Actress Alex Kingston has shared an inspiring update, stating that her participation in the current series of Strictly Come Dancing has left her feeling 'fearless' following a private health battle.
A Secret Health Battle
The 62-year-old star, best known for her role in Doctor Who, was diagnosed with uterine cancer in May of last year. She subsequently underwent a hysterectomy and a course of radiation therapy to treat the disease.
Kingston confessed that she had been experiencing symptoms for some time but had attributed them to her age. The seriousness of her condition became shockingly apparent when she haemorrhaged on stage while performing in The Other Boleyn Girl at a West Sussex theatre. She waited until the play's run ended before seeking medical help.
Reclaiming Vitality on the Dance Floor
Now competing on the glitzy BBC ballroom show with her 38-year-old professional partner, Johannes Radebe, Kingston says the experience has been transformative. She credits Strictly Come Dancing with helping her rediscover the energy of her youth.
In a recent interview, she revealed: 'My husband basically has said that my 25-year-old body has come out of the closet! Thank you, Strictly, I will take it!' She added that the show has made her feel fearless, despite admitting to nerves ahead of the weekly live performances.
Kingston explained that overcoming cancer was a 'huge part' of her life, but she now feels like 'Superwoman' after her recovery and subsequent decision to join the dance competition.
An Inspiring Message of Resilience
The actress has been open about her health journey, hoping her story will help others facing difficult times. She felt it was the right moment to speak out, especially while still in the running on Strictly, to demonstrate that it is possible to keep moving forward despite life's challenges.
She encourages everyone to 'take every moment' and 'enjoy it,' emphasising that life should be lived fully as we only get one chance. With the Strictly final approaching, Kingston is focusing on taking things one day at a time, a mindset she adopted during her radiation therapy.
Reflecting on her past struggles, including 13 rounds of IVF before welcoming her daughter Salome, now 24, and an early perimenopause she believes was linked to fertility treatments, Kingston expressed a profound gratitude for life. She stated that she feels 'lucky to be alive' and does not want to take a single day for granted.
When she signed up for the show, her motivation was clear: to 'do it for women of a certain age.' At 62, she is the oldest female contestant this year and aims to prove that 'age is just a number' and that you are 'not dead below the knee' after sixty.
