Overview
- The Gladiators star, 24, nearly withdrew after her father, former West Yorkshire Police inspector Phil Ounsley, 56, died following a collapse on Pen‑y‑ghent, but her mother urged her to continue.
- Ounsley will perform a Street Commercial routine with professional partner Neil Jones to Red Christmas by Kylie Cantrall.
- The dance includes nods to Gladiators with coal carrying, high‑energy lifts and an attempted flip of her partner.
- Born deaf and using a cochlear implant, she has prepared by feeling the rhythm and closely following Jones rather than hearing the music clearly.
- Former Strictly contestants Rose Ayling‑Ellis and Tasha Ghouri have offered advice and encouragement as she readies for the pre‑recorded special airing on BBC One on Dec 25.