silence After HEARTBREAKING D3ATH Ahead of Festive Special

Gladiator’s Fury star Jodie Ounsley had made a heartbreaking admission following the death of her famous dad, Phil. The mixed martial arts expert and former Gladiator tragically died after suffering a suspected heart attack at Pen-y-Ghent on Sunday (November 30). It was reported that the paramedics battled to save him while airlifting him from the 2,277-foot peak, but sadly, Jodie confirmed his death with a devastating statement on social media.

Despite grieving her father’s loss, it has been revealed that the Rugby star is determined to train hard and honour Phil as she makes her Strictly Come Dancing debut on the Christmas special later this month. Although the tragic news threw her involvement in the series into question, a source claimed: “Jodie is devastated but wants to dance on in her dad’s honour.” “He always taught her to dream big and was so excited about all the exciting changes in her life after becoming a Gladiator, so she knows he’d want her to continue,” the insider added to The Sun.

 

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On Monday, the 24-year-old led the tributes to the fitness fanatic as she announced: “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.”

The Fury star continued: “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.”

At the time, a source said: “Phil was perfectly fit and healthy. His death has come as such a shock to all who knew him. He was such a genuinely great guy and did a lot for charity. And he was always exercising and pushing himself to help others.

“Phil is the last person you would expect something like this to happen to due to the lifestyle he lived. It is such a surprise for his wife Jo, daughter Jodie and son Jack and his whole family are all obviously devastated.”

Phil, of Dewsbury, West Yorks, is thought to have been training for his social media series Big Phil Gets Fit.

He was a former West Yorkshire Police cop who also competed in the World Coal Carrying Championships and ran a cat hotel.

On Christmas Day, Jodie will be among six stars appearing on the Strictly Come Dancing show alongside Scarlett Moffatt, Melanie Blatt, Nicholas Bailey, Brian McFadden and Babatunde Aléshé.

When her Strictly appearance was confirmed, Jodie shared her excitement and shared: “I’m absolutely buzzing to be doing the Strictly Christmas Special. Being the first female rugby player means a lot to me too.

“I honestly can’t wait to get stuck in, I’m used to smashing into people so this is definitely going to be a challenge!”