Chris Appleton says he ‘saw himself in new way’ as he’s first to get Strictly chop
Chris Appleton was eliminated first on Strictly (BBC/Guy Levy)
Chris Appleton has paid tribute to his pro partner Amy Dowden as they became the first pair to be eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing 2026.
Appleton, 43, and Dowden were sent home on the Movie Week results show (4 October) after losing the Dance Off to Jaime Winstone and Carlos Gu.
Celebrity hairstylist Appleton and Dowden performed a Cha Cha to “I’ll Be Ready” from Baywatch, while Winstone and Gu danced a Cha Cha to “Oh, Pretty Woman”.
Judges Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke each voted to save Winstone and Gu, meaning Appleton and Dowden were eliminated by majority. Craig Revel Horwood said he would also have saved Winstone and Gu, had his vote been needed.
Sadly, with Appleton’s elimination, there’ll be no chance his BFF Kim Kardashian will be making an appearance on Strictly.
Chris Appleton says Strictly was ‘out of his comfort zone’
Speaking after the elimination, Appleton said: “It’s been such a whirlwind of emotion, I’m 43, I got good at what I’m doing which is hair and to come into something like this, I felt so out of my comfort zone.”
The hair whizz went on: “I saw myself in a way I’ve never seen myself and it challenged me in ways that I never knew I could be challenged.
“I’m very grateful for everyone that has been involved. All the celebrities, cast and crew, it has just been so amazing to be part of such a special thing that I grew up watching and I feel very proud to be part of it.”
He added: “But the most important thing I think I’ll take from this show is having a friend like Amy because I genuinely love.
“I already wish I did better for her because she deserves to go further in the competition.”
Amy Dowden talks ‘heartbreak’
In an Instagram tribute posted after their exit, Dowden wrote: “I know unfortunately only too well heartbreak. But I also know that the reason it hurts so much is because of the friendship and bond we’ve formed and that’s something that isn’t going anywhere.”
Paying tribute to Appleton, she went on: “You showed such heart, determination and kindness, and it has been an absolute privilege to share this journey with you.”
She added: “Chris, you should be incredibly proud of yourself. Thank you for every laugh, every memory, every hug and for somply being you. I’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.”
Dowden also spoke emotionally after the result on Strictly, saying: “Obviously I’m heartbroken, it seems to be my luck the last few years.”
She added: “But my heart it only breaking because I don’t get to dance with you on Monday but I get a friend for life, that’s what’s going to heal my broken heart.”
Strictly Come Dancing continues Saturday at 6.15pm on BBC One.
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