Chris Appleton has become the first contestant eliminated from this season of Strictly Come Dancing. The celebrity hair stylist, 43, had been paired with professional dancer Amy Dowden, 36. Their dances in the first two weeks of the show failed to impress the judges, who sent them home.
Movie Week Dance-Off
The pair left the competition following a movie week dance-off against actress Jaime Winstone and her partner Carlos Gu. This week's judges' scores were added to those from last week's first live show, when there was no public vote, and were then combined with the results of Saturday night's public vote to decide the two lowest-scoring couples who would face the dance-off.
When he found out he was in the dance-off, Appleton told host Emma Willis: "I am going to go again, and I will try and bring a little more action." Both couples performed their routines again, with Appleton and Dowden doing a cha cha to I'll Be Ready from Baywatch before Winstone and Gu did the same dance but to Oh, Pretty Woman from Pretty Woman.
Judges' Decision
When it came to choosing who to save, judges Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke all chose to save Winstone and Gu, who won last season with former footballer Karen Carney. Craig Revel Horwood, who was the judge with the deciding vote this week, said that he would have also saved the same couple as the rest of the judges if he had needed to vote.
After his elimination, Appleton said: "I think it's been such a whirlwind of emotion. I'm 43 and I got good at doing what I did – which is hair. To come and do something like this, I felt so out of my comfort zone and saw myself in a way I never saw myself, and it challenged me in ways I never knew I could be challenged. I am very grateful for everyone who has been involved. It's been so amazing to be part of something that I grew up watching and got to be a part of it."
Emotional Farewells
Appleton added: "The most important thing I think I will take from this show is having a friend in Amy because I genuinely love her and I am so grateful I met someone who has so much heart and passion. I only wish I could have done better for her because she deserves to go further in the competition, but we did put everything into it." Dowden added: "Although it was only two weeks, watching Chris grow in confidence, that is what I will take away. Obviously I am heartbroken and this seems to be my luck the last few years, but my heart is only breaking because I don't get to dance with him on Monday… but I do get a friend for life."
Posting a series of photos with Appleton minutes after the show, Dowden wrote on Instagram: "I honestly don't think words can quite describe how proud I am of you. Seeing your Strictly journey come to an end is emotional, but what I'll treasure most isn't the result, it's the friendship, memories and special moments we've shared along the way. I know unfortunately only too well heartbreak. But I also know that the reason it hurts so much is because of the friendship and bond we've formed and that's something that isn't going anywhere. From the nerves, the laughter and the endless rehearsals to the moments when things felt tough, you gave everything you had. You showed such heart, determination and kindness, and it has been an absolute privilege to share this journey with you."
Dowden said their time on the show may have ended but their friendship "certainly hasn't". "Chris, you should be incredibly proud of yourself. Thank you for every laugh, every memory, every hug and for simply being you," she added. The first results show of this season of Strictly also featured a The Devil Wears Prada routine from the Strictly Professionals, plus a performance from Matilda The Musical, with the four young performers who play Matilda singing Quiet alongside composer Tim Minchin.
Career and Scores
Throughout his career, Appleton has worked with stars including Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Sofia Vergara, Ariana Grande and Katy Perry. He and Dowden had performed a tango on their first week of the contest, receiving a score of 16 from the judges. After performing during movie week, the judges scored them 17 for their cha-cha-cha. Both Mabuse and Du Beke noticed the hair stylist 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.
