Strictly Come Dancing fans are predicting a 'huge upset' after Shaun Wright-Phillips delivered a standout performance in Icons Week. The former footballer and his partner Alexis Warr scored 28 points for their Couple's Choice routine to a James Brown track, a dramatic improvement from last week when they sank to the bottom of the leaderboard with their Quick Step and found themselves in the dance-off against Gavin and Stacey's Melanie Walters.
Shaun's Best Performance Yet
The routine, packed with flips, kicks, rhythm and a perfectly executed moonwalk, was described as unrecognisable from anything seen from him so far. It was by far his best performance, and the judges agreed with the impressive score of 28. Shaun said he was 'blown away' by the judges' comments.
'We picked this dance because we wanted to bring joy and excitement not just to the audience here but the ones watching on TV as well and that's exactly what he dance is about,' he said.
Fans Fear for Favourites
Viewers at home were convinced he has done more than enough to make it through another week, with many predicting the first big upset of the series. One viewer wrote on X: 'I feel we may be in for a shock dance off this week after that Couples Choice from Shaun & Alexis,' while another agreed: 'Something tells me shaun won't be in the dance off tonight.'
With Shaun looking likely to survive, panic has spread among fans of other favourites. One fan of Love Island star Dani wrote: 'Shaun scoring higher then Dani God I'm scared,' echoing many who felt she was 'criminally undermarked' for her Rumba after receiving just 25 points. 'Dani has been done dirty this week,' fumed one viewer, while another pleaded: 'PLEASE vote for Dani and Nikita if you want to keep them out of the dance off, they've been very unlucky this week and it would be a shame for them to go this soon!!!'
Dani and her partner Nikita Kuzman also performed in the 'death slot', a term coined by viewers for performing second. Others predicted she could be joined in the dance-off by Bethany Antonia and her partner Nancy Xu. One fan wrote: 'Oh no. With Jaime doing well and Shaun scoring high with a couple's choice I think Bethany and Nancy could be in BIG trouble tonight. I'm scared. The last thing I need right now is them going home,' while another said: 'Dani and Bethany in the dance off for me!!'
Leaderboard Standings
Paralympian Dame Sarah Story plummeted to the bottom of the leaderboard this week after two consecutive weeks of showing promise, with Dani just one spot above her. At the other end, Cach Mercer and Jaime Winstone both topped the leaderboard with 34 points each.
Delta Goodrem, who topped the leaderboard last week, was forced to skip this round after sustaining a rib injury in training. Presenters Emma Willis, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe paid tribute to the Australian singer, who watched from home and burst into tears.
Strictly Come Dancing continues tomorrow night on BBC One.
