World and Paralympic champion Jody Cundy has been confirmed as the 11th celebrity contestant to compete in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.

Strictly will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer for its new series this autumn, once again bringing glitter, glamour and glorious dancing to homes across the nation.

Former Hatfield swimmer and ex-University of Hertfordshire student Jody Cundy was revealed for the dancing contest this morning (Wednesday, August 9) on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.

A below-the-knee amputee, Jody, 44, was born with a deformed right foot which was amputated when he was just three years old.

He represented Great Britain in swimming at three Paralympics from 1996 to 2004.

Since then he was competed on the track in cycling.

Jody said: "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."

Jody is the second celebrity with links to Hertfordshire to be announced for the Strictly class of 2023 after Sherlock star Amanda Abbington.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Amanda Abbington has been announced for Strictly.Amanda Abbington has been announced for Strictly. (Image: BBC)

 

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Jody Cundy has represented Great Britain at seven summer Paralympics, winning eight gold, one silver, and three bronze medals across swimming and cycling events. 

He has also competed in multiple World Championships, winning 23 world titles. The most recent win coming at the World Cycling Championships in Glasgow this week.

After competing at Tokyo 2021, Jody became the first man in Paralympics GB history to win medals at seven different games.

In 2012, the Anglia Ruskin University made him an Honorary Doctor in Health Sciences, and a month later he was given an Honorary Master of Science degree from the Hatfield-based University of Hertfordshire in recognition of his outstanding services to Paralympic sport.

Following the ceremony held in the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Albans, Jody said: “Having had a close relationship with the University of Hertfordshire for many years – especially during my swimming career – I feel honoured to be awarded an honorary master’s degree." 

During his time in Hertfordshire, Jody also spent time as a fitness instructor at the Furzefield Centre in Potters Bar.

 

His achievements were also recognised when he was appointed Member of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2009 New Year Honours list, an award that was followed by being made Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) eight years later, for his services to swimming and 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.

Jody will now aim to add glitter - as in the Strictly Glitterball Trophy - to his list of honours. 

EastEnders actor Bobby Brazier and former Coronation Street star Ellie Leach are the latest stars to join the Strictly Come Dancing 2023 line-up.