Alex Kingston has said she signed up for Strictly Come Dancing to ‘do it for women of a certain age’.
At 62, the ER and Doctor Who star is the oldest woman on this year’s series, which includes Dani Dyer, Vicky Pattinson, and Balvinder Sopal.
Asked about whether she had any hesitations signing up for Strictly, she told the Mail: ‘I had to sit and really think about whether I would be up for it physically.’
She continued: ‘But at the same time, I just felt like, “come on, Alex, do it for women of a certain age”‘
She said she had long wanted to dance in the Strictly ballroom and had been particularly inspired by her friend Sarah Hadland, 54, who reached the final last year with professional dancer Vito Coppola, 32.
Alex said: ‘Years ago, we [Sarah Hadland and Alex] were in a play together and we both admitted to each other that secretly we really wanted to do Strictly.
Actress Alex Kingston has said she signed up for Strictly Come Dancing to ‘do it for women of a certain age’ (pictured in February)
At 62, the ER and Doctor Who star is the oldest woman on this year’s series (L-R Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Vicky Pattison, Thomas Skinner, Ross King, George Clarke, Stefan Dennis, Dani Dyer, Alex Kingston, Balvinder Sopal, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Karen Carney, Ellie Goldstein, Chris Robshaw, Lewis Cope and La Voix)
‘I then said, “Well, I can’t do Strictly if you’re on Strictly because you will win.”
‘And then when I saw that she was on it, I was so thrilled for her because I knew that she was fulfilling a dream that she shared with me.
‘So I reached out to her and asked her what the experience was like, and she was really great.
‘She was very honest about the overall experience and how intense it can be. How overwhelming it can sometimes be, but also what an incredibly positive thing it is to do.
‘It was through talking with Sarah, because she didn’t sugarcoat it, she was very clear about how challenging it is.
‘She allowed me to make my own decision, ultimately, and I decided that I would follow in her footsteps.’
Alex, who played River Song in Doctor Who alongside David Tennant and Matt Smith, said her Strictly goal was ‘to get through it without being injured’.
The actress said that she had been rehearsing a group number all week, after being paired with a professional, who will be revealed next Sunday, September 20.
When asked if she had any hesitations, she told the Mail: ‘I had to sit and really think about whether I would be up for it physically. But at the same time, I just felt like, “come on, Alex, do it for women of a certain age”
She also hopes to follow in the footsteps of her pal Sarah Hadland, 54, who reached the final last year with professional dancer Vito Coppola, 32 (Sarah and Vito pictured December 2024)
She also revealed that she has been using the group rehearsals to keep an eye on the competition.
Alex said: ‘I’m watching like a hawk and I can absolutely spot who’s good.
‘And we’ve actually got some really good dancers this year. We’ve got lots of tall men.’
The ER star, who played Dr Elizabeth Corday in the medical drama from 1997 to 2004, was asked if any of her famous characters would inspire her Strictly outfits.
She said: ‘I’m not sure if I’ll be dancing in scrubs. Maybe glittery scrubs – it could be a first!’
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 is set to air on BBC One on September 20 from 6:40pm.
STRICTLY LINEUP 2025
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey
Age: 36
Profession: Olympic Sprinter and Gladiator
Harry says: ‘I’ll be bringing tons of energy to light up the dance floor. Let’s hope I’m as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track.’
Alex Kingston
Age: 62
Profession: Doctor Who actress
The actress teases: ‘My hips don’t lie.’
Balvinder Sopal
Age: 46
Profession: EastEnders actress
Balvinder says: ‘I’m far too excited to put into words how I feel but I’m incredibly excited at the prospect of dancing across the ballroom.’
La Voix
Age: 45
Profession: Drag performer
She says: ‘Strictly is a national institution and I can’t wait to get started. All that’s left to say is: good luck to my partner! Here’s hoping they can help me go from La Voix into La Danse.’
Thomas Skinner
Age: 34
Profession: Reality star and entrepreneur
He says: ‘Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!’
Vicky Pattison
Age: 37
Profession: Reality TV star
She says: ‘I’m absolutely buzzing to be part of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up… but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t terrified.’
Karen Carney
Age: 38
Profession: Football pundit
She says: ‘I’m such a huge fan of the show and I can’t believe I’m finally getting the chance to take part.’
Dani Dyer
Age: 29
Profession: Reality star, 2018 Love Island winner
Dani says: ‘Getting the opportunity to be on Strictly is the second most amazing thing I’ve done this year! feel very very blessed and cannot wait to get my dancing shoes on.’
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Age: 53
Profession: Former Chelsea and Netherlands striker and ex-England coach.
He says: ‘Swapping the pitch for the ballroom is certainly not something I’ve done before but I’m looking forward to tackling a fun challenge! Bring on a new type of footwork, with hopefully no own goals.’
Ellie Goldstein
Age: 23
Profession: Model, influencer and disability ambassador
She says: ‘It’s a show I’ve loved watching for so long, and the chance to now be part of it feels like a dream’.
Chris Robshaw
Age: 39
Profession: Rugby player
He says: ‘This is about as far out of my comfort zone as it gets! I’m hoping to take my dad-dancing to a whole new level, and my mum can’t wait to drag me along to her Zumba class’.
Stefan Dennis
Age: 66
Profession: Actor
He says: ‘Looking forward to the sparkle and reaching for the sky.’
Ross King
Age: 63
Profession: Showbiz correspondent
He says: ‘I can’t wait to learn from the best, meet my fellow contestants, and, most importantly… try not to step on too many toes!’
Lewis Cope
Age: 30
Profession: Actor
He says: ‘I’m so excited to be swapping the Dales for the dance floor and joining this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.’
