Deaf rugby player Jodie Ounsley joins new line-up of Gladiators for TV reboot

Jodie Ounsley, who became the first deaf woman to play for England’s Rugby Sevens in 2019, is to become a Gladiator in a BBC reboot of the beloved gameshow.

Ounsley, 22, from Dewsbury, will star as Fury in the new version of the show – hosted by father and son duo Bradley and Barney Walsh – with producers giving her the name for her “power and passion for competition”.

The ITV series initially aired from 1992 to 2000, before Sky revived the show between 2008 and 2009 – at which point Jodie’s father Phil appeared as a contender.

Former Brazilian Jiu Jitsu champion and 2020 Deaf Sports Personality of the Year, Ounsley was announced as a Gladiator alongside UK CrossFit athlete Zack “Steel” George on The One Show on Wednesday.

In a post on Instagram, the sportswoman said she was “speechless” and “absolutely buzzing” to be a part of the programme.

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A post shared by JODIE OUNSLEY (@jodieounsley)

“This opportunity is truly surreal for me, as I grew up watching my dad as a contender on the previous series. I never imagined that one day I would have the chance to be a Gladiator!

“I am honestly so grateful to the team at Exeter Chiefs for their unwavering support and understanding, as they have been instrumental in allowing me to take time off from my rugby career to pursue this exciting opportunity.

“I can’t wait to get started and give my all as ‘Fury’. I’m looking forward to pushing myself to new limits and hopefully inspiring others to chase their dreams along the way.”

The show is set to film at Sheffield’s Utilita Arena at the start of June, and fans are able to apply for free audience tickets now via the Applause Store website.

Photo: BBC.

By Liam O’Dell. Liam is an award-winning Deaf freelance journalist and campaigner from Bedfordshire. He can be found talking about disability, theatre, politics and more on Twitter and on his website.