Alex Kingston’s participation in Strictly Come Dancing has been secured following concerns that another celebrity might be forced to withdraw from the BBC programme. The 62-year-old ER and Doctor Who star – who was widely regarded as a potential winner of this year’s competition – sustained a rib injury but still managed to take to the floor with professional partner Johannes Radebe to deliver their Couple’s Choice routine on Saturday.
The injury only became public knowledge when her 24-year-old daughter Salome, whom she shares with former husband Florian Haertel, posted on social media: “So so proud! ! ! Slayed on the dance floor, dislocated rib and all! ! !”.
Despite experiencing discomfort, Alex, who also battled womb cancer last year, is confirmed to return for next week’s programme after Strictly It Takes Two presenter Fleur East revealed she would remain in the competition. Announcing the duo’s upcoming dance and musical selection during Tuesday’s edition of the Strictly spin-off programme on BBC Two, Fleur said: “Alex and Johannes will be dancing a cha-cha-cha to Ring My Bell by Anita Ward.”, reports the Mirror.
She continued: “They’ll be hoping they can ring in some matching and cha-cha-charm us this weekend.” This follows Alex issuing a statement to reassure supporters she was well after her daughter’s social media post prompted worry amongst fans.
Posting on Instagram, she informed her followers she was “completely fine” and clarified: “I just want to assure everyone that I am completely fine. It is a minor injury… it’s all part and parcel of dancing at these levels.
“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 [dancer emojis].”
The revelation follows a turbulent series for Strictly, which has seen four celebrities forced to withdraw from the competition so far. Even before the series began, Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn was compelled to pull out on medical grounds.
Love Island’s Dani Dyer then had to abandon the show before the live performances after sustaining an ankle injury during practice sessions. The pair were hastily replaced by fellow Love Island and West End performer Amber Davies alongside Emmerdale’s Lewis Cope.
Subsequently, Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis – renowned for his portrayal of Paul Robinson in the enduring Australian drama – was forced to withdraw due to injury, explaining to supporters: “I was told that I had torn my calf so significantly that I am now forced to withdraw from the show.” Most recently, it has emerged that drag sensation La Voix was also forced to quit, due to injury.
During Saturday evening’s broadcast, presenter Tess Daly announced: “As you may have heard, La Voix sustained an injury meaning she can’t dance in Blackpool and following medical advice from our team, we can now confirm that she has had to withdraw from the competition.”
Taking to social media, La Voix expressed her gratitude for the support and shared: “I’m absolutely devastated to withdraw from Strictly Come Dancing. This isn’t the glittering exit I ever imagined, and it breaks my heart to feel like I’m letting people down.
“My spirit wanted to keep dancing but my foot has other ideas! Thank you for every cheer, every vote, and every sparkle of support – it’s meant the world to me. This isn’t the ending I imagined, but I’ll cherish this forever.”