Paralympian and world champion joins Strictly as eleventh contestant after Team GB success
PARALYMPIAN Jody Cundy is the eleventh confirmed star to join the Strictly Come Dancing line-up.
The 44-year-old shared his news on Radio 5 Live this morning, saying: “I’ve spent my life in Lycra so that bit doesn’t scare me, it’s the dancing that scares me.”
The sports star added: “Excited to be welcomed into the Strictly family and throw myself head first into the world of ballroom dancing.
“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 is a decorated World and Paralympic Champion, he has represented Great Britain at seven Summer Paralympics winning eight Gold, one Silver and three Bronze medals across swimming and cycling events.
In 2009 he was awarded an MBE for his services to Disability sport, in 2017 this was upgraded to an OBE for his services to Swimming & Cycling & in 2022 he received a CBE for services to cycling.
Earlier today former Coronation Street star Ellie Leach said “dreams really do come true” as she was announced as the 10th celeb for the BBC dance contest.
The Strictly line-up so far also includes BBC Asian Network’s Breakfast Show host Nikita Kanda and Waterloo Road actor Adam Thomas, with actress Amanda Abbington, Bad Education star Layton Williams and broadcaster Angela Rippon also announced.
They will be joined on the dance floor by journalist Krishnan Guru-Murthy, comedian Eddie Kadi, Irish TV presenter Angela Scanlon and former Love Island star Zara McDermott.
Presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will be back to host the show this year when it returns to screens in the autumn.