Jody Cundy, the Paralympic champion, has been named as the 11th contender in the line-up for Strictly Come Dancing 2023.
The successful athlete is an English cyclist and former swimmer who has represented Great Britain in seven Summer Paralympics, earning eight gold, one silver, and three bronze medals.
His casting was announced shortly after Coronation Street star Ellie Leach was also reported to have joined the BBC series.
‘Excited to be welcomed into the Strictly family and throw myself head first into the world of ballroom dancing,’ the 44-year-old said after the big reveal.
‘So far away from what I’m used to, but I’m looking forward to the challenge and pushing myself way out of my comfort zone, especially as I’m always last onto the dance floor. Can’t wait to get stuck in, bring on the glitter and sequins!’
Jody has won 23 global titles over his amazing career, including the global Cycling Championships in Glasgow this week.
After Tokyo 2021, he became the first man in Paralympics Great Britain history to win medals at seven separate Games.
Jody’s addition to Strictly was confirmed on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.
The athlete has been using an artificial limb since the age of three, when his right leg was severed below the knee.
‘I was born with a deformed right foot which was amputated at the age of 3. I was then fitted with an artificial leg and haven’t looked back since,’ he previously wrote about his story.
‘I discovered swimming when I nearly drowned at my first school swimming lesson and was scooped off the bottom of the pool by a parent – I was then taken for lessons by my parents and my swimming talent was discovered.’
Jody has joined fellow 2023 Amanda Abbington, Angela Rippon, Layton Williams, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Eddie Kadi, Angela Scanlon, Zara McDermott, Adam Thomas, Nikita Kanda, and Ellie are Strictly contestants.
He received a wave of support when it was revealed he’d be taking part in Strictly, with fellow Paralympic champion Ellie Simmonds, who participated last year, commenting on Instagram: ‘Yessssss @jody_cundy cannot wait to see your dance moves 🕺🏼x.’
Singer Fleur East, who was a runner-up in 2022, added: ‘Come on Jody!! Wooo! 🙌🙌🔥.’
Strictly Come Dancing returns later this year on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
