Chris Appleton is swapping showbiz glamour for the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom after deciding the BBC show was the perfect challenge for him.
The 2026 contestant has loved watching Strictly for as long as he can remember and could not resist the opportunity when it finally came along.
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While Chris is no stranger to glamorous looks and performing in the spotlight, dancing will be a completely new challenge.
Why is Chris Appleton doing Strictly Come Dancing?
Chris said the opportunity to take part in Strictly felt impossible to turn down after years of watching the BBC show.
He has always believed in pushing himself outside his comfort zone, but admits dancing represents something completely different from the challenges he has taken on throughout his career.
"I've always believed in saying yes to new challenges, especially the ones that push you outside your comfort zone. That's something I've always done throughout my career, however dancing is something completely different for me, and that's exactly what makes it so exciting."
Chris is particularly looking forward to the glamorous side of the competition.
"One thing I'm not a stranger to is showbiz glam, so I'm really excited to wear the incredible outfits and try out different looks each week!"
What is Chris Appleton most nervous about on Strictly?
Chris has already developed one rather worrying Strictly nightmare.
He revealed that he repeatedly dreams about walking onto the dancefloor in front of the studio audience and cameras before suddenly forgetting all of his moves.
"I keep having a recurring dream that the show begins, and I'm out there on the dancefloor in front of the studio audience and cameras… and suddenly I forget all my moves. So fingers crossed that doesn't happen!"
Despite that fear, Chris is excited to experience the live shows and perform in front of an audience.
He is also eager to discover which professional dancer he will be paired with and learn from them throughout the competition.
Can Chris Appleton dance?
Chris has a signature move, although it is perhaps not one he will be hoping to rely on during Strictly.
"Definitely the dad dance. I'm not sure how much I'll be able to bring that one out, or if it's something anyone should see…"
His friends and family have seen him dance at parties and at home, although Chris believes they would probably describe his dancing simply as having fun.
His children, however, may have a rather different opinion.
Which Strictly routine does Chris Appleton want to recreate?
Chris already knows exactly which iconic Strictly performance he would love to emulate.
His choice is Jill Halfpenny and Darren Bennett's famous Jive from 2004.
He described it as one of the greatest routines of all time and is hoping he can get anywhere near the score achieved by Halfpenny.
"Jill absolutely smashed it with a perfect score of 40, so if I can get anywhere close to that it'd be incredible."
What did Chris Appleton's family say about Strictly?
Chris's family and friends were thrilled when he revealed he was joining Strictly.
He said they may even be more excited about his appearance than he is.
His children and mum were particularly delighted because they have always loved the show.
Chris said seeing how happy and supportive they were made his decision to take part even more special.
He is now looking forward to seeing his family in the audience and having them cheer him on during the live shows.
Who is Chris Appleton doing Strictly for?
Chris said his kids and mum are among the people he is most excited to have supporting him throughout the competition.
He expects his children to play an important role when it comes to keeping him focused before performances.
"Calling my kids will definitely be my number one ritual."
Chris said his children will encourage him, help him get into the zone and remind him to have fun.
He also knows they will be on his mind when he takes to the dancefloor.
What does Chris Appleton want to achieve on Strictly?
Chris wants to leave Strictly having learned a completely new skill and created memories that will stay with him forever.
He is determined to enjoy the experience, challenge himself and discover what he is capable of doing.
"I want to enjoy every moment, challenge myself, embrace the experience and hopefully surprise myself with what I'm capable of."
What advice has Chris Appleton received from Dancing with the Stars?
Chris has a friend who knows all about taking on a celebrity dance competition.
His friend Chrishell has previously appeared on Dancing with the Stars in the US and offered him some simple advice ahead of his Strictly journey.
"The best piece of advice she gave me was to just have fun and enjoy every bit, because it goes so quickly."
Chris is clearly taking that message on board as he prepares for the competition.
What is Chris Appleton's dream Strictly song?
Chris has already picked the song he would love to perform to if given the opportunity.
His dream choice is Whitney Houston's 'One Moment in Time'.
The track would give Chris the chance to take on a major performance while celebrating one of his favourite songs.
Why is Chris Appleton doing Strictly instead of Dancing with the Stars?
Chris has friends who have taken part in the US version of the celebrity dance competition, Dancing with the Stars.
However, Strictly Come Dancing felt like the natural choice for him because of his British background.
"For me, Strictly felt like the right fit. Being from the UK, there's something really special about taking part in such an iconic British show – it genuinely feels like coming home to my roots."
Having his family in the UK has also made the decision even more meaningful.
Chris is looking forward to being back in London and returning home to Leicester during his Strictly journey.
What is Chris Appleton's Strictly backstage ritual?
Chris already knows what he will turn to before taking to the dancefloor.
Calling his children will be his number one ritual as he looks to calm his nerves and focus on the performance ahead.
He hopes their encouragement will help him remember to enjoy himself rather than overthink the moment.
"I know I'll be thinking of them when I'm out on the dancefloor."
Chris Appleton's Strictly Come Dancing 2026 journey
Chris is entering Strictly with plenty of excitement but very little experience of competitive dancing.
He is ready to learn from the professionals, embrace the glamorous side of the show and see whether he can turn his natural party dancing into something worthy of the Strictly ballroom.
With his family cheering him on and advice from a Dancing with the Stars veteran in mind, Chris is determined to enjoy every moment of his new challenge.
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