The festive sparkle ofStrictly Come Dancingis tinged with profound sadness for Jodie Ounsley, the athlete and television personality. Just weeks before taking to the dance floor for the Christmas special, she faced the unimaginable loss of her father, a man she describes as her “absolute hero.”
He died unexpectedly during a hike, a familiar peak he’d conquered countless times before. The shock reverberated through her world, leaving her heartbroken and struggling to reconcile the joy of the show with the immense grief she felt.
It was her mother’s unwavering encouragement that ultimately convinced her to continue withStrictly. Without that support, Ounsley admits she might have withdrawn, unable to face the spotlight while carrying such a heavy heart.
Her father’s initial reaction to her casting was one of playful disbelief – “What, dancing!?” – but quickly transformed into enthusiastic support. He saw it as a unique challenge, a chance for his daughter to step outside her comfort zone and embrace something entirely new.
Ounsley remembers their training sessions together, his constant presence and willingness to help with anything she needed. That bond, forged through years of shared effort, now feels achingly present in his absence.
Despite the pain, she finds solace in the camaraderie of theStrictlyteam, people like Neil who manage to bring a smile to her face even in the darkest of times. It’s a testament to the power of connection and the healing influence of shared passion.
BeyondStrictly, Ounsley has already broken barriers as the world’s first deaf female rugby sevens international and contributed to Channel 4’s Paralympic Games coverage. She approaches every endeavor with a fierce determination, yet expressed a desire to simply “let go and have fun” with the dancing competition.
The recent conclusion of the traditional series, with Karen Carney and Carlos Gu lifting the Glitterball trophy, feels bittersweet. The Christmas special, featuring Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly in their final live appearance, will air on Christmas Day, offering a moment of festive escape for viewers – and a poignant opportunity for Ounsley to honor her father’s memory.
She carries his encouragement with her, a reminder to dream big and embrace life’s challenges, even when they seem daunting. His love remains a guiding force, a legacy of unwavering support that will forever shape her journey.
