Who is Fury on the new Gladiators show?

Fury is Jodie Ounsley, a contestant on the BBC's 2024 relaunch of the Gladiators series.

What challenges has Jodie Ounsley overcome?

Jodie Ounsley is profoundly deaf from infancy and is the first deaf woman to play for England Rugby Sevens.

How is Gladiators a legacy for Jodie Ounsley's family?

Jodie's father, Phil Ounsley, competed in the original Gladiators show, inspiring her to participate in the relaunch.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Fury's Legacy: From Dad's Garage to Gladiator Stardom

Fury's Legacy: From Dad's Garage to Gladiator Stardom

17 Jan

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Summary

Jodie Ounsley, known as Fury, stars in the BBC's Gladiators relaunch.
Her father, Phil Ounsley, inspired her by competing in the original show.
Jodie is the first deaf woman to play for a senior England rugby side.

Fury's Legacy: From Dad's Garage to Gladiator Stardom

Jodie Ounsley, famously known as Fury on the BBC's revived Gladiators, embodies a powerful legacy that began in her father Phil's Yorkshire garage. Her father, a former contestant on the original Gladiators and a dedicated policeman, built her a specialized playground. Tragically, Phil Ounsley passed away in November 2025 at the age of 56, leaving a profound impact on his daughter.

Fury's journey in the show is deeply personal, inspired by her father's participation. Despite profound deafness from infancy, Jodie has achieved remarkable athletic feats. She is celebrated as the first deaf woman to play for a senior England rugby team and is a British Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion. Her parents' determination ensured her deafness did not limit her potential, supporting her through mainstream schooling and early speech therapy.