Strictly Come Dancing 2026 confirms celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton for new series
Strictly Come Dancing 2026 has unveiled its latest celebrity contestant, with world-renowned hairstylist Chris Appleton officially joining the BBC ballroom competition when it returns this autumn.
Hair Stylist Chris Appleton announced for Strictly
- Chris Appleton has been confirmed for Strictly Come Dancing 2026
- The announcement was made on Friday 19 June via Strictly’s official social media channels
- Appleton is known for working with stars including Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, Ariana Grande and Katy Perry
- The new series launches this September on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
- More celebrity contestants are expected to be announced throughout the summer
The celebrity line-up for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 continues to take shape, with internationally acclaimed hairstylist Chris Appleton becoming the latest star confirmed for the upcoming series.
The announcement was revealed on Friday 19 June across Strictly’s official Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube channels ahead of the show’s return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer later this year.
Appleton is one of the most recognisable names in the beauty industry, having built a global reputation as a celebrity hairstylist and creative visionary. Named a Hair Star by Vogue UK, his work has appeared on the covers of leading publications including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, Grazia and L’Officiel Paris.
His impressive client list includes Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, Sofía Vergara, Ariana Grande and Katy Perry, while his debut memoir, Your Roots Don’t Define You, recently earned a place on the New York Times Best Sellers list.
Speaking about joining the competition, Chris Appleton says: “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.”
The hit BBC dancing competition will once again take over Saturday and Sunday nights when it returns this September, with more celebrity contestants expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
Viewers can already add Strictly Come Dancing to their BBC iPlayer watchlist ahead of the new series.
Further announcements about the 2026 line-up, professional dancers and launch show are expected throughout the summer as the countdown to the new season continues.
Strictly Come Dancing is produced by BBC Studios Entertainment for BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
