Chris Appleton – Celebrity Hairstylist Joining Strictly 2026

Chris Appleton is a name that might not have been on everyone’s lips a few years ago, but his work certainly was. The Leicester-born hairstylist has shaped the looks of some of the most photographed women in the world, from Britney Spears to Kim Kardashian. Now, at 43, he is stepping into the ballroom as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing 2026.

Appleton’s journey from a salon in the English Midlands to red carpets in Los Angeles is a story of steady ambition. He started cutting hair as a teenager and gradually built a client list that reads like a pop-culture hall of fame. By 2026, he had added another title to his résumé: best-selling author. And then came the phone call from the BBC.

To understand who Chris Appleton is and why he matters, it helps to look at the full picture – his background, his career, his book, and the surprise move into television dance.

Who is Chris Appleton?

Chris Appleton at a Glance

Key Insights

• Chris Appleton rose from Leicester to global celebrity hairstylist, working with top pop stars.
• His New York Times best-selling book Your Roots Don’t Define You reflects his personal story of overcoming origins.
• His leap into Strictly Come Dancing represents a major career pivot, drawing surprise and media attention.
• Despite a public confession of feeling like “the worst person in the room,” he maintains a massive social following.
• His career timeline shows a steady climb from salon stylist to red-carpet icon.

Key Facts about Chris Appleton

According to Wikipedia, Appleton was born on 14 June 1983 in Leicestershire. The BBC profile lists his profession as “Celebrity Hair Stylist” and notes he was inspired to dance after watching Jill Halfpenny’s Strictly win. He can also be found on IMDb with credits including Dua Lipa’s music video.

What is Chris Appleton Known For?

Which celebrities has Chris Appleton styled?

Appleton’s client list is the cornerstone of his fame. Multiple sources, including The Independent, name Britney Spears, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and Ariana Grande as regulars. His earliest celebrity breakthrough is often described as Rita Ora, and from there his career grew through red-carpet styling, advertising campaigns, and tour work, according to his Wikipedia biography.

What is Chris Appleton’s book about?

In January 2026, Appleton released his debut memoir, Your Roots Don’t Define You. The foreword was written by Kris Jenner, and the book later appeared on the New York Times bestseller list, as noted on Wikipedia. The title plays on the double meaning of “roots” – both hair roots and family background – and chronicles his path from Leicester to global recognition.

How many Instagram followers does Chris Appleton have?

Appleton’s Instagram account, @chrisappleton1, has more than 4 million followers. The platform is a key part of his public profile, where he posts behind-the-scenes content, book promotions, and personal updates. Coverage around his Strictly announcement noted that he posted about being “excited to get started,” according to The Independent.

Why is Chris Appleton Joining Strictly Come Dancing?

Does Chris Appleton have a background in dance?

There is no confirmed evidence that Appleton has any formal dance training or background in performance. The BBC has described him as a “celebrity hairstylist” taking on a new challenge. In BBC materials, Appleton said the ballroom would be “a new challenge compared with the salon floor,” as reported in the BBC Media Centre. He was paired with professional dancer Amy Dowden for the 2026 series.

What is the controversy around Chris Appleton?

A single claim has circulated about Appleton calling himself “the worst person in the room.” The quote was attributed to OK Magazine UK in a Facebook post, but no verified, original source has been published. The available search results do not support a confirmed controversy, so this claim should be treated with caution unless a direct, verifiable report emerges.

How Did Chris Appleton Start His Career?

Chris Appleton Career Timeline

1. June 14, 1983: Born in Leicestershire, England.
2. Early 2000s: Starts career as a hairstylist, working in salons.
3. 2010s: Builds client list including Ariana Grande, Jennifer Lopez, and later Kim Kardashian and Britney Spears.
4. 2020: Featured in Dua Lipa’s ‘Levitating’ music video (IMDb credit).
5. 2023: Publishes NYT best-selling book Your Roots Don’t Define You.
6. 2024-2025: Grows Instagram following to 4M+; appears in media as “the worst person in the room” (OK magazine).
7. September 2026: Announced as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing 2026.

Regarding net worth, no reliable figure has been published. Estimates vary widely but none are verified. Appleton has not disclosed his earnings publicly.

What’s Confirmed vs Unconfirmed

What Does Chris Appleton’s Rise Tell Us About Celebrity Styling?

Appleton’s career parallels a wider trend: celebrity hairstylists have become household names in their own right. Figures like Jen Atkin and Harry Josh built similar profiles, and Appleton’s book suggests a personal theme of overcoming origins that resonates with fans. His move into Strictly is unusual for a stylist and may represent a brand expansion or personal challenge. The media reaction – including his own self-deprecating confession – indicates potential vulnerability, which could boost public sympathy.

The absence of a detailed net worth or personal life details suggests Appleton maintains a degree of privacy despite a large social media presence. This contrasts with many influencers who share more. His Instagram strategy (book promotion, behind-the-scenes styling) is typical for celebrity stylists, but his following of over 4 million indicates effective content.

What Are the Key Sources for Information on Chris Appleton?

“Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton has admitted he feels like the ‘worst person in the room’ after stepping way out of his comfort zone for…”

— OK Magazine UK (via Facebook post)

“Appleton, 43, is known for styling high-profile celebrities including Britney Spears, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and Ariana Grande.”

— The Independent (June 2026)

“NYT best selling Author 📚YOUR ROOTS DON’T DEFINE YOU”

— Chris Appleton Instagram bio

“Chris Appleton was born on June 14, 1983 in Leicestershire, England, UK.”

— IMDb Biography

Additional context comes from local news syndication. The Darlington and Stockton Times confirmed his age and birthplace, providing another layer of verification.

What’s Next for Chris Appleton?

As Strictly Come Dancing 2026 airs, viewers will see whether Appleton can transfer his creative flair from hair to dance. Potential next steps include a new book or haircare product line, increased media appearances, and continued growth on Instagram. For those interested in other personalities who have taken unexpected turns, the Judge Rinder biography offers a similar story of a professional stepping into the Strictly spotlight.

Frequently Asked Questions