Who is Doctor Who’s Alex Kingston and why is she joining Strictly Come Dancing 2025?
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Keith Mayhew/SOPA Images/Shutterstock (10488469a) Alex Kingston Teens Unite: Tales Untold, charity gala, London, UK – 29 Nov 2019
Doctor Who legend Alex Kingston has officially been confirmed as the second celebrity to join this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up — and fans are already losing it. Known worldwide as River Song, the mysterious wife of the Doctor, Kingston’s casting has sent shockwaves through the fandom and sparked wild speculation about whether her routines will nod to the sci-fi classic.
But beyond the glitz of the ballroom, Kingston’s life has been anything but ordinary. From Hollywood success to headline-grabbing heartbreak, her story is as dramatic as any prime-time soap.
Who Is Alex Kingston? From ER to Doctor Who Fame
At 52, Alex Kingston boasts one of the most versatile résumés in British and American television. From The Bill to ER, CSI, NCIS, Law & Order: SVU, and, of course, Doctor Who, she’s left her mark across genres. With a BAFTA TV Award and four Screen Actors Guild Awards under her belt, Kingston has conquered TV, film, stage, and even radio.
Her role as River Song in Doctor Who cemented her as a fan-favourite, appearing in 15 episodes between 2008 and 2015, and continuing her adventures in audio dramas.
Inside Alex Kingston’s Turbulent Love Life — Including Her Marriage to Voldemort Actor Ralph Fiennes
Away from the cameras, Kingston’s personal life has been just as gripping. She’s been married three times, with her first marriage to fellow actor Ralph Fiennes grabbing headlines worldwide.
The two met at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and tied the knot in 1993 after a decade together. But the marriage ended in heartbreak just two years later when Fiennes had an affair with his Hamlet co-star Francesca Annis — 18 years his senior and playing his mother in the stage production.
It was a scandal that rocked Kingston’s world, leaving fans devastated for the actress as Fiennes moved on to global superstardom, including his unforgettable turn as Voldemort in the Harry Potter franchise.
Strictly Come Dancing: Doctor Who Twist or Ballroom Glam?
The big question on every fan’s lips: Will Alex Kingston bring River Song to the ballroom?
Kingston herself admitted she has no idea what to expect. “We don’t have a say,” she confessed. “The dancers and choreographers make the decisions, and then we’re told what we’ll be doing.”
Rumours suggest her first week will fall under the Movies and Musicals theme, leaving fans guessing if a Doctor Who soundtrack could sneak in. But Kingston made it clear she’s just as anxious as excited: “There’s a different sort of pressure… I don’t want to be dressed as a Teletubby!”
What’s Next for Alex Kingston?
Strictly is set to give Kingston a whole new audience, reintroducing her to millions who adored her as River Song. Whether or not a Doctor Who nod makes it into her routine, fans are ready to see her shine.
For die-hard Whovians, Kingston’s story continues in Big Finish audio dramas, where River Song tangles with nearly every Doctor — including David Tennant, Tom Baker, and even Christopher Eccleston’s brooding Ninth Doctor.
From heartbreak to Hollywood, and from sci-fi legend to glitterball hopeful, Alex Kingston is ready for her biggest challenge yet: conquering the Strictly stage. And if her life has taught us anything, it’s that she knows how to dance through drama — both on screen and of
FAQs
1. Who is Alex Kingston and why is she famous?
Alex Kingston is a British actress best known for her role as River Song in Doctor Who. She has also appeared in ER, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Law & Order: SVU, NCIS, and numerous stage productions.
2. How many times has Alex Kingston been married?
Alex Kingston has been married three times. Her most high-profile marriage was to actor Ralph Fiennes, which ended in 1997 after just two years due to his highly publicised affair.
3. What happened between Alex Kingston and Ralph Fiennes?
Kingston and Fiennes were together for 10 years before marrying in 1993. Their marriage collapsed when Fiennes had an affair with his Hamlet co-star Francesca Annis, sparking one of the most talked-about breakups in British theatre history.
4. Will Alex Kingston perform a Doctor Who-themed dance on Strictly Come Dancing?
Although fans are desperate for a Doctor Who-inspired routine, Alex Kingston revealed contestants don’t choose their themes. Rumours suggest her opening week will be Movies and Musicals, but Whovians shouldn’t expect a full cosplay moment.
5. Has Alex Kingston ever won any awards?
Yes, Alex Kingston has won a BAFTA TV Award and four Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, cementing her as one of the UK’s most celebrated actresses.
6. What’s next for Alex Kingston on Strictly?
Fans will see Kingston face her biggest challenge yet on Strictly Come Dancing 2025. Beyond the dance floor, she continues her River Song adventures in Big Finish audio dramas, keeping her Doctor Who legacy alive.