Strictly Come Dancing adds Paralympian Jody Cundy days after World Championship win
Strictly Come Dancing have signed up Jody Cundy CBE for their 2023 series and he's hoping he can add the Glitterball trophy to his collection of medals.
Jody Cundy CBE is one of the most decorated stars to join the Strictly Come Dancing family having won eight gold medals at the paralympics.
He has represented Great Britain at seven Summer Paralympics and competed in multiple World Championships, winning 23 world titles.
The most recent win coming at the World Cycling Championships in Glasgow this week.
Jody was announced as the 11th celebrity contestant on BBC Radio 5 Live on Wednesday.
He said of signing up: "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!”
After competing in the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo, Jody became the first man in Paralympics GB history to win medals at seven different games.
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In 2012 the Anglia Ruskin University made him and Honorary Doctor in Health Sciences, and a month later he was given an Honorary Master of Science degree from the University of Hertfordshire.
Away from sport, in 2009 Jody 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.
He currently holds the world record in the Flying 200m and the 1km Time Trial. He also holds 14 consecutive world titles in the MC4 Kilo Time Trial.
Reacting to the news on Twitter, @hereford1terra posted: "At last someone i actually know."
@RyanTheSoapking shared: "The 3rd celeb of the lineup that I've not heard of however im keeping an open mind and can't wait to him on the dancefloor.
"Welcome to our 11th celeb Paralympic Cyclist Jody Cundy. #Strictly."
@james_hol2 tweeted: "Wow He’s won Gold Silver and Bronze Now Paralympian Jody Cundy has set his sights on glitter with a place on #Strictly 2023 @jodycundy."
Strictly Come Dancing is expected to return to BBC One later this year.