Key Highlights
- Alex Kingston, a former ER actress and Doctor Who star, is competing on Strictly Come Dancing.
- The 62-year-old actress has experienced a turbulent romantic history, including a divorce from actor Ralph Fiennes due to infidelity.
- During her most recent performance on the show, Alex captured third position with a foxtrot inspired by Dolly Parton.
- Alex disclosed that she had considered ending her own life after her divorce and later found joy in a new marriage with television presenter Jonathan Stamp.
Strictly Come Dancing: A Turbulent Journey on the Dance Floor
Doctor Who star Alex Kingston, known for her roles in ER and as River Song in the beloved science fiction series, is currently wowing audiences on the dance floor of Strictly Come Dancing. Her journey to stardom has been marked by both triumphs and heartbreak, with a recent performance at Icons Week bringing back memories of her tumultuous past.
A Turbulent Past: Ralph Fiennes and Francesca Annis
Despite finding love again in 2015 when she married television presenter Jonathan Stamp after a decade-long marriage to German writer Florian Haertel, Alex Kingston’s journey has been far from smooth. In the early 1990s, she met actor Ralph Fiennes at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and they were eventually married in 1995.
However, their relationship took a dark turn when Ralph began an affair with actress Francesca Annis, who was 32 years younger than him. The age difference did not deter them from pursuing a romantic relationship that lasted over a decade, from 1997 to 2006.
Speaking openly about her experiences in the Daily Mail, Alex Kingston revealed: “I was feeling worthless, that I would never find anyone else as good as my husband, which is ridiculous, but I had so little self-esteem.” Her admission reflects the deep emotional impact of her divorce from Ralph Fiennes.
Strictly Come Dancing: A New Chapter
As Alex Kingston competes on Strictly Come Dancing, her most recent performance saw her channeling country icon Dolly Parton during Icons Week. Wearing an ensemble inspired by the music legend, she and professional partner Johannes claimed third position on the leaderboard with a score of 32 out of 40 points from the judging panel.
Reflecting on her journey in entertainment, Alex Kingston has spoken candidly about the challenges she faced after her divorce. She once stated: “Divorce is awful but it is also something I don’t regret happening to me because it has shaped who I am now.” Her resilience and ability to move forward have been commendable.
A New Beginning with Jonathan Stamp
Following the end of her marriage to Florian Haertel in 2009, Alex Kingston found solace and happiness in a new relationship with television presenter Jonathan Stamp. The couple tied the knot in Italy in 2015, marking a fresh start for both.
Alex’s return to Strictly Come Dancing not only showcases her talents but also serves as a reminder of how far she has come since those tumultuous years. Her journey on the dance floor is more than just entertainment; it is a testament to resilience and second chances in life.
