Gladiators star Jodie Ounsley has been confirmed as the third star set to appear on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special.

The athlete and TV star, best known as Fury on the BBC game show, was confirmed to appear on Strictly: It Takes Two on Monday evening.

She will be partnered with professional dancer, Neil Jones, for the one-off festive routine.

Speaking about her participation on the special, Jodie said: “”I’m absolutely buzzing to be doing the Strictly Christmas Special.

“Being the first female rugby player means a lot to me too. I honestly can’t wait to get stuck in, I’m used to smashing into people so this is definitely going to be a challenge!”

Jodie is an advocate for the deaf community, living with a cochlear implant since she was a child after being born profoundly deaf.

She later became a professional rugby player, playing for for Loughborough Lightning, Sale Sharks Women, and Exeter Chiefs Women, before announcing her retirement in April 2024.

On top of that, Jodie is a British Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion and multiple-time World Coal Carrying Champion – a discipline which earned her a Guinness World Record this year, for completing the fastest 50m sprint while carrying a 20kg coal bag.

She joins the other announced stars for the Christmas special, Scarlett Moffatt and Melanie Blatt.

The three remaining stars will be announced across this week.

Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer this Christmas.