Shaun Wright-Phillips, a former England international and Manchester City winger, has been announced as the latest contestant for this year’s Strictly Come Dancing. The football pundit, who earned 36 caps for the national team and played for several prominent clubs including Chelsea and Queens Park Rangers, described the competition as outside his comfort zone despite having dancing in his family background.
Wright-Phillips joins nine previously announced celebrities competing for the glitterball trophy. The confirmed line-up includes singer Delta Goodrem, EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, reality television personality Dani Dyer, and actress Jaime Winstone. Additional competitors announced include hair stylist Chris Appleton, known for work with high-profile celebrities; Dame Sarah Storey, Britain’s most successful Paralympian with 19 gold medals; television host AJ Best; and Love Island winner Kai Mercer. The series is expected to feature 15 celebrities in total, with further announcements planned for the coming weeks.
The show will feature notable changes to its presenting team. Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis, and Johannes Radebe will replace longtime presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The judging panel of Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke will continue in their roles. Several professional dancers will return, though Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova, Luba Mushtuk, Karen Hauer, and Michelle Tsiakkas will not be participating this year. The competition is scheduled to begin in September.
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