Strictly: Jody Cundy on his decision to join the 2023 cast
Jody Cundy believes his career will help him cope with the performing side of Strictly Come Dancing as he sets to take to the dance floor this month.
The cyclist is no stranger to a challenge, as his 23 World Championship titles prove, and he is keen to learn a new skill out of his comfort zone.
In a new interview, Jody, 44, said he’ll be fine with having millions of people watching him, due to being used to crowds at sports events.
The actual dancing, however, couldn’t be further away from his happy place, with the cyclist admitting he is never one to hit the dance floor at a party and has even likened his moves to Ricky Gervais’ David Brent character.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live last week, he said of signing up to the show: “I had to think about it long and hard but then I was like actually, I’m going to get taught by a pro in a really high intensity situation, kind of like I’m used to with my sporting side of things.
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“So, I’ll get to learn how to do something, yeah I’ve got to do it in front of millions of people on TV which is quite a daunting, scary thought, but then I’ve raced on my bike in front of millions of people on TV.”
Dancing, Jody added, is “a skill I’ve always wanted to learn at some point”.
With the new experience, the gold medallist hopes to gain some confidence and join in with his wife-to-be and stepkids when they dance at home.
The Strictly hopeful is also keen to raise the profile of Paralympic sport, disability, and himself ahead of the Paralympic games in Paris next year.
Speaking to Paralympics.org.uk, he spilled: “I am putting myself out there because I am the kind of person who in the past has been reluctant – I am going to make the most of this opportunity to kick start a new openness and willingness to do things.
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“People are constantly surprised when they see the Paralympics and what disabled people can do.
“For myself to be on one of the biggest shows on the BBC with a disability and showing what I can do, and that it is not a limiting factor, is a pretty special opportunity.”
Last week, Jody shared BBC’s promo video for the upcoming series in which he was filmed trying out a dance move.
Commenting on his appearance, the cyclist joked: “If you can’t laugh at yourself, who can?”
He went on to warn his professional partner that they had their work cut out and urged fans to “pray” for them.
In a new update yesterday, Jody revealed he had finished his first day of rehearsals, which he likened to “starting school all over again”.
He added: “Day1 of @bbcstrictly done! It was great to see the dance floor where all the magic happens and meet up with everyone again.
“More of the same tomorrow! #strictly #keepdancing #excitingtimes.”
Those also in the running to win the Glitterball Trophy are: Amanda Abbington, Angela Rippon, Layton William, Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Eddie Kadi, Angela Scanlon, Zara McDermott, Adam Thomas, Nikita Kanda, Ellie Leach, Bobby Brazier, Nigel Harman, Annabel Croft and Les Dennis.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One on September 23 and will run for 13 weeks.
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