Chris Appleton, a renowned hairstylist to celebrities, has received a thoughtful gift from his close friend Kim Kardashian as he gears up for his debut on the upcoming series of "Strictly Come Dancing." Appleton, 43, shared on Instagram Stories that Kardashian sent him a bouquet of white roses accompanied by a card wishing him good luck.
The card read, "Break a leg, you got this, xo," which Appleton described as "the sweetest surprise." Fans have speculated about the possibility of Kardashian appearing in the audience to support Appleton during the competition.
Appleton has also received advice from another celebrity friend, Chrishell Stause, who previously competed on the U.S. version of the show, "Dancing With The Stars." Stause advised Appleton to "just have fun and enjoy every bit, because it goes so quickly."
"Strictly Come Dancing" is set for a significant overhaul in its 24th series. Long-time hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly will not return, with Emma Willis, comedian Josh Widdicombe, and professional dancer Johannes Radebe taking over presenting duties. The new trio has described their co-hosting format as a "wild card" and is still being developed by producers.
The show's casting for the new series has reportedly focused on celebrities with substantial social media followings, a strategy mirroring that of "Dancing With The Stars" to attract younger viewers. This approach aims to compensate for a perceived decline in the availability of traditional celebrity talent from avenues like boybands and soap operas.
Appleton himself boasts a significant online presence with 4 million Instagram followers. Other contestants this season include sports YouTuber John Nellis, who has 15.7 million YouTube subscribers, and "Love Island" winner Cách Mercer, a TikTok influencer. The inclusion of social media personalities and younger contestants is part of the BBC's broader strategy to boost viewership engagement, particularly among a younger demographic.
The BBC faces challenges in attracting high-profile celebrities compared to previous eras, as the entertainment landscape has shifted. Social media stars now command considerable attention and influence, prompting the broadcaster to adapt its casting and digital strategies.
"Strictly Come Dancing" is scheduled to premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Saturday, September 19. Appleton's participation marks his transition from behind-the-scenes styling to a prominent on-screen role in a high-profile entertainment program.