Alex Kingston exited Strictly Come Dancing this weekend but some fans were not happy that the injured actress danced on, with one describing it as a ‘humiliation ritual’
Alex Kingston was carrying an agonising injury as she battled pain before her brutal Strictly exit.
The 62-year-old actress refused to withdraw from the contest and bravely ploughed on – despite fans saying she clearly wasn’t fit enough to take part. On Sunday night, Alex become the eighth celebrity to be eliminated from the series along with her professional dance partner Johannes Radebe.
The pair found themselves in a dance-off with EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal and professional Julian Caillon, where they had to perform their routines from Saturday night again. But many fans noticed she was struggling and some say the BBC shouldn’t have allowed her to hit the dancefloor, with one even going as far as describing it as a “humiliation ritual” on X.
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Alex’s daughter sparked concerned when she revealed her mum had been dancing through the pain barrier at the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool. But the former E.R. and Doctor Who star insisted her severe discomfort was simply “part and parcel” of being in the competition – and she has no plans to withdraw like a few of her co-stars have.
Her daughter, Salome Violetta Haertel, 24, had commented on an Instagram video of Alex and her professional partner Johannes Radebe’s performance, a Couple’s Choice to a mash-up of History Repeating by Propellerheads and Look At Me by Geri Halliwell, and said: “So so proud!!! Slayed on the dance floor, dislocated rib and all!!!”
Alex took to Instagram herself to insist she is “completely fine”. She said: “The comment was made by my concerned and loving daughter…nothing more. I will be on the dance floor as early as tomorrow morning… rehearsing. Super excited for next week! Cha cha cha!” But her jounrey came to an end this weekend.
Following the performances this weekend, the judges cast their vote, with Anton Du Beke choosing to save Alex and Johannes while Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse saved Balvinder and Julian. Head judge Shirley Ballas, who had the casting vote this week, decided to also save Balvinder and Julian, securing their place in Strictly’s musicals week.
Taking to Instagram following her exit from the show, Doctor Who star, Alex, 62, penned an emotional and heartfelt statement, where she was supported by fans. Alongside a series of snaps from her time on the show, Alex penned: “Hello sweeties, Where to even begin… Strictly had been the journey of a lifetime and such a dream come true. If you had told me a year ago while in the midst of radiotherapy that a year later I’d be on strictly come dancing I wouldn’t have believed you!
“I’m so proud of everything Johannes and I have accomplished, and so grateful to my body for getting me this far. It was always my dream to get to dance with Jo Jo and dance we did! To everyone who supported us, Thank you endlessly. To be able to do this at my age is such a privilege, and I feel so lucky. Your belief in us has got me through even the toughest of days.
“If I’ve learned anything from this it’s that it’s never too late to try, and fall in love with something new. Whether taking a local dance class or picking up a new hobby, keep exploring and living life to the full. And most importantly… keep dancing!!!
“To the cast and the professionals, It’s been so wonderful getting to spend time with you all. Thank you for all the words of encouragement and cheers from the sidelines. It’s been such a pleasure watching you all grow on your journeys, and I can’t wait to keep watching. And a big thank you to all the crew keeping things running behind the scenes, and making sure we all look fab!!!
“Johannes, Every day I have been blown away by your kindness, your elegance, and your ability to bring calm to every storm. You light up every room you walk into my darling man !I cannot thank you enough for helping me find my steel balls and ‘exquisite’ legs! May your bag always be filled with mints, and your heart filled with joy and happiness. Love you so much.”
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