Strictly Come Dancing professional Alexis Warr offered kind words of support to her partner Shaun Wright-Phillips after the latest dance-off, which resulted in the elimination of Gavin and Stacey actress Melanie Walters. The football pundit has consistently occupied the lower end of the leaderboard throughout the series, though the judging panel recognised his potential and acknowledged visible signs of progress.
Quickstep Performance and Judges' Verdict
On Saturday evening, Shaun and Alexis performed a Quickstep, yet languished at the foot of the leaderboard with a mere 15 points. Following their dance-off appearance against Melanie, judge Craig Revel Horwood declared: "Due to enthusiasm and technical ability, I'd like to save Shaun and Alexis."
Judge Shirley Ballas described it as "a difficult decision" but identified the pairing that "applied the criticism" as Shaun and Alexis, while Anton Du Beke, who held the deciding vote, observed an "uplift in his performance".
Shaun's Instagram Reaction
Shaun has subsequently turned to Instagram to express his reaction after being spared. The sporting personality wrote: "Just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who voted for me and @alexis_warr. It was pretty nerve-wracking being in the bottom two, but the hard work has already started, learning a brand-new routine today and getting ready for Saturday."
"As always, we take the judges' feedback on board, work hard and go again!" In an earlier message, he revealed how much he was relishing the experience, stating: "Learning and enjoying every moment. The smile on my face says it all. I won't lie, this week's routine was a very tough one to learn, but as always, I gave it my very best."
Support from Alexis and Others
His partner Alexis responded in the comments to express affection and encouragement, writing: "The journey isn't always easy, but that's what makes it worth it! One week at a time, one dance at a time. So proud of your determination Shauny boi! Let's keep going."
Football manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink also commented to offer reassurance: "You smashed the dance off! Keep going." Shaun responded: "Thanks Jim, was tough though."
Ian Wright's Appearance and Next Steps
Viewers were astonished to see Shaun's father, football legend Ian Wright, on the programme as he was backing his son during practice sessions. One spectator proclaimed it "the best thing about Strictly tonight," while others pleaded for producers to recruit the "national treasure" for a forthcoming series.
Ian adopted Shaun when he was three years old after starting a relationship with his mother, Sharon Phillips. The former Arsenal striker has always regarded Shaun as his son, and they maintain a particularly close relationship. Shaun and Alexis have now progressed to Icons Week, with the Strictly family bidding farewell to actress Melanie Walters. She remarked about her experience: "To tell you the truth, no word of a lie, I thought I was going to be out last week. So I've had an extra week with this beautiful soul [Aljaž Škorjanec]." Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One on Saturday at 6.15pm.
