Kim Kardashian’s hair stylist joins new Strictly Come Dancing line-up
Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton has been confirmed as the latest contestant for the ballroom show, joining a growing celebrity line-up ahead of the BBC hit’s return later this year.
Chris Appleton is heading to the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom, with the celebrity hairstylist becoming the latest star confirmed for this year’s series of the BBC competition.
The 43-year-old was unveiled as a contestant on Friday (19.06.26) via Strictly Come Dancing’s official social media channels, joining a growing line-up that already includes singer Delta Goodrem, Love Island winner Dani Dyer and EastEnders actress Lacey Turner.
The announcement was made across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube ahead of the show’s return later this year.
Chris is best known for his work with reality star Kim Kardashian, and has built a global reputation styling some of the biggest names in entertainment.
He said: “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.”
Chris has become one of the most recognisable names in celebrity hairstyling, working with clients including Jennifer Lopez, Sofía Vergara, Ariana Grande and Katy Perry.
His work has featured in publications including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, Grazia and L’Officiel Paris. He was previously named a “Hair Star” by Vogue UK and recently reached the New York Times Best Sellers list with his memoir, Your Roots Don’t Define You.
The Strictly announcement comes as anticipation continues to build around the latest series of the show, one of the BBC’s most successful entertainment programmes.
The ballroom contest remains one of Britain’s biggest television events, with the remainder of the celebrity line-up expected to be revealed during the summer.
The latest casting news follows an awkward moment involving former Strictly contestant Emma Barton during an appearance on The One Show.
Emma appeared alongside broadcaster Roman Kemp and barrister Rob Rinder when discussion turned to Lacey’s participation in the competition.
Presenter Alex Jones asked Emma: “Have you spoken to her? How is she feeling?”
Soap star Emma replied: “She's such a gorgeous wonderful woman and the audience are going to love her. And I'm so proud of her because it's nerve-racking, isn't it. And it's scary.”
As the conversation continued, Emma said: “Oh you know,” before pointing towards Roman and adding: “Roman you know as well.”
Roman immediately responded: “I have never done it. I've never done it.”
The exchange prompted speculation Roman could be among the celebrities joining this year’s line-up, although no official confirmation has been made.
Earlier contestant announcements included Delta, who was recently confirmed for the series.
Dani was also confirmed to be returning to the competition a year after withdrawing from the 2025 series following an ankle injury sustained during rehearsals.
She said: “I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September!
“I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one! I'm just over the moon and cannot wait to find out who else is doing it!”
Meanwhile, Lacey became the first celebrity announced for the series.
The actress is best known for playing Stacey Slater in EastEnders, one of the soap’s most enduring characters, and is currently taking an extended break from the programme.
Lacey said: “Hello it's Lacey Turner I can't quite believe that I'm actually saying this but I want to let you in on a little secret.
“This September I will be taking my little toes onto the dancefloor to do Strictly Come Dancing.
“I can't believe it. I'm so excited and terrified at the same time but I've had so many friends do Strictly and I thought it was about time that I plucked up the courage and made my way onto that dance floor.
“So, there you go the secret is out, see you there in September.”
