Strictly Come Dancing viewers have sparked theories that Alex Kingston's departure from the hit BBC competition had little to do with her dancing ability and everything to do with underlying health concerns.
The Dramatic Dance-Off
The Doctor Who and ER actress found herself in the bottom two against EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal during the Sunday night results show. While judge Anton du Beke voted to save Alex for the quarter-finals, head judge Shirley Ballas used her casting vote to send the 62-year-old actress home.
Ballas explained her decision by stating she believed Balvinder and her professional partner Julian Caillon had 'upped their game a bit more' during the crucial dance-off. However, this verdict didn't sit well with many dedicated viewers.
Fan Theories and Social Media Reaction
Fans quickly took to X, formerly Twitter, to express their disbelief at the outcome. Many argued that Alex had actually performed better in the dance-off and suggested there might be an ulterior motive behind her elimination.
One viewer commented: 'Definitely best outcome as can't see how Alex Kingston would have been ok for next weekend as clearly struggling and looks in pain with upper thigh area... would have been another none elimination weekend cover her withdrawing.'
Another supporter echoed these concerns: 'Alex was limping and probably shouldn't have been allowed to dance - but she was clearly dosed the fuck up by the time they got to the DO. she was SO much better.'
A third fan proposed: 'Can't help feeling Alex gracefully stepped aside on this episode. She's lovely but exhausted. I'm not buying the judges vote. She was the better dancer on the dance off.'
Underlying Health Struggles
Alex Kingston had been open about facing physical challenges throughout the competition. The actress had previously revealed she battled cancer just last year, and her daughter had disclosed that Alex danced at Blackpool with a broken rib.
Viewers noted what appeared to be a limp during Sunday night's results show, adding fuel to concerns about her wellbeing. During Saturday's main show, Alex had spoken candidly about the physical toll of the competition.
'It's never really discussed when you're at the sharp end how your bodies are really suffering,' she admitted. 'My 62 year old self is saying 'What are you putting me through?' But my spirit and my soul is going (fingers in ears) I don't want to know, I want to keep dancing.'
She continued: 'But there is a point at which you feel this is what the life of a dancer is like. All of these dancers know what I'm going through..which is physical problems and fatigue. But it's still a competition.'
Graceful Exit and Lasting Legacy
Following her elimination, Alex reflected positively on her Strictly journey. 'I never in my wildest dreams imagined I would last this long and it's been just the most incredible - as Anton always says, it's the journey - and it has been the most incredible journey for me,' she shared.
The actress praised her professional partner Johannes Radebe, describing him as 'a friend for life' and crediting him with making her dance experience possible. Despite the physical challenges and early exit, Alex expressed pride in what she had accomplished during her time on the show.
As Strictly moves forward without one of its most memorable contestants this season, fans continue to celebrate Alex Kingston's resilience and professionalism throughout what proved to be a physically demanding competition.
