Alex Kingston Reflects on Hollywood Marriage and Strictly Come Dancing Journey
Esteemed actress Alex Kingston, renowned for her roles in ER and Doctor Who, is set to grace television screens once more as a special guest on Saturday Kitchen Live this weekend. The 63-year-old star, who captivated audiences during Strictly Come Dancing 2025, offers a candid glimpse into her personal and professional life, marked by high-profile relationships, career milestones, and a significant health challenge.
A Tumultuous Hollywood Marriage
Kingston's early life was intertwined with Hollywood royalty when she married actor Ralph Fiennes, famed for Schindler's List and the Harry Potter series. The couple first met as students at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 1983, dating for a decade before tying the knot in 1993. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1997 after Fiennes had an affair with his Hamlet co-star Francesca Annis, who was 18 years his senior.
Reflecting on the painful split, Kingston revealed to the Daily Mail, "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." She described the divorce as "awful" but acknowledged it shaped her into the person she is today. To escape the heartbreak, she relocated to Los Angeles and joined the cast of ER in 1997, launching a new chapter in her career.
Subsequent Relationships and Family Life
Following her divorce from Fiennes, Kingston married German writer Florian Haetel in 1999, with whom she had a daughter, Salome Violetta Haertel. Their marriage ended in separation in 2009 and divorce in 2013. In 2015, she found lasting happiness with television producer Jonathan Stamp, and the couple remains happily married.
Strictly Come Dancing Experience and Judge's Critique
In 2025, Kingston partnered with professional dancer Johannes Radebe on Strictly Come Dancing, finishing in eighth place and becoming a fan favourite. However, her journey was not without controversy. During Halloween Week, judge Craig Revel-Horwood criticized her salsa routine to Mousse T Fellow's Horny, suggesting she looked like she was having a "midlife crisis."
Reacting to the comment in Prima Magazine, Kingston stated, "It was a little mean-spirited for Craig to say that and also I just felt like it's exactly the opposite of what I'm trying to advocate." She emphasized the importance of living life to the fullest, regardless of age, saying, "If you want to dance and swing a devil's tail around and you're in your 90s, do it. I mean, this is your life. So live it!"
Health Scare and Cancer Battle
In 2024, Kingston faced a serious health crisis when she was diagnosed with uterine cancer. Initially dismissing symptoms like bloating as signs of aging, she suffered a "shocking" haemorrhage while performing at Chichester Festival Theatre, leading to the diagnosis. After undergoing a hysterectomy and radiation treatment, she is now in remission.
Speaking to the BBC, she shared, "I never went down the cancer road in my head. It was a shock, because I have a very positive outlook on life in general." This experience profoundly impacted her, motivating her to seize opportunities like Strictly Come Dancing in 2025, as she believes "life is too short."
Upcoming Television Appearance
Alex Kingston will appear on Saturday Kitchen Live on BBC One this Saturday, March 14, at 10 am, hosted by Matt Tebbutt. Her appearance promises to delve into her multifaceted career and personal resilience, offering viewers an intimate look at the actress's inspiring journey.
