Alex Kingston has been eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing after dancing with a dislocated rib, prompting some fans to say she should not have taken part. The 62-year-old actress became the eighth celebrity to leave the competition on Sunday night, alongside professional partner Johannes Radebe.
The pair had been in the dance-off against Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon after performing their Couple's Choice routine again. Many viewers noticed Kingston appeared to be struggling, with one fan describing it on X as a 'humiliation ritual'. Her daughter Salome Violetta Haertel, 24, revealed on Instagram that her mother had danced with a dislocated rib, saying she was 'so so proud'.
Kingston insisted she was 'completely fine' and had no intention of withdrawing, saying the pain was 'part and parcel' of the competition. The former E.R. star had previously completed radiotherapy treatment for cancer a year ago. The judges were split, with Anton Du Beke saving Kingston and Radebe, but Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and head judge Shirley Ballas voting to save Sopal and Caillon.
Following her exit, Kingston posted an emotional statement on Instagram, thanking her body for 'getting me this far' and expressing gratitude to her partner Johannes Radebe. She encouraged others to keep dancing and exploring new hobbies, saying 'it's never too late to try'.
