Strictly Come Dancing fans made the same observation when Shaun Wright-Phillips fought for his place in the competition after landing in the dance-off, before being saved by a split judging panel.
On Saturday night (October 10), during week three of the BBC One dance contest, the former footballer and his professional partner Alexis Warr were the third couple to take to the ballroom floor. They received mixed reviews from the judges, with Craig Revel Horwood saying it was "everything a quickstep shouldn't be".
Low scores and tough routine
After the comments, Craig and Shirley Ballas each scored the couple three, before Shaun and Alexis landed a total of 15 out of 40 for their Quickstep to I'm A Believer by The Monkees.
On Sunday (October 11), ahead of the second results show of Strictly's 2026 series, Shaun took to Instagram to reflect on the evening. He said: "Learning and enjoying every moment. I won't lie, this week's routine was a tough one to learn, but as always, I gave it my best."
The former sports star, who played for Man City from 1999 to 2005, added alongside pictures from his and Alexis' third-ever Strictly performance together: "The smile on my face says it all."
Dance-off verdict
At the point of his post, Shaun would have known he had fought for his place, with results recorded after the main show on Saturday evening. He and Alexis faced actress Melanie Walters and her pro partner Aljaz Skorjanec after both couples received the lowest votes.
After both couples performed their routines again, with Melanie and Aljaz reprising their Charleston to Ooh Ahh… Just A Little Bit by Gina G, the judges delivered their verdicts. While Motsi wanted to save Melanie, Shirley and Craig chose to save Shaun and Alexis. With the deciding vote this week, Anton Du Beke also sided with Shaun and Alexis, sealing Melanie and Aljaz's fate.
Fans notice improvement
Strictly fans watching the results show admitted the same thing about Shaun's second performance. @sasha_ddm said: "Congratulations to Shaun and Alexis though for making it through to next week, I felt like Shaun did so so much better in that dance off than he did during the live show #strictly."
@lexfortezas commented: "Shaun upped his dance so much in that dance off wow #strictly." @Kaaaaatie_x shared: "Both shaun and melanie danced better in the dance off, but shaun really stepped it up and i really do think the judges made the right decision #strictly."
@ultimatesugg wrote: "Shaun deffo improved in that dance off, i mean the bar was low, but still. Deserves to stay another week #Strictly." @ffion_sheppard_ added: "SO SO MUCH BETTER from Shaun! Absolutely stunning x #strictly."
