Shaun Wright-Phillips set for Strictly Come Dancing
Former footballer Shaun Wright-Phillips is set to take part in Strictly Come Dancing.
Shaun Wright-Phillips is set to take part in Strictly Come Dancing.
The former Manchester City and Chelsea footballer is reportedly preparing to step on the dancefloor for the new series of the show, and producers are hoping his famous dad, sportsman-turned-pundit Ian Wright will be a regular visitor to the studios to cheer him on.
A source told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: “Shaun is a well-known name and face to football fans. He played for England in the 2010 World Cup and made lots of appearances in the Premier League.
“Strictly bosses are delighted to have landed Shaun as a contestant as footballers always bring a different audience to the show and often prove popular with viewers as underdogs in the competition.
“Also the producers are excited that Ian will appear in the studio audience regularly, and will no doubt be full of enthusiasm.”
The report comes a day after former football referee Mark Clattenburg - who now officiates on Gladiators - is also a target for the new series of Strictly.
A source said: "Clatts manages to appeal to young and old, families, children and football fans – plus he’s easy on the eye for the mums.
"That amazing fan base is a major bonus, the sort of thing the BBC is always keen to utililise. No final decision has been made yet but if Clatts doesn’t make the cut this year, he’ll remain a target.
"The line-up is shaping up nicely but there are a few spots left."
While it isn't certain Shaun and Mark will be taking part, confirmed contestants for the new series including Dani Dyer, Lacey Turner, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Delta Goodrem and Will Best.
And on Friday (17.07.26), paralympian Dame Sarah Storey announced she would be competing on Strictly this year.
She said in a statement: "Embarking on a new challenge so soon after stepping down as an athlete is hugely exciting. I have always loved watching Strictly and my daughter Louisa is a very talented dancer, so to be able to learn from the best and hopefully understand even more about her world, is incredibly motivating! I can’t wait to get started!"
