Strictly Come Dancing star Alex Kingston braved the dancefloor with a significant injury during her final performance, it has been revealed, leading to a wave of concern from viewers who felt she should not have competed.
Painful Performance in Blackpool
The 62-year-old actress, best known for roles in Doctor Who and E.R., was suffering from a dislocated rib when she took to the iconic Tower Ballroom in Blackpool last weekend. Despite the agonising injury, Kingston refused to withdraw from the BBC competition, describing the severe discomfort as "part and parcel" of the Strictly experience.
Her condition came to light after her daughter, Salome Violetta Haertel, commented on an Instagram video of the performance. She praised her mother, writing: "So so proud!!! Slayed on the dance floor, dislocated rib and all!!!" The routine was a Couple's Choice number, set to a mash-up of History Repeating by Propellerheads and Look At Me by Geri Halliwell, performed with her professional partner Johannes Radebe.
Fan Backlash and 'Humiliation Ritual' Claims
Following the broadcast, many fans expressed dismay that Kingston was allowed to dance while visibly struggling. On social media platform X, one viewer went so far as to label the situation a "humiliation ritual," arguing the BBC should have intervened. Others questioned the decision to let her continue, suggesting it compromised both her well-being and the fairness of the competition.
Kingston herself quickly took to Instagram to reassure the public, stating she was "completely fine" and attributing her daughter's comment to loving concern. She emphasised her commitment, writing: "I will be on the dance floor as early as tomorrow morning… rehearsing. Super excited for next week! Cha cha cha!"
The Dance-Off and Emotional Exit
However, her journey ended on Sunday night's results show. After the public vote, Kingston and Radebe found themselves in the dreaded dance-off against EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal and her partner Julian Caillon.
The judges were split. Anton Du Beke voted to save Alex and Johannes, while Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse chose to save Balvinder and Julian. The casting vote fell to head judge Shirley Ballas, who also opted to save Balvinder and Julian, sealing Kingston's fate as the eighth celebrity to leave the 2025 series.
In an emotional Instagram post after her elimination, the actress reflected on her Strictly adventure. She highlighted the personal significance of competing so soon after undergoing radiotherapy a year prior. "I’m so proud of everything Johannes and I have accomplished, and so grateful to my body for getting me this far," she wrote.
She also paid a heartfelt tribute to her professional partner, Johannes Radebe, praising his "kindness" and "elegance." Kingston concluded her statement with an inspiring message: "If I’ve learned anything from this it’s that it’s never too late to try, and fall in love with something new... And most importantly… keep dancing!!!"
Her departure means Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon will progress to the highly anticipated Musicals Week, while the debate over competitor welfare in one of the UK's most beloved entertainment shows continues.
