Celebrity hairdresser Chris Appleton has shared the sentimental reasons behind choosing the iconic British show 'Strictly Come Dancing' over the American hit 'Dancing with the Stars'.
- Chris Appleton is joining the 24th series of Strictly Come Dancing.
- He prioritized the UK show due to his British roots and family connections.
- Appleton is a world-renowned hairdresser for stars like Jennifer Lopez and Ariana Grande.
- The new season premieres on Saturday, 19 September, on BBC One.
Renowned celebrity hairdresser Chris Appleton has broken his silence on why he opted to join the prestigious British ballroom competition 'Strictly Come Dancing' instead of the massive US hit 'Dancing with the Stars'. Appleton, widely recognized for his work with A-list icons and his appearance on 'The Kardashians', is set to take the dance floor in the show's upcoming 24th series.
Despite his current residence in Los Angeles, Appleton’s heart remains tied to the United Kingdom. Born in Leicester and having launched his career in London salons, the decision to join the BBC production was deeply personal. "I have friends who've taken part in Dancing with the Stars in the US, but for me, Strictly felt like the right fit," Appleton explained. "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."
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that the choice of platform for global celebrities is increasingly becoming a matter of cultural identity rather than just commercial reach. By choosing 'Strictly', Appleton is leveraging his UK heritage to strengthen his brand in his home country, creating a powerful narrative of 'the boy from Leicester' returning to the big stage.
"Choosing heritage over Hollywood scale can create a much more authentic and resonant connection with a domestic audience," noted a media strategist.
The transition from styling the world's most famous hair to mastering the art of the waltz is a significant career pivot. Appleton mentioned that having his family nearby in the UK makes the journey even more meaningful. He also received words of wisdom from his friend and 'Selling Sunset' star Chrishell Stause, who encouraged him to embrace every moment of the fast-paced competition.
Historical Background
'Strictly Come Dancing' has evolved into a cornerstone of British television since its inception. While the format has been exported globally—most notably as 'Dancing with the Stars' in the United States—the original BBC version maintains a unique cultural status in the UK, often serving as a massive platform for both celebrities and professional dancers to reach a dedicated national audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Who is Chris Appleton?
Answer: Chris Appleton is a high-profile celebrity hairdresser known for working with stars like Jennifer Lopez and Ariana Grande.
Question 2: When does the new season of Strictly Come Dancing start?
Answer: The new series is scheduled to launch on Saturday, 19 September, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.