Strictly Come Dancing viewers gobsmacked by Shaun Wright-Phillips' family connection to "national treasure"

Strictly Come Dancing viewers were left gobsmacked after they only just discovered that Shaun Wright-Phillips has a very famous parent - one who happened to support him during Saturday's (10 October) show.

The former professional footballer is currently competing on the long-running BBC series alongside professional partner Alexis Warr, with the star previously saying that he had always loved to dance.

While football fans will be more than familiar with Shaun's family connection, it turns out the relationship was breaking news for quite a few Strictly viewers - and they were quick to share their surprise.

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The revelation came after his adoptive dad, retired football legend-turned-sports pundit Ian Wright, popped into rehearsals to surprise his son as he prepared to perform a Quickstep to The Monkees' 'I'm a Believer'.

"Had no idea he was Ian Wright's son," one person wrote on X, who confessed they went to Google to check afterwards. This sentiment was echoed by another viewer, who asked: "I'm sorry, Ian Wright is Shaun's dad?!?!"

Another was so rocked by Ian Wright's appearance that they declared it "the best thing about Strictly tonight," while others called for producers to snap up the "national treasure" for a future season.

For those equally surprised, Ian adopted Shaun when he was three years old after beginning a relationship with his mother Sharon Phillips. The former Arsenal striker has always considered Shaun his son, with the pair having a close relationship.

Ian and Sharon also have a son, Bradley Wright-Phillips, with both brothers following in their dad's footsteps by becoming professional footballers.

Shaun began his senior career with Manchester City before joining Chelsea in 2005, and played for England 36 times. Bradley, meanwhile, played for clubs including Southampton and Charlton Athletic before enjoying a successful career in the US.

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Ian couldn't hide his pride as he watched Shaun dance, noting: "I thought that his moves were really good. Alexis is brilliant. I'm very proud of him, because when he gets into that place when he has to focus on something, he will be brilliant."

Shaun isn't the first member of the Wright family to take on a major reality TV challenge either. Ian appeared on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! in 2019, finishing in eighth place after spending 18 days in the Australian jungle.

Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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