Kim Kardashian's hairstylist Chris Appleton reveals his dream Strictly partner as he enjoys a day out at Wimbledon with his kids ahead of kicking off his gruelling training

Chris Appleton has revealed he has his eye on one particular Come Dancing partner as he prepares to head into training for his appearance on the show.

The celebrity hairstylist, whose clients include Kim Kardashian, was the fourth contestant to be unveiled for the 2026 series of Strictly after Australian singer , Love Islander and WAG  and actress Lacey Turner were unveiled earlier this month.

Whilst enjoying a day at with his children on Monday, Chris, 43, was keen to look ahead to his Strictly stint and revealed his dream pro partner is US dancer Alexis Warr, 26.  

He told the Daily Mail 'I'd love to be with Alexis. She's amazing and I think our personalities would work really well together.'

Alexis made her Strictly debut last year and finished as runner up with her partner, TikTok star George Clarke.

She also has a big presence back home in the US where she first achieved fame by winning So You Think You Can Dance in 2022.

Before he finds out his Strictly pairing, Chris has been making the most of quality time with his family and on Monday enjoyed the day one action at Wimbledon with his children Billy, 23, and Kitty-Blue, 21.

Chris, who shares his kids with his former partner, Katie Katon, also treated his son and daughter to a Father's Day holiday in Positano,  last week. 

Chris, who came out as gay at the age of 26, became a dad at the age of 19 and welcomed both children during his nine-year relationship with his teenage sweetheart Katie.

While appearing on the On Purpose podcast in August 2025, Chris gushed that 'my biggest focus in life is being a great dad to two kids, and any parent out there can connect to that. I will always put them before myself.'

Both Billy and Kitty-Blu now live in Chris' home city of LA. 

Chris is a world-renowned hair stylist and is best known for working with . 

Named a 'Hair Star' by Vogue UK, Chris' work has been showcased on covers and in major features for publications including Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, Grazia, L'Officiel Paris, and more. 

His other celebrity clients include , Sofía Vergara,  and . 

He recently made the New York Times Best Sellers list for his debut memoir Your Roots Don't Define You.

Chris said of joining the Strictly line up: 'I'm thrilled to be joining Strictly Come Dancing and coming home to the UK for this incredible experience. 

'I've always believed that the best things happen when you take a chance and try something new. I may know my way around a salon floor, but the dance floor is a whole different story – and I can't wait to get started.'

Strictly Come Dancing returns to screens later this year and the rest of the lineup will be announced this summer.

Emma Willis, 50, Johannes Radebe, 39, and Josh Widdicombe, 43, are taking over the dance programme following hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman quitting.

The popular duo fronted Strictly together since 2014, and speculation was rife as to who would land the coveted roles.