Gladiators star 'heartbroken' after father's death

Jodie Ounsley pictured with her dad, Phil, in 2024

Gladiator Jodie Ounsley's father has died "suddenly" while out walking, the TV star said.

Former West Yorkshire Police inspector and world coal carrying champion Phil Ounsley, 56, died after collapsing on Pen-y-ghent, in North Yorkshire, on Sunday.

His daughter, better known as Fury on the TV show, said she had been left "heartbroken" by his death.

Paying tribute, she said her father was an "absolute hero", who had encouraged her to "dream big and loved me wholeheartedly".

Writing on social media, Ounsley, from Dewsbury, said: "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."

Mr Ounsley also ran The Ings Luxury Cat Hotel, in Thornhill, together with his family and was a keen rugby player.

In a statement shared on the hotel's Facebook page, his family said: "It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our amazing husband, dad and son, Phil, who died suddenly yesterday doing the thing he loved most, walking up Pen-y-ghent.

"He will be missed so very much and was our real-life hero."

Huddersfield Laund Hill RUFC said: "Phil was part of our all-conquering team that won at Twickenham in the 90s, before returning to the club last season to play for our Nomads after 20-odd years away from the game," the club said.

"An absolute warrior on the field, he never took a backward step and led by example, always the first to put his hand up for big carries and flying off the line to make his trademark big hits in defence.

"His enthusiasm, energy, happiness and post-match smile (with a pint of Guinness in hand) will be missed by all of his friends and teammates at Laund Hill."

Earlier this year, Ms Ounsley competed at the World Coal Carrying Championships in Gawthorpe, near Ossett - an event her father won in 2007.

Posting on social media, the event's organising committee said it was "deeply saddened" by his death.

"Phil was not only a remarkable competitor but also a true champion in every sense of the word," the statement said.

"His strength, determination and sportsmanship shone during one of our most competitive eras.

"Sending love and heartfelt condolences to Jo, Jodie and Jack, and all Phil's family and friends."

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.