Who is Fury? Gladiators 2025 star whose dad competed on show
The fearsome Fury is the show's first ever deaf Gladiator.
Gladiators is back – and Fury is ready to take on her challengers head on.
Fury is part of the elite line-up of Gladiators, and makes history as the show's first deaf Gladiator, considering her disability her 'superpower'.
But beyond that, Fury has a long-standing connection to the series that makes her participation even more meaningful to her.
As Gladiators kicks off on BBC One, read on for everything you need to know about her.
Fury – Age, Instagram and stats
Age: 24
From: West Yorkshire
Height: 5 ft 7in
Bicep: 34cm
Instagram: @jodieounsley
Who is Fury?
Fury, real name Jodie Ounsley, is a former professional Exeter Chiefs rugby player.
Ounsley was very successful when it comes to her sporting career, having won titles for former England Women's Rugby Seven's player, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu British Champion and five times World Coal Carrying champion.
She also won the title of Deaf Sports Personality of The Year in 2020, and is an ambassador for The Elizabeth Foundation charity, a specialist pre-school nursery for deaf children.
Away from the series, Fury hosts podcast, Stronger Than You Think, with presenter Ashleigh Wilmot. The series highlights the exceptional careers and moments of women in sport.
Later this year, she is set to release her first book, Keep Smashing It, a self-help guide for those who need some motivation.
Who is Fury's dad?
Jodie was inspired to go on the show after her dad, Phil Ounsley, took part in the original series as a contestant in 2008.
Asked why she wanted to become a Gladiator, she said ahead of the reboot: "The biggest reason is because my dad was a contender in a previous series, so Gladiators has been a big part of our family since I was little.
"I loved watching how physical the Gladiators were but then I also loved watching my dad go through the process as well, so he’s clearly been a massive influence and it's pretty cool that I can do it too."
Phil is a former professional mixed martial artist and ambassador for The Elizabeth Foundation charity, a pre-school nursery for deaf children.
Gladiators returns on Saturday 18th January at 5:50pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
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Authors
Tilly Pearce is a freelance TV journalist whose coverage ranges from reality shows like Love Is Blind to sci-fi shows like Fallout. She is an NCTJ Gold Standard accredited journalist, who has previously worked as Deputy TV Editor (maternity cover) at Digital Spy, and Deputy TV & Showbiz Editor at Daily Express US.
