Chris Appleton's daughter has publicly backed her dad after he appeared emotional following his latest performance on Strictly Come Dancing. The celebrity hairstylist is competing on the BBC One dance contest, partnered with professional dancer Amy Dowden, having been paired during last month's pre-recorded 2026 series launch show.
Week two of the competition aired on Saturday (October 3) night, bringing added pressure with the first elimination of the series looming. The Movie Week special arrived earlier than ever before, opening with a pre-recorded routine based on the Disney animated film Zootopia, with the professionals dressed as animals dancing to Shakira's tracks Try Everything and Zoo.
Emotional performance and judge praise
Chris and Amy performed early in the show, tackling a cha cha to I'm Always Here from Baywatch. Judges Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke noted "huge improvements" in Chris' performance from the previous week, with Du Beke adding: "The performance was another level, and the dancing will keep improving if you keep at it."
Chris admitted his nerves, and fighting back tears when he spoke to host Johannes Radebe, he said he did not want to let his partner down, adding: "I am really trying but also really enjoying it."
Leaderboard position and daughter's support
With a score of 17 out of a possible 40, Chris and Amy were left with a combined week one and two score of 33 points, placing them second from the bottom of the overall leaderboard.
Following her dad's performance, Chris' daughter, Kitty-Blu Appleton, commented on his performance video on Strictly's Instagram page, writing: "Hello soo good this is what the competition is about!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" She also shared a post to her Instagram Story as she watched the show, saying: "For someone with NO dance experience ever, this was amazing to learn a dance in 4 days! Go vote now!!!! @chrisappleton1 @amy_dowden."
Fans rally to prevent early exit
Strictly fans were keen not to see Amy leave the competition first, having been the first to leave last year with her 2025 series partner, Thomas Skinner. One fan, @Henry92589880, said: "Not fair that they gave Chris and Amy the worst theme for movie week! SAVE THEM PEEPS!! #Strictly."
@sasha_ddm commented: "Even if that wasn't the best dance, I hope Chris and Amy get to dance again next week. It would be such a shame for Amy too if she had to go out so early two years running #strictly." @RyanSoapKing25 posted: "Amy can't go home on Week 2 for the 2nd year running. We won't allow it #Strictly." @zerkeymd echoed: "We cannot allow Chris and Amy to go home this week #Strictly." @Matt528chap added: "A plea to the voting public-after the Thomas Skinner debacle last year, we cannot let Amy go home first again! #Strictly."
