Strictly Come Dancing bosses have secured US hairstylist Chris Appleton for the 2026 series, a move PR expert Kayley Cornelius calls the 'smartest casting choice in years'.
Chris Appleton may not be a household name in the UK, but he commands a massive following in the US thanks to his high-profile clientele including Jennifer Lopez, Dua Lipa, Ariana Grande, Christina Aguilera and Katy Perry. Kayley told online bingo caller Slingo: "Chris Appleton is a huge bagging for Strictly, and it feels like a very deliberate move from producers as they look to broaden the show's appeal beyond its traditional audience."
Deliberate move to attract US viewers
Kayley explained: "Chris is already a huge name in Hollywood, with an unrivalled client list that includes some of the world's biggest celebrities. That instantly gives Strictly access to a completely different audience, particularly in the US."
She also suggested Strictly bosses hope Chris will invite his close friend Kim Kardashian to cheer him on. "It would be a PR dream for Strictly. Even the possibility of one of the world's biggest celebrities appearing in the audience would generate international coverage and introduce the show to millions of people who may never have watched it before, and this type of exposure would be priceless."
2026 series revamp
The 2026 series, launching in September, will see a major revamp with new presenters Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radeb, alongside several fresh professional dancers.
Kayley outlined why recruiting Chris is crucial: "While Strictly has always been one of the UK's biggest entertainment shows, TV viewing habits are changing. With viewing figures becoming increasingly competitive across entertainment TV, producers know they need moments that get people talking on social media and in the press way before the show even starts, and Chris does exactly that."
She added: "He's not just another celebrity contestant - he's someone with genuine A-list connections, meaning every appearance, backstage photo or celebrity message of support has the potential to become a headline in its own right. This signing feels less about simply casting another celebrity and more about future-proofing the format. If they can entice fans of Dancing with the Stars while still keeping their loyal UK audience engaged, it could prove to be one of the smartest casting decisions they've made in years."
