Former Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston has broken her silence about her challenging experience on Strictly Come Dancing, describing the atmosphere backstage as unexpectedly "brutal" and revealing it led to a permanent rift with her professional dance partner.
The Reality Behind the Glitterball
In a candid revelation that contrasts sharply with the show's glamorous public image, Kingston disclosed that the pressure-cooker environment of the BBC dance competition created tensions that extended far beyond the dance floor. The 61-year-old actress, known for her role as River Song, participated in the 2021 series partnered with professional dancer Neil Jones.
A Partnership Under Pressure
"The atmosphere backstage was brutal," Kingston confessed during her appearance on the podcast Distinct Nostalgia. "There's an intensity to the whole experience that people watching at home simply don't see."
The actress revealed that the professional relationship with Jones became so strained that they haven't spoken since her elimination from the competition. This admission highlights the emotional toll the competition can take on participants, despite the cheerful facade presented during broadcast.
The Emotional Toll of Competition
Kingston described the experience as particularly challenging given her age and physical limitations. "I was 58 when I did it, and my body was like, 'What are you doing to me?'" she shared, noting the significant physical demands of the rigorous training schedule.
The actress also touched on the psychological aspects of the competition, suggesting that the constant pressure to perform and the imminent threat of elimination created an environment where genuine connections between partners could become casualties of the competitive process.
Life After Strictly
Despite the difficulties, Kingston acknowledged some positive outcomes from her Strictly experience. She continues to incorporate dance into her exercise routine, though at a more manageable pace than during the competition.
Her revelations join a growing number of former contestants who have spoken out about the challenging behind-the-scenes reality of one of Britain's most beloved television programs, offering viewers a more nuanced understanding of what it truly takes to compete for the iconic glitterball trophy.
