Strictly Come Dancing kept us waiting a while after dropping the first three celebrity names that will be taking to the ballroom in 2026, but we now know the fourth celebrity on the line-up – and it's hair stylist to the stars, Chris Appleton.
The announcement once again came through the BBC show's official social media channels, with the standard glitterball reveal being shared. The accompanying caption on Instagram read: "He's worked behind the scenes with some of the world's biggest stars. Now it's @chrisappleton1's turn to take centre stage. Welcome to the Strictly ballroom, Chris."
The world-renowned hair stylist has worked with a number of A-listers and Hollywood stars, including Kim Kardashian, Martha Stewart, Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera, Ariana Grande, Sofía Vergara, and Chrishell Stause.
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He made an appearance in Netflix's Selling Sunset, filming with his close friend Chrishell, and he has also featured in scenes across Keeping Up with the Kardashians and the family's more-recent show, The Kardashians.
In a statement that came alongside his announcement, Chris 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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Chris was not one of the frontrunners to have been heavily rumoured to join this year's Strictly line-up, but he is a welcome surprise.
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This latest Strictly update follows prior confirmation that Delta Goodrem, recent Eurovision favourite, was to be the third star officially added to the 2026 lineup. That news was revealed last week, and Strictly fans have been waiting for another celebrity announcement since then.
The beloved singer joined the previously-revealed Lacey Turner, of EastEnders and Our Girl fame, and former Love Island star Dani Dyer.
Dani's inclusion on Strictly's 2026 celebrity cast list marks a comeback, after she sadly had to withdraw from the competition last year due to an injury. "I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September," she said of her return.
"I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one," Dani added.
Further details about the new series of Strictly Come Dancing – which has had a shakeup for 2026 – is expected to be revealed throughout the summer.
Strictly Come Dancing will return to the BBC later this year.
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TV Editor, Digital Spy Laura has been watching television for over 30 years and professionally writing about entertainment for almost 10 of those. Previously at LOOK and now heading up the TV desk at the UK's biggest TV and movies site Digital Spy, Laura has helped steer conversations around some of the most popular shows on the box. Laura has appeared on Channel 5 News and radio to talk viewing habits and TV recommendations. As well as putting her nerd-level Buffy knowledge to good use during an IRL meet with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Laura also once had afternoon tea with One Direction, has sat around the fire pit of the Love Island villa, spoken to Sir David Attenborough about the world's oceans and even interviewed Rylan from inside the Big Brother house (housemate status, forever pending).
