Gladiators star Fury has revealed the heart-breaking news that her father has d!ed following a tragic incident.
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The BBC star, who is taking part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special, has taken to Instagram to share an emotional tribute.
Her father, 54-year-old Phil Ounsley, collapsed suddenly while climbing one of Yorkshire’s Three Peaks on Sunday and is believed to have suffered a heart attack.
Fury, whose real name is Jodie Ounsley, aged 24, posted a moving tribute on Instagram alongside a photo of her father holding her as a baby.
The post 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.”
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Fury paid tribute to her dad on social media(Image: @jodieounsley/Instagram)
The emotional tribute continued: “He encouraged me to dream big and loved me wholeheartedly, and for that I will be forever grateful. Until we meet again, Dad.”
According to The Sun, emergency crews made desperate attempts to rescue Phil by air ambulance from the 2,277ft summit – however, their efforts were in vain, reports the Daily Star.
A source disclosed to the newspaper: “Phil was perfectly fit and healthy. His d3ath has come as such a shock to all who knew him. He was such a genuinely great guy and did a lot for charity.
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The Gladiator star announced the tragic news on Instagram(Image: BBC )
“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.”
The insider confirmed that Phil’s wife Jo, along with daughter Jodie and son Jack, have been left utterly heartbroken by the loss.
Jodie, who is scheduled to film her stint for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special next Tuesday, has won over BBC viewers with her role in the reboot of the iconic 90s programme, Gladiators.
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Fury is best known for her role on the BBC show Gladiators(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
The professional rugby player boasts an impressive career, having played for England sevens and the Chiefs, as well as enjoying stints at Loughborough Lightning and Sale Sharks.
However, Jodie revealed last year that she was taking a step back from rugby to explore other opportunities.
