Shaun Wright-Phillips has revealed he was taken aback by the emotional connection he felt during his first Strictly Come Dancing dance-off, which ended with him leaving the competition.
The former Manchester City winger, partnered with professional Alexis Warr on the 24th series of the BBC show, found himself in the dance-off for the second week running on Sunday night. He and Alexis faced actress Jaime Winstone and her partner Carlos Gu, but it was Shaun and Alexis who became the fourth couple to be eliminated.
Unexpected bond
Appearing on Strictly - It Takes Two on Monday night (October 26), the 45-year-old told host Ellie Taylor he did not expect to feel so connected to the show. He said: "I actually came here just to learn to dance. I didn't think that emotional connection would happen. I think it kicked after the first dance off and that's kind of when I realised I'm enjoying it a bit too much."
He added: "I don't have nothing bad to say. Everything is all positive."
Fan support
Following his exit, supporters took to social media to praise the former footballer. On X, user @RyanSoapKing25 wrote: "Shaun is such a gentleman." Another, @jaynereadman, said: "Shaun Wright Phillips what a sweetheart." A third, @Lovaduck73, posted: "Poor Shaun Wright-Phillips, he doesn’t know where to look."
