He is just weeks away from starting his gruelling training sessions for Strictly Come Dancing.

And Chris Appleton already looks in great shape as he showed off his chiselled physique while on a luxury yacht in Positano, Italy, with his family.

The celebrity hairstylist, 43, stripped down to skimpy red Speedos and flaunted his six-pack on the boat before cooling off in the sea. 

Chris was enjoying some much-needed downtime before heading to London to start gruelling Strictly training, with contestants training for a minimum of 12 hours a week.

He was joined by his two children, Billy, 23, and Kitty-Blue, 21, who he shares with his former partner, Katie Katon.

One source said: ‘Chris has been enjoying some much-needed downtime before jetting to the UK for his gruelling Strictly training sessions.

‘The past few months have been very busy for Chris with work, and it was lovely to spend some quality time with his kids, especially with it being Father’s Day.

‘He is very excited to return to the UK for the show and get started.’

Chris shared a sweet picture with his lookalike kids this week, and captioned the snap: 'The best chapter of my life has always been these 2. Couldn’t think of a better way to spend Father’s Day.'

Chris was the fourth contestant to be revealed after Australian singer Delta Goodrem, Love Islander and WAG Dani Dyer, and actress Lacey Turner were unveiled earlier this month.

The news was officially revealed on Friday on @bbcstrictly's official social channels via Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

Chris is a world-renowned hairstylist and is best known for working with Kim Kardashian.

Named a 'Hair Star' by Vogue UK, Chris's 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 Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Sofía Vergara, Ariana Grande, and Katy Perry.

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.

The new series will return in September with a number of huge changes as part of the competition's revamp.

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.