Viewers of *Strictly Come Dancing* are expressing their concerns for star Alex Kingston after she visibly struggled with a dislocated rib during her recent performances. The actress, known for her role in *Doctor Who*, has faced mounting discomfort, leading fans to question her ability to continue in the competition.
At 62 years old, Kingston has shown remarkable determination despite her injury. Her daughter, Salome Violetta Haertel, recently shared a post celebrating her performance, stating, “So so proud!!! Slayed on the dance floor, dislocated rib and all!” This comment, while supportive, raised alarms among fans, who worry that Kingston could be forced to withdraw from the show, following in the footsteps of other contestants who have left due to injuries.
During the latest episode, viewers witnessed Kingston in pain as she danced with her partner, Johannes Radebe. Despite her insistence that she was “completely fine,” she later revealed that her body was “struggling.” Fans took to social media throughout the episode, urging for a medical evaluation as Kingston winced and appeared visibly uncomfortable while performing.
Fans Rally Around Kingston Amid Concerns
After completing her cha cha cha routine, Kingston spoke with host Claudia Winkleman, acknowledging the toll that competitive dancing takes on the body. “It’s never really discussed how much our bodies are really suffering,” she noted, as her fellow contestants nodded in agreement. Kingston expressed the internal conflict of her body versus her spirit, saying, “My 62-year-old self is saying, ‘What are you putting me through?’ but my spirit and my soul is going, ‘I want to keep on dancing!’”
Despite her efforts, Kingston scored a disappointing 23 points for her routine. The results were compounded by an earlier elimination cancellation in Blackpool, which only added to the pressure on the contestants. Kingston faced further challenges in the Instant Dance Challenge, where she and Radebe were tasked with performing a rumba with minimal preparation. Viewers could see her struggle to navigate the dance floor, exacerbating concerns for her health.
Social media reactions ranged from supportive to worried. One user tweeted, “Why is Alex limping? If she’s hurt herself surely it’s not a good idea to continue dancing?” Others echoed these sentiments, with one stating, “I feel so sorry for Alex; she’s clearly in a lot of pain. Can’t see her staying on even if she gets through to next week.”
Kingston’s Commitment to the Competition
In response to the growing concern, Kingston reassured her followers that her injury was a minor setback. Earlier in the week, she addressed her fans on Instagram, stating, “I just want to assure everyone that I am completely fine. Injuries are part and parcel of dancing at these levels.” She also noted that her daughter’s comment was made from a place of care and concern.
Despite the physical challenges she faces, Kingston remains eager to continue her journey on *Strictly Come Dancing*. “I will be on the dance floor as early as tomorrow morning… rehearsing,” she concluded, excited to tackle her next routine.
*Strictly Come Dancing* continues to air on Saturdays and Sundays on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, capturing the hearts of viewers who are invested in the contestants’ journeys. As Kingston pushes through her discomfort, the support from fans and fellow dancers alike illustrates the camaraderie and passion that defines the competition.
