Ex-Chelsea & Man City star Shaun Wright-Phillips joins Strictly Come Dancing
Former England and Premier League winger Shaun Wright-Phillips has been announced as a contestant for the 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 / Author: Roger Goraczniak
Former Chelsea and Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips has been confirmed as a contestant for the upcoming 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing. The news was shared via the show's official social media channels on Thursday.
Throughout his playing career, the former England international represented several high-profile clubs, including Queens Park Rangers and the New York Red Bulls. Since retiring, he has established himself as a prominent pundit across various major networks and serves as an official Manchester City club ambassador.
"Dancing is in my blood - but mainly at family events! Strictly is definitely outside my comfort zone, but I’m super excited to get started and really looking forward to the challenge!" Shaun Wright-Phillips
Wright-Phillips is set to join an eclectic group of celebrities for the new season, including actress Lacey Turner, television personality Dani Dyer, and singer Delta Goodrem. Further participants are expected to be revealed throughout the summer.
The new series of Strictly Come Dancing premieres this autumn on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Football supporters will be watching to see if the former Premier League champion can bring his trademark energy and competitive spirit from the wing to the ballroom dance floor.