Chris Appleton, the renowned hairstylist for celebrities including Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez, was seen undergoing a demanding workout in London's Hyde Park on Sunday. The 43-year-old, who is preparing for his debut on the upcoming season of 'Strictly Come Dancing,' showcased a muscular physique during the session with a personal trainer.<![CDATA[IMAGE3]]>
Appleton, known for his work on magazine covers for publications such as Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and Vanity Fair, was observed performing a series of exercises designed to build strength and endurance. His routine included skipping, sprinting, lunges with dumbbells, and working with kettlebells and an agility ladder.<![CDATA[IMAGE8]]> <![CDATA[IMAGE2]]> Appleton, who recently sported a blonde, shaved hairstyle, donned black shorts and a grey hoodie, which he removed as he worked up a sweat.<![CDATA[IMAGE7]]> <![CDATA[IMAGE4]]>
His professional dance partner for 'Strictly Come Dancing' will guide him through dance rehearsals, but the personal trainer ensured Appleton was physically prepared for the demanding nature of the competition.<![CDATA[IMAGE1]]>
Appleton is among the diverse lineup for the 2026 'Strictly Come Dancing' season, which also includes figures from sports, television, and music. The BBC's casting strategy for this season has reportedly focused on celebrities with significant social media followings, aiming to attract a younger audience and compete with the social media engagement of its U.S. counterpart, 'Dancing With The Stars.'<![CDATA[IMAGE5]]>
While some fans have criticized the lineup for lacking well-known names, an insider suggested that the strategy prioritizes a celebrity's online reach to boost the show's profile. This approach mirrors the success of 'Dancing With The Stars,' which has leveraged platforms like TikTok to increase viewer interaction.<![CDATA[IMAGE6]]>