With tears welling in her eyes and dressed in a shimmering teal costume, Alex Kingston held tightly to her professional partner Johannes Radebe's hand as she basked in the applause from the studio audience of Strictly Come Dancing. Her rumba, described as elegant, sophisticated and technically flawless, earned her an unprecedented standing ovation from head judge Shirley Ballas and a coveted 'ten' score, cementing her position at the top of the leaderboard on last Saturday's show. This marked a historic moment for Kingston, who received an emotional congratulations and even a kiss from Ballas, underscoring the significance of her achievement in the competition's history.
Kingston, at 62 years old, stands out as a Strictly anomaly given her age and lack of professional dance training, especially compared to some younger contestants with backgrounds in West End musicals or dance-centric roles. Despite this, her performances have resonated deeply with viewers, particularly her ability to stay in character, such as when she portrayed Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada throughout a dance. Last week, she impressed once again with a foxtrot themed around Dolly Parton, earning praise for her poise and fluidity, although judges noted minor technical improvements were still needed.
Before Strictly, many may know Kingston from her iconic role as River Song in Doctor Who or as Dr Elizabeth Corday on the American medical drama ER, a role that transformed her career. However, her path to stardom was marked by personal turmoil, including a painful divorce from Ralph Fiennes in the late 1990s. The split came just as she was landing the part on ER, a time when she transitioned from being seen largely as "the actress girlfriend" of the rising British star to carving out her own distinguished career. Industry insiders note that the end of her marriage likely propelled her to assert herself professionally, moving to the US and securing roles that showcased her considerable talent.
In addition to this past heartbreak, Kingston has faced significant recent struggles, including the loss of both her parents and a diagnosis of womb cancer in 2024. She has openly discussed initially dismissing symptoms as signs of aging before an onstage haemorrhage led to a hysterectomy and radiation therapy. Remarkably, she resumed competing on Strictly less than a year after completing her treatment, demonstrating resilience and determination that has deeply impressed fans and judges alike.
While her ex-husband Ralph Fiennes has remained a prominent figure in film and theatre, with a recent professional reunion with Francesca Annis—the woman he left Kingston for—Alex Kingston continues to focus on her journey with a spirit of courage and reinvention. She has spoken about embracing the mantra that life is too short not to pursue one's secret ambitions, viewing her Strictly participation as proof of this philosophy.
Kingston's personal narrative of overcoming heartbreak, health battles, and late career ascendance adds a compelling layer to her Strictly success. Her performances have not only won technical acclaim but have also inspired audiences, making her a standout favourite for the coveted glitterball trophy. The extraordinary combination of talent, emotional depth, and perseverance she brings to the dance floor marks her as a unique and powerful presence in the competition this year.
📌 Reference Map:
- Paragraph 1 – [1] Daily Mail, [2] GB News, [3] Express & Star, [4] Evening Standard, [5] inkl, [6] TV Guide, [7] Hello!
- Paragraph 2 – [1] Daily Mail, [4] Evening Standard, [5] inkl
- Paragraph 3 – [1] Daily Mail
- Paragraph 4 – [1] Daily Mail
- Paragraph 5 – [1] Daily Mail
- Paragraph 6 – [1] Daily Mail, [2] GB News, [7] Hello!
- Paragraph 7 – [1] Daily Mail
Source: Noah Wire Services