People across Bolton are set to cheer on the town’s very own Paralympic hero as Strictly Come Dancing launches tonight.

Jody Cundy, who lives in Bolton and trains with the GB cycling team in Manchester, is celebrated for his incredible 11 Paralympic medals.

Now he will compete against his fellow celebrity contestants in this year’s series of Strictly.

Speaking to the BBC, Jody said: “When I got the phone call, it was like, that is Strictly Come Dancing, the biggest show on BBC!

“I can't imagine myself dancing, no I won't do it.

“Then I was like, actually, it's Strictly Come Dancing, it's the biggest show on TV, and it's pretty cool.

The Bolton News: Jody Cundy will be taking to the dance floorJody Cundy will be taking to the dance floor (Image: BBC)

“I started chatting to my fiancé about it, she was like ‘let's do it!’.

“So, it took about a week between myself, my fiancé, the team at British Cycling to try and see how we're going to balance everything out.”

He added: “It's a year out from the Paralympics, so, obviously it's not the perfect timing for preparation for Paralympics but there's something about doing this that is going raise the profile of disability in sport.

“In Paralympic sport, you see Paralympic athletes once every four years and you have to basically relearn who they are every four years, so, if I can make a name for myself here, then maybe we'll have a few more fans that watch the Paralympics next year in Paris and hopefully I'll be there and they’ll be able to support as well.”

Jody has already won support from across the borough as he prepares to put his dancing skills to the test.

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A statement from Bolton Council said: “The council is cheering on Bolton’s Jody Cundy tonight on Strictly Come Dancing.

“Jody lives in Bolton and trains with the GB cycling team in Manchester.

“He has won an incredible 11 medals at the Paralympics including eight golds, plus 23 world titles.

“Amazingly, he’s done it in two different sports, cycling and swimming.

“Of course, he’s not the only famous cyclist from Bolton, Jason and Laura Kenny are also brilliant on a bike.

“Best of luck, Jody, Bolton is behind you!”