Strictly Come Dancing contestant Shaun Wright-Phillips has broken his silence after the judges saved him in the latest dance-off, which saw Gavin & Stacey actress Melanie Walters eliminated. The football pundit has been near the bottom of the leaderboard since the series began, but the judges noted his improvement and potential.
Quickstep lands at bottom of leaderboard
On Saturday night, Shaun, who sought advice from previous winner Karen Carney, and his partner Alexis Warr performed a Quickstep but finished at the bottom of the leaderboard with just 15 points. After the dance-off with Melanie, judge Craig Revel Horwood said: "Due to enthusiasm and technical ability, I'd like to save Shaun and Alexis."
Judge Shirley Ballas called it "a difficult decision," but said the couple that "applied the criticism" was Shaun and Alexis. Anton Du Beke, who had the casting vote, said there was an "uplift in his performance."
Shaun thanks fans on Instagram
Shaun took to Instagram to share his thoughts after being saved, writing: "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 a previous post, he shared his enjoyment of the experience, adding: "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."
His partner Alexis commented with support: "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 reassured him: "You smashed the dance off! Keep going." Shaun replied: "Thanks Jim, was tough though."
Ian Wright's appearance delights fans
Fans were surprised to see Shaun's dad, football icon Ian Wright, supporting his son during rehearsals. One viewer declared it "the best thing about Strictly tonight," while others urged producers to sign up the "national treasure" for a future season. Ian adopted Shaun when he was three years old after beginning a relationship with his mother, Sharon Phillips, and they remain close.
Shaun and Alexis are now through to Icons Week. Melanie Walters said of her time on the show: "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]." Aljaž told his partner: "Look, you're an ultimate professional in what you do. That's why you are so successful in what you do. You showed me what hard work really is and what hard work really means. We started every day with 'Partner, let's have the best day ever'. So I want to finish this for us with a hug, and thank you for every single bit in rehearsals and every single step on that floor."
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One on Saturday at 6.15pm.
