Chris Appleton defends new Strictly host Johannes after online trolling at Attitude Awards 2026 (EXCLUSIVE)
The pair connected on their shared "nerves" as they took on their new roles, dancer and host
By Aaron Sugg
Celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton cheered on professional dancer Johannes Radebe after the pair shared a touching moment on Strictly Come Dancing last weekend.
Appleton spoke to Attitude at the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards 2026, in partnership with M&S and electrified by Polestar, days after he was voted off the hit BBC show.
“Johannes is such an amazing guy and I think we really connected in being new at something,” said Appleton.
Chris Appleton celebrates new Strictly Come Dancing hosts
Radebe was one of three new hosts that replaced Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daley as the hosts of Strictly Come Dancing this season, joined by Emma Willis and Josh Widdicombe.
After the pair presented the show together for 11 years, fans have been cautious about welcoming the new hosts, quick to criticise them after four main episodes.
“We’re both going into something that we’ve never done before and with that it tests you and it’s sometimes a scary place to be,” said Appleton.
“He’s got so much spark and so much spice, I love what he brings to the show,” he added.
Appleton voted off Strictly Come Dancing
Both Appleton and Radebe shared a touching moment in the former Clauditorium last weekend after the celebrity hairstylist performed a Baywatch number with his dance partner Amy Dowden.
The pair connected on their shared “nerves” as they took on their new roles, dancer and host. On Sunday night, Appleton was voted off the show.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC iPlayer and BBC One from 6.15pm on 10 October.