World-renowned hairstylist Chris Appleton is set to swap the salon for the dance floor as the fourth official Strictly Come Dancing 2026 contestant.
The creative maestro, 43, behind the boldest looks debuted by celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Sofía Vergara, Ariana Grande, and Katy Perry, is now bringing all his star power to the hit BBC reality series.
In fact, reality icon Kim K even officiated his wedding to actor Lukas Gage in 2023, where Shania Twain also performed (although he and Lukas parted ways several months later).
Still close as ever, however, he and Kim remain longtime collaborators and friends… so perhaps we could even see a Kardashian jetting into the studio before long.
Speaking about their friendship on Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast last August, he said: ‘I have so much respect for her… the world sees one thing, they see Kim Kardashian. I don’t really see her like that; I see her as Kim.
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‘She is a mother, an amazing mother. She is a businesswoman,’ he continued, praising her welcoming presence to everyone around her.
The British-born ‘Hair Star’ turned US citizen said in a statement: ‘I’m thrilled to be joining Strictly Come Dancing and coming home to the UK for this incredible experience.
‘I’ve always believed that the best things happen when you take a chance and try something new. I may know my way around a salon floor, but the dance floor is a whole different story – and I can’t wait to get started.’
EastEnders icon Lacey Turner, the returning Dani Dyer, and Aussie Eurovision star Delta Goodrem will join him – with more names set to be announced across the summer ahead of the show’s return this autumn.
The series is entering a new era with Josh Widdicombe, Emma Willis and pro-dancer Johannes Radebe taking over from the dynamic duo, Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.
Meanwhile, all four judges will be returning, but the pro-dancers have faced a major overhaul with five axed from the show and new ones to be announced in the next couple of months.
As for who is rumoured to be part of the rest of the 2026 class, there are still plenty more surprises to come, it seems.
Some believe The One Show star Roman Kemp might be putting on his dancing shoes after a Freudian slip during an episode earlier this week.
Meanwhile, Paralympic athlete Dame Sarah Storey is a strong contender to join, as well as Jeff Brazier, Josie Gibson and Jake Quickenden.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One this autumn.