Alex Kingston, known for her roles in Doctor Who and ER, was the eighth celebrity eliminated from Strictly Come Dancing after finishing in sixth place. Her departure has sparked speculation among fans regarding the influence of her health on the judges’ decision, rather than her performance in the competition.
During a tense dance-off against EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal, Kingston was ultimately sent home when judge Shirley Ballas made the casting vote. Although Anton du Beke chose to save Kingston, Ballas felt that Sopal and her partner Julian Caillon had improved their performance. She stated that Sopal had “upped their game a bit more,” leading to Kingston’s exit.
Following the announcement, many fans took to social media platform X to express their concerns about Kingston’s physical condition. Numerous comments suggested that Kingston had been struggling with an injury, which could have influenced the outcome. One fan noted, “Definitely best outcome as can’t see how #AlexKingston would have been ok for next weekend,” pointing to her visible discomfort during the dance-off.
Another viewer commented on Kingston’s apparent struggle, stating, “Alex was limping and probably shouldn’t have been allowed to dance — but she was clearly dosed up by the time they got to the dance-off.” Fans echoed this sentiment, suggesting that she may have gracefully stepped aside due to exhaustion, with one remarking, “Can’t help feeling Alex gracefully stepped aside on this episode.”
Kingston herself has spoken candidly about her physical challenges throughout the competition. In a previous interview, she described the toll the demanding routines took on her body, saying, “It’s never really discussed when you’re at the sharp end how your bodies are really suffering.” She acknowledged that her body was feeling the strain as she continued to compete.
Reflecting on her time in the competition following her elimination, Kingston expressed pride in her journey. “I never in my wildest dreams imagined I would last this long,” she said. She credited her partner, Johannes, as a “friend for life,” emphasizing the personal growth and skills she acquired while participating.
Kingston’s exit marks the end of her Strictly Come Dancing journey, which she described as “the most incredible journey.” Despite the challenges, she remains grateful for the experience, highlighting the joy of learning to dance and the friendships forged along the way.
As fans continue to discuss her departure and speculate on the circumstances surrounding it, Kingston’s resilience and dedication to the competition will undoubtedly be remembered.
