Gladiators star "Fury" has shared a heartbreaking statement about her father, who died suddenly on Sunday while hiking in Yorkshire.
Jodie Ounsley, known as Fury on the BBC show, penned the sad news on an Instagram post on Monday.
The 24-year-old former rugby union player wrote alongside a series of pictures of her dad, Phil: "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.
Jodie Ounsley shared on Monday that her dad had tragically died on Sunday
|"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."
Phil, who was 56, suffered a suspected heart attack at Pen-y-Ghent, part of Yorkshire's three peaks.
It is understood paramedics attempted to save him, airlifting the fitness fanatic to hospital.
Phil Ounsley died during a hike on Sunday
|Ms Ounsley is set to appear on Strictly Come Dancing's Christmas special on Tuesday, with the news having been revealed last week.
A source stated: "Phil was perfectly fit and healthy. His death has come as such a shock to all who knew him."
Speaking to The Sun, they continued: "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.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Jodie Ounsley announced the heartbreaking news of her dad's sudden death
|GETTY
"It is such a surprise for his wife Jo, daughter Jodie and son Jack and his whole family are all obviously devastated."
It is believed Mr Ounsley had been training for his social media series, Big Phil Gets Fit.
The publication reports he was a former West Yorkshire police officer who had also competed in the World Coal Carrying Championships.
His daughter played for England's rugby sevens team but was forced to retire at just 23 due to a shoulder injury.
However, she has starred on the popular revived game show since 2024, establishing herself as a Gladiator.
Her social media announcement was met with a flood of sympathetic comments from fans and fellow famous faces.
Former EastEnders star Rose Ayling Ellis wrote: "Oh this is heartbreaking, I'm so so sorry. Sending you lots of love Jodie."
"Jodie! I'm utterly devastated for you and your family. Phil was such an incredible man and you only know how much he got on with my Dad and my family. He will be sorely missed.
"Here for you throughout it all sending so much strength and love to your family xxx," a second wrote.
Another shared: "Heartbroken. Sending love, hugs, strength and support to you and your family."
"No words. Always here and sending so much love."
Strictly Come Dancing professional Neil Jones, who also lost his father recently, wrote: "No words will help right now just take time and I'm sending all my love and strength to you and your family."
One more added: "Genuinely heartbroken for you, sending so much love to you and your family." (sic)