Strictly Come Dancing star Shaun Wright-Phillips was seen fighting back tears in emotional scenes that viewers did not see on the BBC, following the latest results show of the 2026 series.
The former footballer and his professional partner Alexis Warr appeared on the spin-off show Lights Up, which airs on BBC iPlayer after the results show, and were asked to reflect on their dance-off experience. Speaking to Abi Clarke, Shaun said: "I actually don't know what to say. [To Alexis] You saw me behind the stage when we came off the dance floor, [I'm] not really an emotional person, but I think that last one took everything from me."
Emotional Moment on Lights Up
As Shaun appeared to be fighting tears, Alexis commented: "When we got back, he got choked up and said, 'That made me proper emotional!' I've never really seen him..." As she spotted Shaun struggling, Alexis stopped and pulled him into an embrace. Abi tried to speak positively about the judges, mentioning how Shaun 'stepped up' his performance in the dance-off, to which Alexis said: "He went to another zone!"
Ahead of the second results show of Strictly's 2026 series airing, Shaun had taken 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."
Melanie Walters Eliminated
Those who tuned in to the episode on Sunday night (October 11) saw Melanie Walters lose her place in the dance competition following a dance-off against Shaun Wright-Phillips. Last week, Chris Appleton became the first contestant to be eliminated from the BBC One show, alongside his professional partner Amy Dowden, and they have now been followed out of the show by the Gavin & Stacey star and her pro, Aljaz Skorjanec.
After finishing at the bottom of the leaderboard last week, Melanie performed a Charleston this week with partner Aljaz. Although Craig Revel Horwood said he loved the dance style, he told Melanie it "wasn't your thing", and they were awarded a total of 17 points.
Dance-Off Verdict
During Sunday's (October 11) results show, it was confirmed they had landed in the dreaded dance-off against Shaun and Alexis, after they landed at the bottom of the week three leaderboard, with a score of 15 out of a possible 40 for their quickstep to I'm A Believer by The Monkees.
After both couples had reprised their Saturday night (October 10) routines again, the judges delivered their verdicts. While Craig chose to save Shaun and Alexis, Motsi Mabuse chose to save Melanie and Aljaz, before head judge Shirley Ballas chose to save Shaun and Alexis. Anton – who this week was the judge with the deciding vote – saved Shaun and Alexis, meaning Melanie and Aljaz had to leave the competition.
Speaking to host Emma Willis after the results, Melanie said: "To be honest, no truth of a lie, I thought I was going to be out last week." Her professional partner told the actress she was the "ultimate professional". He added: "You showed me what hard work really is and what it means."
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."
