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Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton becomes the first star eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing 2026 after Baywatch dance-off loss

From the Newshound archive · first published 5 October 2026 · last updated 6 October 2026.

Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton becomes the first star eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing 2026 after Baywatch dance-off loss

Chris Appleton, 43, and his professional partner Amy Dowden were sent home unanimously by judges Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood after losing a Movie Week dance-off to actress Jaime Winstone and Carlos Gu on Sunday night. Appleton had scored just 17 out of 40 for his Cha Cha to the Baywatch theme, and viewers accused producers of "setting him up" by giving him a "lame" song. Dowden posted a heartfelt Instagram tribute, saying she had found "a friend for life" — but fans pointed out it is the second consecutive year she has been the first pro dancer eliminated.

Appleton said his biggest takeaway was 'having a friend in Amy' and wished he had danced better 'because she deserves to go further'.

Dowden told host Emma Willis she was "heartbroken" and referenced her "luck" after also exiting first last year, paired then with Thomas Skinner.

Some viewers called the result fixed, with one posting on X: 'The whole show is fixed — Strictly screwed over Chris.'

MoreEvening StandardChris Appleton breaks silence on Strictly exit after 'set-up' claimsHuffPost UKChris Appleton Speaks Out After Becoming First Strictly Star Sent Home This YearDaily Express'I spotted Chris Appleton mistake which saw him become first Strictly star axed'PinkNewsKim Kardashian's BFF Chris Appleton first to be voted off Strictly - PinkNewsWalesOnline on MSNChris Appleton's 'huge mistake' before Strictly exit exposed 'damage was already done'The IndependentStrictly star breaks down in tears after shock exit: ‘I can’t talk’
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