The Strictly Come Dancing 2026 roster is shaping up to be one of the most glamorous in the show’s history, as celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton becomes the fourth star officially confirmed for the ballroom.
Famous for crafting the iconic locks of Hollywood A-listers like Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez, the British-born hair maestro is officially trading his salon shears for sequins this September. The blockbuster announcement comes hot on the heels of the BBC locking in Australian pop royalty and actress Delta Goodrem for the upcoming autumn series.
“The Dance Floor is a Whole Different Story”
Expressing his excitement about returning to his roots, Chris opened up about stepping outside his high-fashion comfort zone for the ultimate British television challenge.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Strictly Come Dancing and coming home to the UK for this incredible experience,” Chris gushed in an official statement. “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.”
The high-profile booking sent social media into an absolute frenzy. One ecstatic fan commented on Instagram, “OH THIS IS ICONIC,” while another noted, “This line-up keeps getting stronger and stronger.”
A Powerhouse Line-Up of Early Reveals
BBC bosses are clearly not playing around this year, dropping celebrity reveals much earlier than traditional summer schedules. Chris joins an already stacked list of competitors ready to fight for the Glitterball Trophy:
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Delta Goodrem (41): The Neighbours icon turned global pop star is riding high after representing Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, where she secured the country’s highest-ever score.
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Dani Dyer (29): The Love Island alumna is returning for her ultimate redemption arc. Dani was originally cast in the 2025 series but was forced to pull out due to a heartbreaking pre-show injury.
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Lacey Turner: The beloved EastEnders actress was the very first name unveiled for 2026, shifting from the drama of Albert Square straight into the intensity of Latin and Ballroom training.
Steering the Ship Into a Brand-New Era
The star-studded cast will be welcomed by a completely revamped hosting lineup following the monumental departures of long-serving anchors Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman last year.
Stepping up to steer the iconic flagship show into its fresh chapter are TV favorite Emma Willis, professional dancer turned presenter Johannes ‘JoJo’ Radebe, and comedian Josh Widdicombe. With a groundbreaking new presenting trio and an increasingly dazzling celebrity cast, Strictly 2026 is rapidly turning into the most anticipated television event of the autumn.
