The entertainment world buzzed with excitement yesterday as Alex Kingston was confirmed as the third celebrity contestant for Strictly Come Dancing 2025. The beloved British actress, known globally for her iconic roles in ER and Doctor Who, announced her participation during a live broadcast on The One Show, marking another significant chapter in her illustrious career.
Kingston’s announcement comes at a time when her legions of fans are grappling with disappointing news about her future involvement with Doctor Who. However, her venture into the world of ballroom dancing promises to showcase yet another facet of this versatile performer’s talents.
From Epsom to International Stardom
Alex Kingston has built an extraordinary career spanning over four decades since her television debut in 1980. Born Alexandra Elizabeth Kingston on 11 March 1963 in Epsom, Surrey, she first captured audiences’ attention as a teenager appearing in the children’s drama series Grange Hill. Her journey from those early days to becoming an internationally recognised actress demonstrates remarkable dedication and talent.
The actress gained her theatrical foundation at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art before joining the prestigious Royal Shakespeare Company. Her classical training served her well throughout her career, providing the foundation for both her dramatic performances and her ability to tackle diverse roles across different mediums.
Kingston’s breakthrough came in 1996 with her BAFTA-nominated performance as the title character in The Fortunes and Misfortunes of Moll Flanders. This role showcased her range and depth as an actress, earning critical acclaim and setting the stage for her international success.
The ER Years and Global Recognition
Alex Kingston’s portrayal of Dr Elizabeth Corday in the acclaimed medical drama ER from 1997 to 2004 catapulted her to global stardom. Her performance as the British surgeon earned her Screen Actors Guild Awards and established her as a household name across both sides of the Atlantic. The role demonstrated her ability to bring both professional authority and emotional depth to her characters, qualities that would serve her well in future roles.
Her departure from ER in 2004 was not without controversy. At 41, Kingston criticised the move as ageism, stating that according to the producers and writers, she was part of the “old fogies who are no longer interesting”. Despite this setback, she maintained pride in her work and the professional relationships she had built during her eight-year tenure.
River Song and the Doctor Who Legacy
Perhaps no role has endeared Alex Kingston to fans more than her portrayal of River Song in Doctor Who. First appearing in the 2008 episodes “Silence in the Library” and “Forest of the Dead,” Kingston created a character that would become central to the show’s mythology. River Song, revealed to be the Doctor’s wife, appeared in 15 episodes across multiple series, working alongside three different Doctors.
The character’s complex timeline and relationship with the Doctor provided Kingston with rich material to explore. Her chemistry with the various actors who played the Doctor, particularly Matt Smith’s Eleventh Doctor and Peter Capaldi’s Twelfth Doctor, became a highlight of the series for many fans.
However, recent developments have disappointed those hoping for River Song’s return. Russell T Davies, the current showrunner, has definitively ruled out Alex Kingston’s return to Doctor Who Season 15 or beyond. Speaking to Collider, Davies stated firmly: “No, there is no Alex Kingston, I’m afraid… We can just be honest”. This news has left many fans heartbroken, as Kingston herself had expressed enthusiasm for returning, stating she would “bite their hand off” to work alongside Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor.
Current Projects and Continued Success
Despite the Doctor Who disappointment, Alex Kingston remains remarkably active in expanding the River Song universe through other mediums. She continues her work with Big Finish Productions, reprising River Song in audio dramas including “The Diary of River Song” series, which ran from 2015 to 2023. Additionally, she has begun a new series called “The Death and Life of River Song,” exploring the character’s post-Library adventures.
Kingston has also ventured into writing, authoring a River Song novel called “The Ruby’s Curse” in 2021. She is set to release another book, “Doctor Who: River Song: Choose Your Own Adventure,” in February 2026. This interactive book will allow fans to step into River Song’s shoes during her imprisonment at the Stormcage Containment Facility.
Her recent screen work includes roles in “Douglas is Cancelled,” written by former Doctor Who showrunner Steven Moffat and co-starring former Doctor Who companion Karen Gillan. She also appeared in the Netflix spy miniseries “Treason” and played Lucifer in the children’s series “Dodger”.
The Strictly Challenge
Alex Kingston’s participation in Strictly Come Dancing 2025 represents a bold new challenge for the accomplished actress. Announced during The One Show while she was holidaying in Italy, Kingston admitted to feeling both “excited” and “terrified” about the prospect. Her reaction of “Aaaaagghhh!!!!!!” when asked about joining the show perfectly captured the mix of enthusiasm and nervousness that many contestants experience.
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The announcement has generated significant excitement among fans, with Doctor Who enthusiasts particularly thrilled to see their beloved River Song in a completely different context. Kingston joins fellow contestants Dani Dyer, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey in what promises to be an entertaining series.
At 62, Kingston brings both experience and gravitas to the competition. Her theatrical background and stage presence could serve her well in the ballroom, though she acknowledged that some famous friends who are Strictly veterans had warned her about the show’s challenges while also emphasising how it changed their lives.
Looking Forward
Alex Kingston’s career continues to evolve and surprise audiences. While fans may be disappointed about her absence from future Doctor Who episodes, her willingness to take on new challenges like Strictly Come Dancing demonstrates her enduring appeal and professional courage. Her continued work with Big Finish and her upcoming literary projects ensure that River Song’s adventures will continue, even if not on television.
The actress’s journey from a teenage appearance on Grange Hill to international stardom exemplifies the power of persistence and talent. As she prepares to take on the Strictly dancefloor this September, audiences can expect the same commitment and professionalism that have characterised her career for over four decades.
Kingston’s participation in Strictly Come Dancing represents more than just another television appearance; it symbolises her ongoing evolution as an entertainer and her willingness to step outside her comfort zone. For fans who have followed her journey from the Royal Shakespeare Company to the TARDIS, watching Alex Kingston waltz her way through autumn 2025 promises to be yet another delightful chapter in her remarkable career.
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