Chris Appleton, the celebrity hairstylist known for his work with Kim Kardashian, was recently seen training in London's Hyde Park. the 43-year-old is preparing for his upcoming appearance on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.
Hyde Park Sprints and Kettlebells for Chris Appleton
To prepare for the physical demands of the ballroom, Chris Appleton has been putting his fitness to the test under the guidance of a personal trainer. as the report says, the hairstylist was observed in Hyde Park engaging in a rigorous routine that included sprinting, lunges with dumbbells, and the use of an agility ladder. Appleton, who recently updated his look with shaved, blond hair, also incorporated kettlebell exercises into his regimen to ensure he is in peak condition for his debut next month.
This intense physical preparation suggests that Chris Appleton is treating his transition to dance as a professional athletic endeavor. Beyond the gym, the stylist is currently in the process of flat hunting in London to establish a base for the duration of the competition.
The BBC's Social Media Pivot and the 2026 Line-up
The inclusion of Chris Appleton is part of a broader , deliberate shift in how the BBC casts its contestants. According to the source, the network is implementing a major overhaul of the show's strategy, specifically targeting celebrities with massive social media footprints to attract a younger demographic.. This approach mirrors the successful model used by the American version of the franchise, Dancing With The Stars.
However, this strategy has not been without friction. The 2026 line-up—which features names such as Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, and Shaun Wright-Phillips—has faced criticism from some fans who describe the roster as "weak." These critics argue that the current cast lacks the "household names" that traditionally anchored the program during its 22-year history. The BBC appears to be betting that the digital reach of stars like Chris Appleton will outweigh the lack of traditional fame among older viewers.
The Quest for a Partnership with Alexis Warr
A central point of interest for Chris Appleton is his desired professional partner. The stylist has publicly expressed his hope to be paired with 26-year-old US dancer Alexis Warr. Warr is already a known quantity on the show, having finished as a runner-up last year alongside TikTok personality George Clarke.
Appleton told the Daily Mail that he believes his personality would mesh well with Alexis Warr, whom he described as "amazing." Whether the BBC producers will grant this specific request remains an open question, as the show typically keeps pairings a closely guarded secret until the official reveal. It is also unclear if the production team views a US-US pairing as a strategic advantage or a risk to the show's British identity.
From 'So You Think You Can Dance' to the London Stage
While Chris Appleton is primarily recognized for his work with A-list clients like Jennifer Lopez, Ariana Grande, and Katy Perry, he is no stranger to dance competitions. He previously achieved significant fame in the United States by winning So You Think You Can Dance in 2022, proving that his current training in London is a return to a previous passion rather than a new hobby.
His professional pedigree is equally impressive outside of dance; his work has been featured in high-fashion publications including Vogue, Vanity Fair, and Harper's Bazaar. This blend of high-fashion influence and competitive dance experience makes Chris Appleton a prototypical example of the "multi-hyphenate" celebrity the BBC is now courting to modernize its viewership.
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