Ian Wright Supports Shaun Wright-Phillips on Strictly Come Dancing

Former England international Ian Wright attended rehearsals for Strictly Come Dancing to support his son, Shaun Wright-Phillips, during the third week of the BBC dance competition. His appearance surprised viewers who had not realized the connection between the two former footballers, while Shaun and professional partner Alexis Warr prepared to perform their Quickstep routine.

Shaun and Warr received a mixed response from the judging panel after their performance. According to the source report, judges Craig Revel Horwood and Shirley Ballas each awarded the pair a score of 3, leaving them with a total of 15 points.

Before taking to the ballroom, Shaun acknowledged the difficulty of preparing for the routine, describing it as "very, very hard." His father's presence during rehearsals prompted reactions from viewers who commented on their apparent similarity in age.

Social media user @jaymac_86 expressed surprise at the family resemblance and wrote, "Ian Wright looks the same age as Shaun Wright-Phillips! Mouth hit the floor"

Another viewer, @thatrobster, also admitted being unaware of the relationship, writing, "I did not realise Shaun’s dad is Ian Wright. I would have put them at the same age"

The reaction continued with @rinareenarae, who questioned the connection between the former footballers and wrote, "I'm sorry, Ian Wright is Shaun's dad??!?!! They look the same age".

Shaun was born in October 1981 and was adopted at the age of three by Ian Wright, who had previously been in a relationship with Shaun's mother, Sharon Phillips. Shaun, who is of Trinidadian and Grenadian descent, grew up in London.

Before joining the entertainment competition, Shaun established himself in professional soccer. He developed as a youth player at Nottingham Forest before playing for Manchester City from 1999 to 2005, a period in which he emerged as one of England's promising young players.

The latest episode followed the departure of celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton and professional dancer Amy Dowden the previous week. The pair lost their place in the competition after facing Jaime Winstone and her professional partner, Carlos Gu.

The remaining contestants continue competing for a place in the final, with reaching the Blackpool ballroom also a target for participants. Other celebrities taking part this season include singer Delta Goodrem, Emmerdale actor Lawrence Robb, and Gavin & Stacey performer Melanie Walters.