Greenwich-born Shaun Wright-Phillips joins Strictly Come Dancing 2026
The former England winger will appear on the BBC One show when it returns in September 2026
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Shaun Wright-Phillips, born in Greenwich, will compete in the 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing. The BBC announced the former England footballer as part of the line-up for the show, which returns to BBC One and iPlayer in September 2026.
Wright-Phillips, 44, grew up in Brockley and attended Haberdashers' Aske's Hatcham College in New Cross Gate. He played as a winger for Manchester City, Chelsea and Queens Park Rangers, earning 36 caps for England during his career.
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Local connection to south-east London
Residents in Greenwich and Brockley will have a local figure to support. Wright-Phillips has spoken previously about playing football in Brockley as a child. Since retiring from professional football, he has worked as a pundit for the BBC, Sky Sports and ITV.
The 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing will also feature EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, singer Delta Goodrem, Love Island winner Dani Dyer, Gavin & Stacey star Melanie Walters and TV presenter Will Best, who is from Wandsworth.
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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!
Shaun Wright-Phillips, former England footballer
What happens next
Strictly Come Dancing will begin filming in late summer 2026. The first episode is expected to air on BBC One and iPlayer in September 2026. Viewers in Greenwich and Brockley can follow Wright-Phillips' progress throughout the series.
Questions this report answers
+When does Strictly Come Dancing 2026 start?
The 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing will air on BBC One and iPlayer in September 2026. Filming typically begins in late summer, with the first episode broadcast shortly after.
+Where did Shaun Wright-Phillips grow up?
Shaun Wright-Phillips was born in Greenwich and grew up in Brockley. He attended Haberdashers' Aske's Hatcham College in New Cross Gate and has spoken about playing football in Brockley as a child.
+Which football clubs did Shaun Wright-Phillips play for?
Shaun Wright-Phillips played as a winger for Manchester City, Chelsea and Queens Park Rangers. He also earned 36 caps for England during his football career.
+Who else is in the Strictly Come Dancing 2026 line-up?
The 2026 line-up includes EastEnders actress Lacey Turner, singer Delta Goodrem, Love Island winner Dani Dyer, Gavin & Stacey star Melanie Walters and TV presenter Will Best from Wandsworth.
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