Alex Kingston has become the eighth celebrity to leave Strictly Come Dancing, after fans noted that the injury she sustained the previous week had clearly taken its toll. The actress, known for roles in E.R. and Doctor Who, and her professional partner Johannes Radebe landed in the dance-off following a Cha Cha Cha that scored 23 points, with multiple mistakes acknowledged by the judges and Kingston herself.
The 62-year-old and Radebe faced Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon in the dance-off, which took place during Sunday night's results show. Despite Anton Du Beke choosing to save Alex and Johannes, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse voted for Sopal and Caillon. Head judge Shirley Ballas cast the deciding vote in favour of the latter, sending Kingston home.
Fans had predicted Kingston could reach the final earlier in the series, but her rib injury, first revealed the previous weekend, appeared to affect her performance. Many viewers expressed sadness but agreed it was the right decision. One fan wrote: 'sad for Alex…she was amazing until she got injured – was hoping she’d go all the way. Backing Kaz now.' Another said: 'glad for Alex that she's out. Her body and mind are so tired. At 62 it's physically harder.'
Kingston herself reflected on her time on the show, saying: 'I had never in my wildest dreams imagined that I would last this long. It’s been just the most incredible journey for me.' She added that her dance partner Johannes Radebe 'really will be' a friend for life. Several viewers noted that the spark seemed to have gone in her final performance, and that she appeared exhausted.
