Strictly Come Dancing Elimination
Celebrity stylist Chris Appleton becomes the first contestant eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing 2026.
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Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton has been eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing 2026 after the show's first public vote. The Independent reports that Appleton and professional partner Amy Dowden lost a dance-off to Kidulthood actress Jaime Winstone and Carlos Gu, with judges voting unanimously to save Winstone. This marks the second year in a row that Dowden has been the first couple eliminated from the competition.
The elimination came after Movie Week performances on October 3, with combined scores from weeks one and two plus public votes determining who faced the bottom two. Hello Magazine confirmed that all three judges — Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, and Anton Du Beke — voted to save Winstone, sending Appleton home on the results show aired Sunday, October 4.
Amy Dowden's Heartbreak in Back-to-Back Exits
Amy Dowden's latest elimination marks a painful repeat of last year's result. In 2025, she and *The Apprentice* contestant Thomas Skinner were the first couple eliminated. Now, just one year later, she finds herself leaving the competition again in week two. Hello Magazine quoted Dowden saying, "Obviously I'm heartbroken, this seems to have been my luck the past few years but you know what, my heart is only breaking because I don't get to dance with you (Chris) on Monday but I've got a friend for life."
Appleton Becomes First Celebrity Eliminated This Season
Chris Appleton, known for styling Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and Ariana Grande, competed in a dance-off against Winstone after finishing in the bottom two. The Independent and Hello Magazine both reported that the judges unanimously voted to save Winstone following their movie-themed performances. This was the first elimination of series 24, which returned with new hosts Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe.
New Format Brings Movie Week to the Season Opener
Series 24 introduced an early Movie Week special, a format change that surprised viewers. Daily Star and Gazette Live reported that fans complained about the major restructuring of the show. The new hosts and accelerated schedule marked a significant departure from previous seasons, with public voting opening for the first time during week two rather than later in the competition.
Winstone and Gu Advance With Judge's Backing
Jaime Winstone secured her place in the competition with strong judge support. Carlos Gu, her professional partner, won series 23 with footballer Karen Carney just last year. The unanimous vote to save Winstone puts her among the 14 remaining couples heading into week three. All couples will return Saturday for their next performance as they fight to stay in the competition.
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