Kim Kardashian 'plans to be in Strictly Come Dancing audience' to support Chris Appleton
Kim Kardashian's pal-and-hairstylist Chris Appleton is taking part in the 2026 series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Kim Kardashian is reportedly planning to appear in the Strictly Come Dancing audience to support her friend Chris Appleton.
The 45-year-old media personality encouraged her 43-year-old hairstylist to take part in the BBC Latin and Ballroom dance show, which starts in September, and she will only be in the audience if he makes it to the "latter stages of the competition".
An insider told The Sun: "Chris feels that he’s proved he’s now far more than just someone who’s good with scissors and a blow dryer.
"The time to build something lasting is now, while the demand is at its peak – and doing Strictly is his way of capitalising on the opportunity.
"Kim’s most important advice to him was simple: before you launch a brand or product, make people feel like they know you, are invested in your life, in you.
"It was Kim who pushed him toward Strictly – he’s had a lot of reality TV show invites in the US. He was initially very hesitant to put himself out there as a ‘star,’ but Kim argued that a successful run on the show would do more for his brand than a year of PR campaigns and huge ad budgets.
"Being in the Strictly spotlight makes him a household name in the UK, gets him into every room and red carpet event that matters in London, and builds the kind of public warmth that no advertising budget can manufacture – and that’s exactly the diving board you want to launch a brand from."
The source added: "She has given him free rein to talk up their friendship and has promised that if he makes the latter stages of the competition, they will come to support him."
Chris - whose Las Vegas wedding to ex-husband, actor Lukas Gage, was officiated by Kim - cannot wait to get his Strictly Come Dancing journey underway.
In a statement, 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."
So far, Chris - originally from Leicester but now based in Los Angeles - will be joined by EastEnders icon Lacey Turner, 38, Love Island alum Dani Dyer, 29, who withdrew from the 2025 series due to an ankle injury, and 41-year-old Neighbours star Delta Goodrem.
The BBC will announce more contestants in due course.
