Football pundit Shaun Wright-Phillips has spoken out after becoming the fourth celebrity to leave Strictly Come Dancing. The former Chelsea and Manchester City star was eliminated on Sunday night after facing actress Jaime Winstone in the dance-off, a result that came on his 45th birthday.
Emotional farewell on Instagram
Wright-Phillips, who performed a jive with partner Alexis Warr that judge Craig Revel Horwood branded a disaster, took to Instagram to share his thoughts on the end of his Strictly journey. In an emotional post, 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. 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."
He added a special thank you to his partner Alexis Warr, saying: "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!"
Support from fellow contestants
Wright-Phillips also thanked fans, writing: "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!"
His fellow contestants rushed to support 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." Jaime Winstone, who was saved in the dance-off, 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."
Contestant 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." Pro dancer Julian Caillon added: "You smashed it!! It was so incredible to watch you grow and improve! An amazing guy inside and out."
Dance-off defeat and tribute
Wright-Phillips had been at the bottom of the leaderboard on Saturday night with 17 points. His adoptive dad, football legend Ian Wright, was present in the audience to watch him perform for the last time.
His partner, Alexis, paid tribute to him after their exit, saying he had always given his all despite the setbacks. She said: "The resilience that this man has is so admirable, and I just want to say thank you so much." She added: "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."
She continued: "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."
First-ever triple dance-off announced
Sunday's results also included a surprise announcement of Strictly's first-ever triple dance-off, which will take place during next weekend's Halloween episode. The three couples with the lowest combined judges' scores and public votes will dance again, before the judges choose to eliminate one pair. Judge Craig joked that for the first time in more than two decades, he was excited to vote for who he wants to leave rather than save.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One on Saturday at 6.30pm.
