Who is Alex Kingston?

Alex Kingston’s journey on Strictly Come Dancing 2025 has become one of the most inspiring stories of the season. The 62-year-old actress left both judges and fans speechless after delivering what has been hailed as the “perfect Rumba” — a performance that not only broke records but also symbolized her remarkable comeback from a recent battle with cancer.

Performing alongside professional dancer Johannes Radebe, the Doctor Who and ER star captivated the audience with a mesmerizing routine set to Tracy Chapman’s Fast Car. The dance earned a massive 36 points, marking her highest score yet and setting a new milestone for the series. It was the first time a Rumba received a perfect 10 in week four, a moment that brought the audience to its feet and even moved head judge Shirley Ballas to tears.

A Dance That Moved the Nation

Following their performance, the ballroom erupted in applause as Shirley Ballas left her seat to embrace Alex on the dance floor — a rare gesture that spoke volumes. She praised the actress’s precision, grace, and strength, saying:

“In all my years on Strictly, I’ve never seen a pair of legs work like that… a perfect routine.”

Anton Du Beke, another longtime judge, also left his seat to shake Alex’s hand, calling her performance “flawless.”

Social media was flooded with praise, with one fan posting:

“Alex Kingston winner of Strictly 2025! THAT RUMBA!”

Another admirer wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

“That Johannes Radebe and Alex Kingston performance was simply wondrous. A dream team.”

Even weeks into the competition, this particular performance is already being described as one of the defining moments of Strictly 2025, and possibly one of the most emotional in the show’s history.

Triumph After a Health Battle

What makes Alex’s achievement even more remarkable is her personal journey leading up to the competition. Just a year ago, she revealed that she had been quietly battling uterine cancer, a diagnosis she received in 2024. After undergoing a hysterectomy and radiation therapy, she is now in full recovery — and dancing stronger than ever.

In an earlier interview, Alex shared how she initially mistook her symptoms for signs of aging. “I thought it was just part of being in my sixties,” she said. “But my body was really trying to tell me something.”

Doctors discovered that the cancer had spread to her fallopian tubes, though thankfully it hadn’t reached her ovaries. Following surgery and treatment, she says she now feels better than she has in years.

Her courage to speak out about her illness has inspired countless viewers. “Womb cancer is sneaky,” she warned, urging women to listen to their bodies and seek medical advice early.

A Symbol of Strength and Resilience

For fans and fellow contestants alike, Alex’s story has become a symbol of hope — a reminder that resilience and passion can overcome even life’s toughest challenges. Her chemistry with Johannes Radebe, coupled with her unshakable determination, has transformed her into one of the frontrunners for this year’s glitterball trophy.

As one social media user put it:

“Every time Alex dances, you see not just talent — but triumph

FAQs

1. What song did Alex Kingston dance to on Strictly Come Dancing 2025?
She performed her Rumba to Fast Car by Tracy Chapman.

2. Who is Alex Kingston’s dance partner on Strictly?
Her professional dance partner is Johannes Radebe.

3. What score did Alex Kingston receive for her Rumba?
She received a total of 36 points, with a perfect 10 from Shirley Ballas.

4. Did Alex Kingston have cancer?
Yes. She revealed in 2024 that she had uterine cancer but has since recovered following surgery and radiation therapy.

5. Has anyone ever scored a perfect 10 for a Rumba this early in the season?
No. Alex’s Rumba was the first in Strictly history to receive a perfect 10 in week four.