In a story that has left the nation reaching for the tissues this Christmas Eve, Gladiators powerhouse Jodie Ounsley – better known as Fury – has revealed she came heartbreakingly close to pulling out of the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special after the sudden death of her adored father.

The 24-year-old rugby star and trailblazing deaf athlete, who made history as the world’s first deaf female rugby sevens international, was left devastated when her dad Phil Ounsley tragically passed away aged just 56 while hiking one of his favourite peaks.

But in an act of incredible bravery, Jodie decided to carry on with the festive show – dancing with pro partner Neil Jones in what she says became a moving tribute to the man she calls her ‘absolute hero’.

The tragic day that shattered her world

Tragedy struck on December 1 when Phil – a keen hiker and devoted dad – set off for a walk up Pen-y-Ghent in the Yorkshire Dales, a mountain he had conquered countless times before.

‘He had hiked that peak countless times throughout his life,’ Jodie wrote in a gut-wrenching Instagram post shortly after, ‘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.’

The sudden loss came just weeks after Jodie had been announced as part of the glittering Strictly Christmas lineup, leaving her torn between grief and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

‘I was in two minds’: The agonising decision

Speaking candidly, the Gladiators favourite admitted she nearly withdrew from the pre-recorded special.

‘I was in two minds of whether to go ahead,’ she revealed. ‘But my dad was so excited to come and watch and he supported me in everything.’

It was her mum who gave her the gentle push she needed.

‘If my mum had not encouraged me to carry on, I wouldn’t have,’ Jodie confessed. ‘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.’

Her father had initially been surprised by the Strictly news – ‘What, dancing!?’ – but quickly became her biggest cheerleader, thrilled at the chance for his fierce daughter to try something ‘completely different’ and ‘alien’.

‘That’s why he was so excited,’ Jodie recalled. ‘He was like: “This is a great chance for you to challenge yourself.”’

From heartbreak to the ballroom: How Strictly helped heal

Despite the raw pain, Jodie threw herself into training with Neil Jones, finding unexpected joy amid the sorrow.

‘It’s weird because on the inside I am heartbroken,’ she admitted, ‘but people like Neil and the guys at Strictly are just putting a smile on my face.’

‘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.’

Sources say the Strictly team rallied around the young star, offering support during rehearsals and ensuring she felt wrapped in warmth.

One insider dished: ‘Jodie is one of the toughest women you’ll ever meet – she’s a Gladiator, after all – but this hit her hard. Everyone pulled together to make sure she knew she could step away if she needed, but she chose to dance for her dad. It was incredibly moving.’

Who is Jodie ‘Fury’ Ounsley? The unstoppable force behind the Gladiators mask

At just 24, Jodie has already packed more into her life than most do in a lifetime.

Born profoundly deaf, she has never let it hold her back – becoming a professional rugby player, representing England in sevens, and earning a black belt in karate.

She shot to fame as Fury on the rebooted BBC hit Gladiators, where her powerhouse performances and infectious energy made her an instant fan favourite.

She’s also covered the Paralympics for Channel 4 and become a role model for deaf youngsters everywhere.

When her Strictly casting was announced in November, Jodie told It Takes Two: ‘I’m serious, I’m powerful, I don’t mess around, but with this, I really just want to be able to let go and just have fun with it.’

Little did anyone know the personal turmoil she would face just weeks later.

The magical Christmas Special: Tess and Claudia’s emotional farewell

The pre-recorded Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special – airing on BBC One at 5:30pm on Christmas Day – marks the final appearance of beloved hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who bowed out after the main series finale last week.

The duo, who have fronted the show together since 2014 (with Tess there from the very start in 2004), received a standing ovation and heartfelt tributes, including a message from Queen Camilla.

In the festive extravaganza, six celebrities battled for the special Silver Glitterball: Jodie and Neil Jones, former Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt with Vito Coppola, All Saints icon Melanie Blatt, Westlife’s Brian McFadden, comedian Babatunde Aléshé with Nancy Xu, and actor Nicholas Bailey.

Judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton du Beke dished out their trademark critiques – with Craig’s acid tongue softened by the seasonal spirit – before the studio audience decided the winner.

The show featured dazzling routines, surprise guest performances, and plenty of festive sparkle – including Tess finally getting her first competitive dance with Aljaž Škorjanec, and a hilarious Love Actually-style tribute to Claudia.

A nation in tears: Fans rally around brave Jodie

As news of Jodie’s loss spread, messages of support flooded in from fans and fellow stars.

‘You’re so strong, Jodie – your dad would be incredibly proud,’ one wrote.

Another added: ‘Dancing for him on Christmas Day – what a beautiful tribute.’

Gladiators co-stars and rugby teammates also paid tribute, remembering Phil as a constant presence at training sessions and matches.

Dancing through the pain: Why Jodie’s story touches us all

In a year when Strictly has been a beacon of joy amid tough times, Jodie’s courage stands out.

She turned personal tragedy into a celebration of life, love and family – proving that even in our darkest moments, a little glitter and grit can light the way.

As she prepares to sparkle under the ballroom lights this Christmas, one thing is certain: somewhere, her hero dad will be watching with the biggest smile.

Keep dancing, Jodie. For him, for you, and for all of us.