Chris Appleton confirmed as fourth contestant for Strictly Come Dancing 2026

The Strictly Come Dancing judging panelWe haven’t even had the summer holidays yet, and we’re already getting announcements about the Strictly Come Dancing cast.After months of speculation about who the new hosts of the BBC dance competition could be, attention has now turned to which famous faces will be hitting the ballroom when the show returns in the autumn.Traditionally, Strictly starts revealing its celebrity line-up in early August, ahead of the show’s return in September. However, this year, it looks like BBC bosses are getting ahead of the rumours and gossip by announcing the line-up early, with stars from across the world of music, TV and more already being unveiled.If you’re already looking forward to Strictly’s return, here’s our quick guide to who has been cast so far…Lacey TurnerView this post on InstagramThe first cast member announced this year was EastEnders star Lacey Turner.Lacey is best known for playing Stacey Slater in the BBC soap on-and-off since 2005.She has also starred in the military drama Our Girl and appeared in Call The Midwife.“I am so excited to be making my way to the dance floor this year to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing! I am a huge fan and can’t quite believe I will be taking part and not watching at home this year!” she said when her Strictly stint was confirmed by the BBC in mid-June.The soap star added: “I look forward to meeting everyone and learning a new skill!”Dani DyerView this post on InstagramDani Dyer was originally supposed to take part in last year’s season of Strictly, even filming an appearance in the pre-recorded launch show, but was eventually forced to pull due to injury just days before the first live show.She was replaced on the line-up by fellow Love Island winner Amber Davies, who made it through to the 2025 final.Almost a year later, Dani is now getting a second chance at nabbing the coveted Glitterball trophy.She said: “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!” Dani added.Delta GoodremView this post on InstagramPop singer and actor Delta Goodrem was the third name announced for this year’s Strictly.Although best known as a singer thanks to hits like Born To Try and Lost Without You, the Australian performer found fame playing Nina Tucker in Neighbours, a role she held for around three years in the mid-2000s.She’s also no stranger to reality TV, having served as both a coach on The Voice and The Voice Kids in her home country.Delta’s addition to the ballroom competition comes after her success at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. During the live final in Vienna back in May, she represented Australia with her song Eclipse, finishing in fourth place overall. When announced as taking part in Strictly, she beamed: “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!”Chris AppletonView this post on InstagramThe fourth addition to the Strictly 2026 cast is Chris Appleton, hairstylist to the stars and the man behind some of Kim Kardashian’s most famous red carpet hairdos.Chris has earned a following online for his hair tutorials, as well as his collaborations with high-profile clients like Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez and Ariana Grande.The UK-born stylist 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.”Strictly Come Dancing will return to our screens in the autumn. Keep an eye out as we update you on the cast.MORE STRICTLY:It Takes Two Host Janette Manrara Sets The Record Straight On Her Strictly FutureJohannes Radebe's 11 Most Iconic Moments In The Strictly Come Dancing BallroomIntrigued About Strictly's New Host? Get To Know Josh Widdicombe A Little Better

Renowned hair stylist Chris Appleton is the latest celebrity confirmed for 'Strictly Come Dancing' 2026. The announcement, made on June 19, 2026, revealed the global talent will swap his salon for the ballroom this autumn. Appleton, known for styling A-listers like Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez, expressed excitement for the new challenge, stating, "I can't wait to get started." Further contestant reveals are expected soon.

He joins Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem and Lacey Turner in 2026 Strictly cast

Chris Appleton arrives at the Spotify Best New Artist Party on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Andrew Park/Invision/AP)Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton has become the fourth celebrity confirmed for this year’s season of Strictly Come Dancing.Following the announcement on Friday, Chris enthused: “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.”View this post on InstagramNow a prominent figure on social media, Chris rose to fame thanks to his collaborations with famous clients like Jennifer Lopez, Ariana Grande and, most notably, Kim Kardashian.He was also briefly a tabloid staple thanks to his whirlwind relationship with the White Lotus actor Lukas Gage, to whom he was married for around eight months in 2023.Chris joins the existing Strictly line-up for 2026, which currently consists of the EastEnders staple Lacey Turner, former Love Island winner Dani Dyer and Australian pop singer Delta Goodrem.Dani was originally booked to compete on Strictly last year, but had to pull out days before the first live show due to injury.Strictly fans were shocked just over a week ago when the first casting announcements were made around two months earlier than usual.While Lacey, Dani and Delta were unveiled for the line-up within days of each other, Chris’ participation was confirmed a full week after the last casting announcement.In a press release, the BBC said that “further news about Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be revealed throughout the summer ahead of the brand-new series” which is due to begin airing in September.Other names heavily rumoured to be hitting the ballroom this time around include Paralympic gold medallist Dame Sarah Storey and TV personality Jeff Brazier.MORE STRICTLY:It Takes Two Host Janette Manrara Sets The Record Straight On Her Strictly FutureJohannes Radebe Has A Message For Strictly Fans Concerned About His New RoleJohannes Radebe's 11 Most Iconic Moments In The Strictly Come Dancing Ballroom