Shaun Wright-Phillips has revealed that his famous dad Ian Wright has finally watched his dancing - and he had a few things to say about his technique.
The 44-year-old former English winger struggled to impress during Week 1 and landed at the bottom of the leaderboard. However, Shaun picked himself up and dusted himself off with a fun and funky Salsa to Saturday Night Fever which pushed him up the leaderboard and saved himself from the dance-off.
Dad's Verdict
Shaun, who was adopted by Ian when he was three years old, previously admitted that his dad Ian was too scared to watch him live and likely wouldn't sit in the audience. Now he has... and the verdict is in.
"Well, he said the first time I looked a little bit stiff," Shaun told the Mirror. "And then the second time he was over the moon. But in general, that’s only normal with the first time - for me anyway. I don’t know what everybody else felt like. It was nerve-wracking."
"I’m way out of my comfort zone. And not only am I that far out of my comfort zone, I’ve also got to focus on - make sure I don’t get any steps wrong, make sure I’m on time, make sure you’re smiling, make sure your arms are in the right place, and make sure I am where I need to be when Alexis comes across, so we’re in sync together. So there’s a lot going on."
Partnership with Alexis Warr
Shaun also spoke about his blossoming friendship with pro partner Alexis Warr. "We get on really, really well," he said. "She makes it hard work, but we also have a laugh at the same time, which for me, and I think for a lot of the other celebs, is important - to not just work hard, but also enjoy the journey of Strictly."
He was relieved to avoid the dance-off at the weekend and said that he had been trying to build his confidence in the lead-up to the second live show.
Building Confidence
"I have been working really, really hard. I always find with things you just have to keep putting the work in, especially with Alexis - trusting in the process and building your confidence," he explained.
"In many ways it’s about getting familiar with the ballroom surroundings and the atmosphere, and realising all the cameras are there and the flashing lights. And on Saturday, it all seemed to feel a bit more homely."
Shaun and Alexis rose to ninth place on the leaderboard, just below Jaime Winstone and Carlos Gu, who ended up in the dance-off against Chris Appleton and Amy Dowden.
Sadly, Amy and Chris were eliminated after all judges chose to save Jaime and Carlos. Pro dancer Amy broke down in tears, admitting that it "hurt so much" to be axed first and that she was "heartbroken".
Shaun was speaking on behalf of OLBG.com.
