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Strictly Come Dancing 2026 confirms new cast member with major Kardashian connection
Kim Kardashian’s celebrity hairstylist is swapping the salon for the ballroom as he joins the Strictly 2026 line-up.
BBC/Ray Burmiston
- Morgan Jeffery
Published: Friday, 19 June 2026 at 3:17 pm
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Strictly Come Dancing has unveiled the latest celebrity joining its 2026 line-up – and he has worked closely with some of the biggest stars in the world.
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Award-winning hairstylist Chris Appleton will take to the dance floor when the BBC entertainment juggernaut returns later this year.
The announcement was made on Friday 19 June through Strictly’s official social media accounts, with the new contestant revealed across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube.
Appleton is perhaps best known for his work with Kim Kardashian, having helped create a number of the reality star and businesswoman’s most recognisable hairstyles.
Chris Appleton. BBC
His other high-profile clients include Jennifer Lopez, Sofía Vergara, Ariana Grande and Katy Perry, while British Vogue has previously described him as a "Hair Star".
The conceptual hairstylist’s work has also featured in publications including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, Grazia and L’Officiel Paris.
Appleton recently added author to his CV with the release of his debut memoir, Your Roots Don’t Define You, which appeared on the New York Times Best Sellers list.
Speaking about joining Strictly Come Dancing, Appleton 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."
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Appleton is the fourth name to be confirmed for this year's Strictly cast, joining the previously-announced Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer and Delta Goodrem.
There are big changes ahead for the Saturday night favourite, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe confirmed to be replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as hosts.
They'll be joined by professional dancers Dianne Buswell, Amy Dowden, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Aljaž Škorjanec, Jowita Przystał, Johannes Radebe, Nancy Xu, Kai Widdrington, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Vito Coppola, Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon.
Further details about Strictly's new era will be revealed throughout the summer, ahead of its comeback on BBC One and iPlayer in September.
Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on catch-up on BBC iPlayer.
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Authors
Morgan Jeffery
Morgan Jeffery is as a TV and Film expert and has appeared on BBC Breakfast, BBC Radio 5 Live and Sky Atlantic.
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