07 October 2023 , 16:20
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Strictly Come Dancing star Jody Cundy has spoken out about his struggles on the show after scoring low last week.
The eight-time gold medal winning Paralympian performed a Paso Doble with professional partner Jowita Przystal but admitted the routines are "taxing". The 44 year-old former swimmer and cyclist had his right leg amputated when he was three years old after he was born with a deformed foot. He was subsequently given a prosthetic and "hasn't looked back since".
But scoring just 16 points for his second week dance and receiving harsh comments from the judges, he said that learning the dances each week involves "constantly repeating stuff". He told BBC Breakfast: "I cannot get my left leg and my right leg to do what my brain is telling me, and that is really taxing." His pro dance partner, Jowita, 29, also admitted the competition is "big challenge" and can be "stressful" at times.
Jody and Jowita received a low score of 16 for their Paso Doble dance last week (PA)She said: "We throw somebody who's never danced before in the room, telling the person: 'You have four days to learn the routine, to perfect it, and perform it in front of millions of people,'". Jody agreed, saying: "The most used phrase in the dance room at the moment is 'again' and 'one more time."
After the pair's Paso to Thunderstruck by AC/DC last week Craig Revel-Horwood called it, "stompy and square" but told Jody he was "impressed by his double knee-spring". Anton Du Beke praised the athlete, saying: "You had intensity and intention, good man yourself". Motsi Mabuse had some critical words to share, but also encouraged Jody to not give up: "You went in the wrong direction, lacked expression, but keep going".
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The gold medal winning Paralympian admitted finding the competition 'taxing' (BBC/Guy Levy)
Jody wears a prosthetic after having his leg amputated at three years old (BBC/Guy Levy)Over all, with a harsh 16 point score from the judges, Jody and Jowita came 14th in the leader board but made it through to the next round of the competition after the public. Jody said on his Instagram after the show: "Thank you so much for all your votes, support and messages, it means the world. Honestly we are over the moon we can continue our Strictly journey." He even hinted at the couple's dance for Saturday's show, which will be Movie Week, warning fans to expect something "very emotional".
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