Key Highlights
- Alex Kingston, a star of BBC’s “Strictly Come Dancing,” has shared her tumultuous past with a cheating husband.
- The actress was left heartbroken when her first husband Ralph Fiennes had an affair with a much older woman in 1995.
- Following the divorce, Alex Kingston married German writer Florian Haertel and later found love again with TV presenter Jonathan Stamp.
- Alex has been open about her experiences, revealing that she considered suicide following the affair.
The Rise of a Star
Doctor Who star Alex Kingston, best known for her role as Dr. River Song in the beloved science fiction series, is no stranger to the limelight. Currently participating in BBC’s “Strictly Come Dancing,” she has brought her charm and talent to the dance floor with professional Johannes Radebe. Recently, she performed a foxtrot dressed as Dolly Parton during Icons Week, earning praise from judge Anton Du Beke for both her performance and musicality.
A Turbulent Marriage
However, Alex’s story is far from just one of success in the entertainment industry. Her first marriage to Oscar-nominated actor Ralph Fiennes was marked by significant heartbreak when he began an affair with a woman 18 years his senior. In 1995, while playing Hamlet at Hackney Empire, Ralph met Francesca Annis, who portrayed Gertrude, and their relationship ignited despite the vast age gap.
Francesca, then 50, left her husband Patrick Wiseman for Ralph Fiennes, leading to a decade-long union from 1997 to 2006. The couple’s relationship was often scrutinized due to the significant age difference and their professional connection in the industry.
Consequences of Cheating
Alex Kingston has spoken openly about her distress following Ralph’s infidelity, describing feeling worthless and considering suicide as a result of the betrayal. “I was feeling worthless, that I would never find anyone else as good as my husband,” she shared with The Daily Mail.
Finding Love Again
Following her divorce from Ralph Fiennes, Alex Kingston remarried German writer Florian Haertel in 2015. However, the couple parted ways after eight years, finalizing their divorce in 2019. In a recent interview, she reflected on how these experiences shaped her and helped her find love once more with TV presenter Jonathan Stamp.
Alex has since found happiness with Jonathan Stamp, and they exchanged vows in Italy in 2015. Her journey through heartbreak and resilience serves as an inspiration to many, highlighting the strength required to overcome personal challenges and emerge stronger on the other side.
