Shaun Wright-Phillips is swapping football boots for sequins as he takes part in Strictly Come Dancing this year.
The former England winger was announced as one of 15 celebrities taking part in the 2026 series.
From Manchester City and Chelsea, to clubs in the United States, Wright-Phillips enjoyed a career of nearly 20 years.
Here is all to know about the former football star, his career on the pitch and what he has said about the popular dance show.
Who is Shaun Wright-Phillips?
Shaun Cameron Wright-Phillips was born in Greenwich, Greater London, on October 25, 1981.
He grew up in Brockley and attended Haberdashers’ Aske’s Hatcham College in New Cross Gate.
Ian Wright adopted him when Shaun was three, after beginning a relationship with his mother, Sharon Phillips.
His younger brother, Bradley Wright-Phillips, also became a professional footballer and is the New York Red Bulls’ all-time top scorer.
The brothers later played for the New York club together.
Wright-Phillips began his youth career at Nottingham Forest but was released at 17, before being signed by Manchester City.
He made his first-team debut as a substitute in the second leg of a League Cup tie against Burnley in 1999.
He went on to make more than 180 appearances for Manchester City in all competitions.
In 2005, he completed a £21 million move to Premier League champions Chelsea, before returning to Manchester City in 2008.
Across spells with City, Chelsea and later Queens Park Rangers, Wright-Phillips spent 13 seasons in the Premier League.
He also played in the Football League, Major League Soccer and the United Soccer League.
In 2015, he joined the New York Red Bulls alongside Bradley, and later moved to Phoenix Rising FC in 2017.
Wright-Phillips won 36 England caps and scored six goals, and was included in the England squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Since retiring, he has worked as a football commentator for BBC Sport, ITV Sport, Talksport and Sky Sports.
For all things Strictly, read our article here - Latest Strictly Come Dancing updates including start date, new hosts, lineup and more
What has Shaun Wright-Phillips said about being on Strictly?
Wright-Phillips has described the programme as a challenge outside his usual experience, after being announced as a contestant in July.
He said: “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!”
He joins footballers including Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Tony Adams and Paul Merson on the programme.
Last year’s winner, Karen Carney, also came from football.
When does Strictly Come Dancing start?
Strictly Come Dancing’s first episode will air on Saturday, September 19.
Viewers can tune in to see the 2026 launch show from 7.25pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
The live shows start on Saturday, September 26 and will air every Saturday until December 19 – the final weekend before Christmas.
December 19 will be the weekend of the grand final and the week viewers will find out who takes home the Glitterball trophy.
Will you be watching the new series of Strictly Come Dancing? Let us know in the comments.
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