Shaun Wright-Phillips is swapping the football pitch for the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom after deciding to take on a challenge well outside his comfort zone.
The former footballer admits dancing is a completely new experience for him, but he is determined to learn new skills and enjoy the journey.
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He has also received some advice from last year's Strictly winner Karen Carney ahead of making his live debut.
Why is Shaun Wright-Phillips doing Strictly?
Shaun said he decided to take part in Strictly because he wanted to challenge himself and learn something completely new.
He admits the experience is outside his comfort zone, but is excited about stepping into a new arena.
"I wanted to challenge myself and learn something new."
The former footballer is also looking forward to meeting the other contestants and professional dancers during his time on the show.
What is Shaun Wright-Phillips most nervous about on Strictly?
Shaun said he does not generally get overly nervous, but admitted that Strictly is very different from anything he has done before.
He is currently feeling relaxed about the challenge, although he suspects that could change dramatically when the first live show approaches.
"I'm not saying I won't be nervous at all, but I'm here to do the best I can and I have people who are rooting for me, so what will be will be!"
He joked that his nerves could look very different just ten minutes before he has to perform live.
"Right now I feel pretty relaxed – but ask me the same question 10 minutes before the first live show and I might have a different answer! [laughs]"
What does Shaun Wright-Phillips want from Strictly?
Shaun wants to make the most of the opportunity by learning new skills and enjoying the experience.
He is particularly excited about entering a completely new arena and meeting the people who will be joining him on the Strictly journey.
"To meet some amazing people and have as much fun as possible learning and dancing."
What advice has Shaun Wright-Phillips had for Strictly?
Shaun has already received advice from a former Strictly contestant who knows exactly what it takes to win the competition.
Last year's winner Karen Carney has told him to throw himself into the experience and not hold back.
"Yes – from last year's winner Kaz (Karen Carney), in fact. She said to just dive straight into it and don't hold back, so I'll take that advice. I'm going to go for it and do the best I can."
Shaun appears ready to follow that advice as he prepares for his first performances.
How did Shaun Wright-Phillips' family react to Strictly?
Shaun's family and friends were "crazy excited" when he told them about his Strictly appearance.
He has already received plenty of support, although his friends and family quickly had another priority once the announcement was made.
"And then all of a sudden my inbox was filled with friends and family trying to get their live show ticket orders in!"
Shaun said his mum is particularly delighted that he is taking part.
He also hopes his children will enjoy seeing their dad take on an entirely different challenge on television.
"I guess it will be nice for my kids to see their dad moving some shapes on TV too!"
Can Shaun Wright-Phillips dance?
Shaun's family and friends have already seen him dance at parties, but Strictly will give them an entirely different view of his abilities.
The former footballer is expecting plenty of feedback from those closest to him once the competition gets under way.
"I dread to ask them – but I'm sure they'll be giving me as much feedback as the Strictly judges!"
He then revealed one important difference between his party dancing and what viewers will see on Strictly.
"They're used to seeing me dance at parties, but this will be the first time they've seen me dance while sober!"
Does Shaun Wright-Phillips have a Strictly backstage ritual?
Shaun said he never had any particular rituals during his football career because he prefers not to overthink things.
Instead, he likes to go with the flow and see what happens.
"I never really had any rituals throughout my football career, as I like to not overthink things and just go with the flow – but let's see how I feel when I get to the studios."
That approach could change once the pressure of performing live in front of the Strictly judges and audience becomes a reality.
Shaun Wright-Phillips' Strictly Come Dancing 2026 challenge
After a career spent competing in professional football, Shaun is now preparing for one of the biggest changes of pace imaginable.
He knows Strictly will test him in ways that football never did, but his focus is firmly on learning, having fun and giving the competition everything he has.
With Karen Carney's advice to "dive straight into it" already in his mind, Shaun is ready to see what he can do on the dancefloor.
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