Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton has said winning Strictly Come Dancing was never his goal, describing the experience as one of the best things he has ever done.
Appleton, who was partnered with professional dancer Amy Dowden, said he wanted to challenge himself by stepping completely outside his comfort zone.
Appleton on his Strictly motivation
Speaking at the Attitude Awards 2026, Appleton told the London Standard: "I never went in it to win it."
"I went in it to see if I could go out there and do it on a Saturday night, and I did it, and I'm proud of myself."
Appleton attended the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards at the Roundhouse in Chalk Farm Road on Wednesday night. He and Dowden, 36, were the first contestants eliminated from this season of the show.
Elimination and challenge
Their dances in the first two weeks failed to impress the judges, who sent them home following a movie week dance-off against actress Jaime Winstone and her partner Carlos Gu.
The 43-year-old said taking part had pushed him "emotionally, mentally, physically" but ultimately described the experience as "one of the best things I've ever done".
He said: "It was never about winning, it was about the challenge of putting myself in a different situation and having no idea what I was doing.
"It was so challenging, and it kinda just brought this whole new lease of life in front of me.
"And I had an amazing partner, like Amy, and I got to dress up in my Baywatch costume on a Saturday night. What's not to be fun about that? I had the best time. It was great."
Backing for the Glitterball Trophy
Asked who he is backing to win the Glitterball Trophy, Appleton said: "That's like asking me my favourite child. I love everyone.
"I think everyone's amazing. I think they all bring something so different to the competition.
"I think it'll just be interesting to see as the weeks go, you can be good at one dance, then you get another dance and not so much. So I think it'll just be a test of time. I'm excited to see how everyone grows."
Appleton also teased an upcoming project close to his heart, saying: "I've got a really exciting launch happening. I can't actually say what it is, but I'm very excited to announce it.
"It's actually something very close to my heart, which people will get to see a lot more of me and my world. But I can't talk about it yet."
Judges' scores and history
Throughout his career, Appleton has worked with stars including Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Sofia Vergara, Ariana Grande and Katy Perry.
He and Dowden performed a tango in their first week, receiving a score of 16 from the judges. After performing during movie week, they scored 17 for their cha-cha-cha.
Both Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke noticed the hairstylist had shown a "huge improvement" from the first week. "The performance was another level, and the dancing will keep improving if you keep at it," Du Beke said.
Speaking soon after finishing the routine, Appleton said he "did not want to let Amy down", adding: "I am really trying but also really enjoying it."
Dowden was also eliminated first last season after being paired with The Apprentice contestant and businessman Thomas Skinner.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday at 6.15pm on BBC One.
