Celebrity MasterChef is back on our screens as a group of familiar faces go head-to-head each week in different culinary challenges.

Whether you're a cooking fanatic or more of a microwave-ready-meal type, the show is great wholesome viewing where you can pick up a trick or two in the kitchen.

Among the cast are a whole range of different personalities from all walks of life, including Jodie Ounsley.

Keep scrolling for everything you need to know about Jodie as well as the tragic recent events in her family.

Who is Jodie Ounsley?

Jodie Ounsley is a TV star best known as Fury on the rebooted Gladiators.

Outside of her work on Gladiators, Jodie also worked as an interviewer for the BBC's coverage of the 2024 Paralympics.

Jodie was born premature and required medication which impacted her hearing and left her profoundly deaf. She received a cochlear implant as a child.

She is a multiple-time World Coal Carrying Champion, has won several sprint titles at the Deaf Athletics Championships and uses social media to educate followers about disability.

She is a former union rugby player and former British Brazilian jiu jitsu champion. Jodie is in a relationship with her former rugby teammate Ellen Ramsbottom.

In 2025, Jodie will appear on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special.

How old is Jodie Ounsley?

Jodie Ounsley was born on 17 January 2001, making her 24 years old and a Capricorn.

Who is Jodie Ounsley’s dad?

Jodie's father Phil Ounsley was a former West Yorkshire Police inspector and world coal carrying champion.

He also participated in the 2008 Gladiators reboot, was an avid rugby player, and ran The Ings Luxury Cat Hotel, in Thornhill, alongside his family.

Sadly, Phil passed away aged 56 after collapsing on Pen-y-ghent, a fell in the Yorkshire Dales, on 30 November.

Jodie opened up about her loss on Instagram on 1 December.

"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," she wrote.

Continuing, she said: "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."

Is Jodie Ounsley on Instagram?

Yes, Jodie is on Instagram and can be followed at @jodieounsley.

What has Jodie Ounsley said about joining Celebrity MasterChef?

    While Jodie is a celebrated sports and fitness star, she's mentioned that she's joined the show to put herself in new scenarios, saying: "I wanted to do Celebrity MasterChef because I really want to challenge myself. I’m comfortable in sports, rugby, Gladiators, presenting, but when it comes to cooking, it terrifies me."

    She continued: "I’m all about encouraging kids to do things that scare them so I’ve got to take my own advice and do a challenge like this! My attitude is, if I can get through the first day, that’s all I’m aiming for, and then anything else is an absolute bonus.”

    She also commented about joining the show on Instagram, saying: "Let’s av’ it👩🏼‍🍳🥦🍴You’ll be seeing me in the kitchen on the new series of #CelebrityMasterChef! Not quite sure if I’m excited or scared at this point🤣"

    Celebrity MasterChef continues on BBC One.