Strictly Come Dancing fans have voiced concern for one couple ahead of the series' first elimination, claiming a decision is 'embarrassing' for a contestant early in the competition.
The competition officially began on Saturday night (September 26) with new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, following the previous weekend's pre-recorded launch show. The episode opened with a routine by the Strictly professionals to an orchestral version of Joy by Raye, and week one saw all 15 celebrities and their pro partners perform in front of judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke.
John and Katya topped the first leader board of 2026 with a foxtrot to Alex Warren's Ordinary, scoring 31 points out of a possible 40.
Movie Week routines revealed
The couples have since returned to rehearsals for week two, which will result in the first elimination. On It Takes Two, new host Ellie Taylor has been revealing the upcoming songs and dances for Saturday's (October 3) live show, which is the annual Movie Week special.
Confirmed routines include Graeme Hall and Lauren Oakley dancing a Waltz to The Godfather and Dani Dyer and Nikita Kuzmin performing a Foxtrot to Beauty and the Beast.
Fans react to Shaun's salsa
However, it is Shaun Wright-Phillips and his professional partner Alexis Warr who have sparked worry, as they will perform a Salsa to 'You Should Be Dancing' from Saturday Night Fever, following their week one Cha Cha to Lil Boo Thang by Paul Russell.
After the news was revealed, @RyanSoapKing25 said: "A Cha Cha followed by a Salsa for Shaun and Alexis in the first 2 weeks. Oh dear! #ItTakesTwo #Strictly." @Matt528chap replied: "Oh dear. I think he may well be in the first dance-off of 2026 on Sunday. #Strictly." @LeachSie commented: "Wish the couples did both a latin and ballroom before first eviction rather than like this case two latin. He might be great at Ballroom."
@stargirlshiv shared: "Knowing that someone is going out this week- why not ensure that every couple does 1 ballroom and 1 latin. That way the person who is going out at least feels that they've covered both sides. Stitched Shaun right up!!" @mygutsaresour24 pleaded: "Can you please stop embarrassing Shaun." However, @kurtcharleton added: "Hoping for a good performance from @shaunwp98, especially with how good @alexis_warr's salsa with @georgeclarkeey was last year."
The first elimination of the series is set to take place on Sunday, following the Movie Week performances.
