Shaun Wright-Phillips has responded to Brendan Cole's criticism that he orchestrated a "PR stunt" by bringing his father, Arsenal legend Ian Wright, into the Strictly Come Dancing rehearsals. The former professional dancer had questioned the timing of the pre-recorded VT, suggesting it was a move to boost public support.
Cole's Criticism and Wright-Phillips' Response
Cole, who danced on the show from 2004 to 2018, told Sky Vegas that Wright-Phillips had already made a "grave error" by using his father early in the competition. He noted that Ian Wright is "very, very popular" and that the VT could have been saved for later weeks to help keep his son in the competition.
Responding via Oddschecker, Wright-Phillips said: "Firstly, dad hasn't been to a show yet because he's been busy. He came to a training session, which me and him spoke about over a lunch weekend, and he wanted to pop in, so I said, 'Why not?'" He added that his father's visit was not about "trying to pull in votes, just for the record."
Competition Performance and Previous Controversy
Cole also claimed that Wright-Phillips started the competition with "gusto" but "hasn't been able to match that with what he's delivered." Last week, Wright-Phillips and his partner Alexis Warr received their highest score of the season, 28, for their Icons Week routine as James Brown. Wright-Phillips said the dance was chosen to "bring joy and excitement" to the audience.
This is not the first time Cole has made divisive comments this season. He previously slammed Amy Dowden, the first professional to leave the competition, saying she was "not up for the challenge" and that he could see her "counting in" her partners. Dowden responded in an interview with The Mirror, speaking about the importance of being kind. Cole also called the celebrity line-up "unrecognisable," though he admitted he is a "bitter old pro."
