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Who is Shaun Wright-Phillips? Meet Strictly Come Dancing 2026 contestant and footballer

Can this former football star score a perfect 10 with the judges?

Alexis Warr and Shaun Wright Phillips stood next to each other with their arms pointed downwards as they take one step in front of the other.

BBC/Guy Levy

Published: Friday, 23 October 2026 at 1:25 pm

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Shaun Wright-Phillips has had quite the rollercoaster on Strictly Come Dancing so far, with the former footballer finding himself low down on the leaderboard.

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After landing in the dance-off two weeks ago, Wright-Phillips was given a second chance to prove himself.

And his couples choice routine to a medley of James Brown alongside pro Alexis Warr earned him 28 points – his highest score of the series so far.

Before he takes to the Strictly dancefloor again, here's everything you need to know about Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Who is Shaun Wright-Phillips?

A close up of Shaun Wright-Phillips smiling as he looks ahead.

Shaun Wright-Phillips. BBC/Ray Burmiston

Age: 44

Job: Footballer and pundit

Instagram: @shaunwp98

Partner: Alexis Warr

Shaun Wright-Phillips is footballer, and son of footballing legend Ian Wright, with 36 caps for England across his professional career that also saw him play for Manchester City, Chelsea, Queens Park Rangers and the USA's New York Red Bulls and Phoenix Rising FC.

Now a football pundit and broadcaster, Wright-Phillips has worked with the likes of the BBC, Sky Sports, ITV and the Premier League. He has also been a Manchester City ambassador since 2020.

And football continues to run in the family! Shaun has a son, D'Margio Wright-Phillips, who plays for Belgian club Beerschot and the Grenada national team.

Shaun Wright-Phillips' Strictly journey so far

Scoreboard

Week 1: Cha Cha (2 + 4 + 4 + 5 = 15)

Week 2: Salsa (4 + 7 + 7 + 7 = 25 = 40)

Week 3: Quickstep (3 + 4 + 3 + 5 = 15)

Week 4: Couple's Choice (7 + 7 + 7 + 7 = 28)

What has Shaun Wright-Phillips said about Strictly Come Dancing?

A man and woman holding hands whilst dancing the Salsa on the Strictly dance floor.

Alexis Warr and Shaun Wright-Phillips. BBC/Guy Levy

Shaun Wright-Phillips wanted to challenge himself and learn something new and so decided to say 'yes' to Strictly!

He added: "It’s something that’s definitely out of my comfort zone, but overall I’m really looking forward to it!"

The former footballer is most looking forward to "stepping into a new arena and learning new skills". I’m also really excited to meeting some amazing people along the way."

Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday 24 October at 6:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer.

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Authors

Tilly PearceFreelance Writer

Tilly Pearce is a freelance TV journalist whose coverage ranges from reality shows like Love Is Blind to sci-fi shows like Fallout. She is an NCTJ Gold Standard accredited journalist, who has previously worked as Deputy TV Editor (maternity cover) at Digital Spy, and Deputy TV & Showbiz Editor at Daily Express US.

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