Former Doctor Who star Alex Kingston has launched a scathing critique of Strictly Come Dancing, branding a recent Doctor-themed routine performed by Dianne Buswell and Bobby Brazier as 'insulting' and a 'lazy' portrayal of the iconic sci-fi series.
The actress, who played the beloved River Song opposite multiple Doctors, expressed her dismay on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) after Saturday night's performance. The routine, set to the Doctor Who theme music, featured Brazier in a tweed jacket and bow tie reminiscent of the Eleventh Doctor, played by Matt Smith.
'A Missed Opportunity'
Kingston didn't hold back in her assessment, stating the performance was a 'missed opportunity to represent the show properly.' She emphasised that while the theme music was present, the choreography failed to capture the essence of the long-running series that has become a cornerstone of British television.
'It was insulting to be honest,' Kingston wrote. 'Lazy stereotyping without any of the heart or essence of the show.' Her comments sparked significant discussion among fans of both programmes, with many agreeing with her assessment.
Social Media Reaction
The critique generated substantial engagement online, with Doctor Who enthusiasts and Strictly viewers debating the merits of the performance. Many acknowledged Kingston's right to voice her opinion as someone intrinsically linked to the Whoniverse, while others defended Strictly's approach to theme weeks as light entertainment.
This incident highlights the challenges production teams face when interpreting iconic British cultural phenomena for entertainment formats. Strictly Come Dancing is known for its themed weeks, which often celebrate British television history, but this particular interpretation appears to have missed the mark for those closest to the source material.
Neither the Strictly Come Dancing production team nor the BBC has issued an official response to Kingston's comments at this time.
