GLADIATORS star Jodie Ounsley aka Fury was left devastated as she’s forced pull out of charity walk for her late father.
The BBC star, who has been a regular on competition show since 2024, shared a sad update with fans on social media on Friday.
Jodie had been preparing for a special challenge on 11 April, where she would be claiming Pen-y-Ghent carrying 56kg, one kilo for every year of her father’s life – to complete the climb he never finished.
But the star revealed that following a back injury, doctors have advised her that’s it would be safer to cancel the walk amid her health issues.
Sharing an emotional video on Instagram, Jodie said: “I’ve got an update about the walk I’m doing in memory of my dad. After having a back scan, I’ve been advised that I’m not fit to do the challenge in April.
“I’m gutted to be honest, it was something I was really looking forward to and it was something that was keeping me focused especially with all the heavy emotions that I’m feeling.
“I think the biggest thing that gets to me is that I know so many of you were coming to support the walk.
“I just feel bad almost that it’s come to this.
“I just keep thinking about what would dad tell me in this situation and I know he would be saying don’t be silly Jode, don’t be so daft, you really do need to look after yourself and look after your back and get it sorted.
“Just because we have to postpone it now doesn’t mean the support and the donations, like nothing changes and the walk will happen, it’s just not now and we can rearrange it and it will be special when it eventually does happen.”
Jodie captioned it: “Not the update I wanted to make but thank you so much for all the support so far.”
Her followers raced to share their support for Jodie.
One wrote: “It’s already something really special. Rest up and take care of your back. The walk will happen when the time is right, and hopefully with better weather too.”
A second posted: “Health is always our number one priority, the world can’t have all the amazing things you give it IF you’re not putting your health up there.
“You will come back stronger, and the support will never always be there.”
Another added: “Jodie, I’m beyond proud of you! You’re absolutely right to prioritise yourself – your dad would completely understand. He’s always watching over you with love. You’re an inspiration to others with your kind heart. Keep shining and taking care of yourself!”
Last month, Jodie opened up about her late father as she shared news about the challenge.
She said in a post: “My dad was 56-years-old, fit and strong.
“He took great pride in looking after his health.
“Losing him so suddenly was a reminder that life can change without warning, even for those who seem well and active.”
She shared with her community: “Although I will be completing the challenge carrying the 56kg weight, anyone is more than welcome to walk alongside me on the day.
“It’s a beautiful route with incredible views across the Yorkshire Dales and a great introduction to mountain walking for families who are comfortable with the distance.”
In December, Jodie revealed that her father had tragically collapsed and died while climbing a mountain.
Mixed martial arts expert Phil Ounsley, 56, suffered a suspected heart attack at Pen-y-Ghent.
Paramedics battled to save him while rescuing him from the 2,277ft peak – but it is believed to have been too late.
A source said at the time: “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.”
Jodie posted on Instagram following the tragic loss: “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.
“He encouraged me to dream big and loved me wholeheartedly, and for that I will be forever grateful.
“Until we meet again, Dad.”
Fitness fanatic 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.
Jodie played for England‘s rugby sevens team as well as Sale Sharks and the Exeter Chiefs.
She was forced into an early retirement aged just 23 because of a shoulder injury, but has put her rugby skills to good use in her new role.
Jodie was born deaf and wears a cochlear implant, and in appearing on the show she has followed in her father’s footsteps – her dad Phil was a contender on the 2008 reboot.
She is also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu British champion and a five-time World Coal Carrying champion.
