I'll dance my best for Dad ... as if he's still with us

GLADIATOR FURY READY DESPITE TRAGIC LOSS

- BY MARK JEFFERIES Showbiz Editor

GLADIATOR Jodie Ounsley battled grief as well as nerves to dance in the Strictly Christmas special, which airs tomorrow.

Days after her place in the special was announced, her "hero" dad suddenly collapsed and died.

The former West Yorkshire police inspector and coal-carrying champion Phil Ounsley, 56, had been hiking on Pen-y-ghent, in North Yorkshire.

Jodie, 24, known as Gladiator Fury, who is dancing with pro Neil Jones, told the Mirror ahead of filming this month: "I was in two minds about whether to go ahead, but Dad was so excited to come and watch and he supported me in everything.