Former professional soccer player Shaun Wright-Phillips faces a strong possibility of becoming the first contestant eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing. Following mixed feedback from the judges and a low-scoring debut, the former Manchester City and Chelsea winger is the bookmakers’ favorite to exit the ballroom.
Wright-Phillips and his professional dance partner, Alexis Warr, landed near the bottom of the Week One leaderboard after performing a Cha-Cha. The routine earned them a modest 15 points from judges Craig Revel Horwood, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, and Shirley Ballas, tying them for the bottom spot alongside Melanie Walters and Sarah Storey.
Bookmakers Predict Early Exit
Despite not being alone at the foot of the leaderboard, betting odds heavily favor Wright-Phillips to be the first celebrity sent home. William Hill slashed his odds to 10/11, making him the favorite to miss out on a spot in Week Three.
William Hill spokesperson Lee Phelps commented on the situation: “It’s not the opening week Shaun Wright-Phillips will have been hoping for, with the former Manchester City star now odds-on to be the first celebrity to exit Strictly Come Dancing.”
Other contestants under pressure heading into the weekend elimination include Sarah Storey, priced at 7/4, alongside Chris Appleton at 5/1 and Melanie Walters at 6/1.
Judges Give Mixed Reviews on Debut
The judging panel offered a spectrum of critiques regarding Wright-Phillips’ initial performance. Head judge Shirley Ballas praised his technical execution, noting a well-executed checked forward walk and solid footwork. Anton Du Beke commended his immaculate timing and charm. However, other judges pointed out a lack of stage presence.
Motsi Mabuse urged the former athlete to loosen up and share his joy with the audience, advising him to “fake it till you make it.” Craig Revel Horwood delivered a much harsher assessment, stating it would take several more weeks before the footballer reached a competitive standard.
Looking Ahead to Week Two
Determined to reverse his fortunes, Wright-Phillips and Alexis Warr will perform a Salsa to “You Should Be Dancing” from Saturday Night Fever. The former England international must impress both the public and the judges to avoid becoming the first casualty of the competition.
Elsewhere in the competition, EastEnders actress Lacey Turner has emerged as an early frontrunner to lift the Glitterball trophy. Other celebrities, such as Dani Dyer and John Nellis, are also positioning themselves strongly in the eyes of viewers and analysts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Shaun Wright-Phillips?
Shaun Wright-Phillips is a former English professional footballer who played as a winger for clubs including Manchester City, Chelsea, and Queens Park Rangers, and earned multiple caps for the England national team.
Who is Shaun Wright-Phillips’ professional partner on Strictly Come Dancing?
He is partnered with professional dancer Alexis Warr.
Why is Shaun Wright-Phillips favored to be eliminated?
He finished joint-bottom of the leaderboard in Week One with 15 points for his Cha-Cha and received mixed feedback from the judges. This led bookmakers to place him at 10/11 odds to leave.
What dance are they performing in Week Two?
Shaun Wright-Phillips and Alexis Warr are performing a Salsa to the track “You Should Be Dancing.”
Who else is considered at risk of elimination?
Paralympian Sarah Storey, hairstylist Chris Appleton, and actress Melanie Walters are among the other contestants facing higher betting odds for an early exit.
