TL;DR
- Chris Appleton joins Strictly Come Dancing 2026.
- He is the first openly gay contestant.
- Excitement grows for potential same-sex pairings.
- New hosts Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe announced.
- Show premieres in September 2026.
Hold onto your sequins, folks! The BBC has just dropped a bombshell that’s sure to get the ballroom buzzing. Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton is strutting his stuff into the spotlight as the fourth contestant announced for Strictly Come Dancing 2026. And guess what? He’s the first openly gay contestant of the season! Talk about a fabulous addition to the lineup!
Joining the likes of Eurovision diva Delta Goodrem and Love Island’s Dani Dyer, Appleton is ready to trade his salon scissors for dancing shoes. “I may know my way around a salon floor, but the dance floor is a whole different story,” he quipped, and we couldn’t agree more. But let’s be real, we’re all dying to see if he’ll follow in the footsteps of last year’s sensation Layton Williams and be paired with a partner of the same sex. Fingers crossed, right?
In his own words, Appleton expressed, “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.” Well, Chris, we’re all here for it! Can’t wait to see those fabulous hair flips on the dance floor.
But wait, there’s more! The excitement doesn’t stop at the contestants. The show is also making headlines with its new hosting lineup. After the departure of beloved hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, the BBC has announced that Emma Willis will be taking over Daly’s hosting duties. Meanwhile, Johannes Radebe and Josh Widdicombe will be bringing their charm to the show as well. Talk about a star-studded cast!
As the anticipation builds, fans are already speculating about what this season will bring. Will Chris Appleton find love on the dance floor? Will he wow the judges with his moves? We can’t wait to find out when Strictly Come Dancing returns for its twenty-fourth series with a launch show in September 2026. Mark your calendars, darlings!
So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or just tuning in for the glitter, this season promises to be one for the books. With LGBTQ representation hitting the dance floor, we’re here for every twirl, dip, and dramatic lift. Let’s get ready to rumba!