Shaun Wright-Phillips Strictly exit gives way to a Halloween twist
A tense casting vote sent the former soccer star packing just moments before the BBC unveiled an unexpected format change.
Former England soccer player Shaun Wright-Phillips and professional dancer Alexis Warr became the fourth couple eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing 2026 on Sunday, October 25. The exit came during the BBC One results show, moments before producers announced an unprecedented triple dance-off format for next week’s Halloween special.
How the dance-off unfolded
Wright-Phillips and Warr landed at the bottom of the leaderboard during the live show on Saturday, October 24, picking up a score of 17 for their Jive to “Faith” by Stevie Wonder featuring Ariana Grande. The routine drew sharp criticism from judge Craig Revel Horwood, who summarized the performance in two words: “Disaster, darling.”
The low score sent the pair into Sunday’s dance-off against actress Jaime Winstone and Carlos Gu, who reprised their Foxtrot to “Man I Need” by Olivia Dean. Judge Anton Du Beke assessed Wright-Phillips’ routine by noting, “We had a lovely jive, they just weren’t doing the same one together.”
When the judges cast their final decisions, Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse voted to save Winstone and Gu, as reported by Radio Times. Head judge Shirley Ballas cast her vote to save Wright-Phillips and Warr. Du Beke held the deciding casting vote for the week and opted to save Winstone and Gu, sealing the former footballer’s departure.
Shaun Wright-Phillips reflects on his ballroom run
Speaking to the ballroom after the elimination, Wright-Phillips praised the production team and his professional partner, according to Female First. “I don’t think I can put into words how my time has been,” he said. “I think from the pros, the judges, the staff behind the cameras, everybody that’s helped me along the way has been the most amazing journey I’ve had. And thank you for giving me the chance to be on the Strictly ballroom floor and actually learn how to dance.”
Wright-Phillips also thanked Warr for guiding him through the rigorous training process. “Thank you. I couldn’t ask for a better partner, a better human being,” he told her. “You knew how to deal with my mood swings, which isn’t easy for the record. You put me in my box really quickly, and got me back on the dance floor, trying again, because I did have a lot of tough times. I wish I could have taken you further.”
Mabuse commended his dedication throughout the competition, telling him, “I see that you are giving every week your utmost.”
The historic Halloween triple dance-off
During the broadcast, the BBC announced that next week’s Halloween results show will stage the first triple dance-off in the history of the competition. The three couples with the lowest combined judges’ scores and public votes will take the floor again, after which the judges will decide which couple to eliminate. Strictly Come Dancing will return to its standard two-couple dance-off format in subsequent weeks.
The elimination lineup surprised many viewers after Winstone landed in the bottom two despite scoring 25 points on Saturday, as highlighted by the Manchester Evening News. Social media user @NatashaLKirxsu wrote, “Why the hell was Jaime in the bottom 2? It was a good dance. What is going on with the viewing public?”, while user @slinehan1 posted, “I feel bad for Jaime, I would’ve put two couples below her and Carlos. But I’m SO glad Bethany made it through and I think Shaun going is the right decision.”
Wright-Phillips is the fourth celebrity to depart series 24, following celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, actress Melanie Walters, and Dame Sarah Storey. The former athlete had previously survived a Week 3 dance-off against Walters on October 11. It remains unknown which three couples will face the brand-new triple dance-off when the Halloween special airs on November 1.
