Strictly Come Dancing fans were left divided when the BBC announced that Chris Appleton, a hairdresser known for working with celebrities, would be hitting the dancefloor.
Mixed Reactions to Chris Appleton's Announcement
Strictly Come Dancing fans were left divided when Chris Appleton was announced as the latest signing. The hairdresser, 43, is best known for working with major celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Britney Spears and Jennifer Lopez and will be joining EastEnders icon Lacey Turner, Love Island winner Dani Dyer and singer Delta Goodrem when the BBC Saturday night favourite returns to screens later this year.
But some fans were taken aback to learn that Chris, who also worked extensively with Ariana Grande in the early days of her pop career and more recently collaborated with Dua Lipa, would be joining the celebrity-based contestant and made their reaction clear on social media.
Taking to the comments section of the announcement post, one fan wrote: "Mmmm a hairdresser who does celebs hair, I'd say that is scrapping the bottom of the barrel of celebs." Another said: "A celebrity hairstylist. Clutching at straws."
Optimism and Excitement
However, others were more optimistic about the signing. One fan said: "Omg this line up is getting better and better," and another said: "Noooo waaaay! Oh my god, amazing." Others were also hopeful that Chris' participation might mean that some of his A-list friends might get involved in the ballroom action, as one said: "There better be some Kardashian representation in the live studio audience!"
Former I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! star Dean McCullough said: "Can't wait to see Britney in the audience!" and another fan seconded the idea of the ...Baby One More Time hitmaker turning up on the show, as they said: "Will he bring Britney? (If you know you know)"
Chris Appleton's Statement
In the initial announcement, which came on Friday afternoon via the BBC's official Instagram page, 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."
Other Contestants Announced
Stacey Slater star Lacey - who has starred on the BBC soap for years - was the first name to be announced this year. The BBC show usually makes their announcements from August onwards, but this year, the names have come earlier.
"I am so excited to being making my way to the dance floor this year to be a part of Strictly! I am a huge fan and can't quite believe I will be taking part and not watching at home this year! I look forward to meeting everyone and learning a new skill!" she said.
Dani Dyer has also been announced for this series after she was forced to pull out owing to injury last year. She had hurt her foot during training and was unable to take part on the programme. She said of her return: "I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September! I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one! I'm just over the moon and cannot wait to find out who else is doing it!"
Meanwhile, Delta said: "I've been incredibly honoured to perform on many different stages throughout my career - from tv, theatre, film sets, to touring my own shows around the world, there is however one stage I've never stepped onto and that is the ballroom floor! I'm absolutely thrilled to be joining Strictly and can't wait to get started!"
