Long Sutton parents to cheer on paralympian Jody Cundy on Strictly Come Dancing 2023

Paralympian and world champion Jody Cundy is set to fox trot his way onto our TV screens this autumn as part of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing cohort.

Jody, whose parents Ann and Alan now live in Long Sutton, has been announced as this year’s 11th contestant, with news of his participation in the flagship BBC programme made public on the radio last week.

Jody, who now lives in Manchester, 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 only this week.

He was awarded the MBE in 2008 for his services to disability sport and then was promoted to OBE for his services to swimming and cycling in 2017, before becoming a CBE in 2021 for his services to cycling. In 2010 he was given the Freedom of Wisbech, with an open top bus parade and civic reception.

No doubt Jody’s proud parents Ann and Alan, who now live in Long Sutton, will be cheering on their son as he swaps his cycle shorts and helmet for sequins and fake tan in a bid to add a Strictly glitter ball to his collection of trophies.

Forty-four-year-old Jody was born with a deformed foot, which was amputated at the age of three. He will be hoping to go further than fellow Fenland paralympian Jonny Peacock, who was the first amputee to take to the Strictly dance floor in 2017 when he as partnered with Oti Mabuse. They were the eighth couple to be knocked out that year, having made it to the Blackpool show.

Speaking of the announcement, 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.

“Can’t wait to get stuck in, bring on the glitter and sequins!”