Strictly 2026 fans fume as they accuse the judges of 'overmarking' Shaun Wright-Phillips
It was a big improvement from last weekStrictly 2026 star Shaun Wright-Phillips’ routine left fans furious as they accused the judges of “overmarking” him on tonight’s show (Saturday, October 17).
The former footballer found himself in the bottom two last week; however, the judges told him he was back on form this week thanks to his Couple’s Choice routine.
Shaun Wright-Phillips performs Couple’s Choice on Strictly 2026
Tonight’s edition of Strictly saw the celebrities dress up as musical legends for Icons Week.
Shaun decided to dress up as singer James Brown and perform his Couple’s Choice to a medley of Brown’s greatest hits.
The judges were full of praise for the footy star, with all four admitting that they’d enjoyed the routine and had seen a clear improvement in the star from last weekend’s performance.
“This is my favourite one of your dances. It was brilliant!” Craig Revel Horwood said.
“You bring us joy,” Motsi Mabuse gushed. ” You came out here, and you sold every part of it, and I really, really enjoyed it,” Shirley Ballas told the star.
“I thought this was terrific, well done you,” Anton Du Beke added.
Shaun ended up picking up all sevens from the judges, giving him and pro partner Alexis Warr a score of 28.
Fans fume over Shaun’s scoring
However, fans of the show were left unhappy by Shaun’s scoring, especially after Lacey Turner picked up just one point more for her American Smooth to an Adele song.
They took to X to complain. “I don’t get how Shaun and Lacey both got 7s, and Lacey was way better than Shaun tonight,” one fan fumed.
“Lacey getting the same scores as Shaun from Craig Motsi and Shirley? What planet are these judges on? Lacey actually danced in time?” another said.
“RIGHT, WHAT THE HECK. How can you give Shaun a 7 and Lacey? Wild,” a third wrote.
“All this critique of Lacey. Yet they blew smoke up Shaun’s [bleep], and he was poor,” another added.
“Shaun was defo overscored; I would’ve given that a 5,” a fifth commented.
Strictly 2026 fans gush over Shaun Wright-Phillips’ performance
However, there was plenty of praise for Shaun.
“I’m genuinely so happy for Shaun omg,” one fan gushed
“Oh my goddddd Shaun!” another wrote. “James ‘Shaun’ Brown is here! Best dance for him,” a third commented.
“!!!! Shaun!!! he has come alive!! I am in love with all of this,” another said.
