Shaun Wright-Phillips has shared an emotional message after being eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing on his 45th birthday weekend. The former footballer and his partner Alexis Warr left the BBC show after Sunday's dance-off against actress Jaime Winstone and Carlos Gu, with the judges choosing to save Jaime.
Emotional Instagram Tribute
Shaun, who has spoken openly about his turbulent journey, took to Instagram to thank those who supported him. He wrote: "Where do I even start...Over the past few months on @bbcstrictly, I've had an absolute blast, and I can honestly say I've made some friends for life."
He added: "From the incredible talent on and off the dance floor, to the producers, make-up team and runners, you've all played a part in making this a journey I'll cherish for the rest of my life. A special thank you to my partner in crime @alexis_warr! Not only have you trained me to a level I never thought I'd be able to reach, but you've also had to put up with me along the way."
"Seriously though, you're amazing, and I'm so grateful I got to share this experience with you. Wouldn't have wanted it any other way! Lastly, a massive thank you to everyone who voted and supported throughout the show. Every vote, message and bit of love has meant the world to me, and I appreciate you all more than you know. It may be a birthday boot out, but what a journey it's been!"
Support from Co-Stars
His co-stars rallied behind him, including recently eliminated Dame Sarah Storey, who said: "So happy we said yes to this show in the same year! You are awesome. What fun we had." The tributes were reported by Wales Online.
Jaime commented: "HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY G! Love you Shaun what an absolute pleasure it has been sharing this experience with you, you are pure gold.. see you on the dance floor soon- lime when we were yoots! You are amazing." Fellow competitor Graeme Hall shared: "You went out with a bang mate. Well played. Our dressing room won't be the same. See you soon I hope." Professional dancer Julian Caillon added: "You smashed it! It was so incredible to watch you grow and improve! An amazing guy inside and out."
Final Performance and Dance-Off
The ex-Chelsea and Manchester City footballer finished bottom of the leaderboard on Saturday evening with 17 points. His jive had been labelled a disaster by judge Craig Revel Horwood, leaving Shaun visibly disappointed by the panel's feedback. His adoptive father, footballing icon Ian Wright, was in attendance to witness his final performance.
Alexis also paid tribute to Shaun following their departure, praising his commitment despite the challenges. She said: "The resilience that this man has is so admirable, and I just want to say thank you so much."
"You have made this season such a joy for me, and it's been so lovely to just get to know you and get to see you completely handle something different. And I'm so proud of how you just danced that dance-off. And that, that's what we talk about, that's the grit that you did."
"And I am so proud of you, and you should be so beyond happy with yourself. And also, the gentleman that this man is, I feel so honoured to have had him as my partner, so a friend for life."
Upcoming Triple Dance-Off
Sunday's programme also revealed that Strictly's first-ever triple dance-off would take place during the Halloween episode the following weekend. The three pairs with the lowest combined judges' scores and public votes will take to the floor again, before the panel selects which couple to send home. Craig quipped that, for the first time in over two decades, he was eager to vote for who he wanted to see eliminated rather than saved. Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One on Saturday at 6.30pm.
