Chris Appleton, renowned celebrity hair stylist, was the first contestant eliminated from this year’s Strictly Come Dancing after a dance-off against Jaime Winstone. Despite reviving his Baywatch-themed cha-cha, the judges were not convinced, leading to his exit. His score of 17 was enough to keep him from last place on the leaderboard, which was claimed by actress Melanie Walters, known for her role in Gavin and Stacey, who scored just 15 in both weeks.
The situation raises concerns about the inclusion of celebrity hairstylists without a strong public following, suggesting that audiences may prefer contestants with established fan bases. Appleton’s performances were described as lacking finesse, while Walters is perceived to have potential for growth.
Another disappointment was that professional dancer Amy Dowden, who has faced health battles, was eliminated for the second consecutive year. Fans are hopeful for her to be paired with a stronger partner in the future.
Jaime Winstone, despite her flaws in a cha-cha performance, was saved by the judges, indicating public support. The night also featured a notable improvement in the presenting team, with Emma Willis taking charge effectively alongside Josh Widdicombe. The standout moments included a professional routine from Devil Wears Prada and Tim Minchin’s performance from Matilda: The Musical.
The overall night was considered enjoyable, though questions linger regarding the effectiveness of the presenting lineup and the role of certain hosts. The show continues to spark discussions about its format and the contestants involved.
