Fans of Strictly Come Dancing have taken social social media to weigh in on Alex Kingston's departure from Strictly Come Dancing on Sunday evening.
The actress lost the dance-off to EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal, marking the end of her ten-week journey in the competition.
The 62-year-old Doctor Who and ER star landed in the bottom two following Saturday’s live show, where both celebrities were required to perform their routines again for the judges.
Ms Kingston and professional partner Johannes Radebe danced their Cha Cha to Anita Ward’s Ring My Bell, while Ms Sopal and partner Julian Caillon reprised their Jive to Maxine Nightingale’s Right Back Where We Started From.
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Alex Kingston was eliminated from Strictly come dancing on Sunday
|BBC/Kieron McCarron
The judges delivered a split verdict, with Anton Du Beke voting to save Ms Kingston, while Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse chose to keep Ms Sopal.
Head judge Shirley Ballas delivered the deciding vote, saying she believed the EastEnders actress had “upped their game a bit more” in the dance-off.
Concerns about Ms Kingston’s physical condition had been growing throughout the week after she dislocated a rib during rehearsals.
The injury impacted her disco-themed Cha Cha Cha, which scored just 23 out of 40, one of the lowest scores at this stage of the competition.
Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe were in the dance-off with Balvinder Sopal & Julian Caillon
|BBC/Kieron McCarron
Viewers noted Ms Kingston limping during the results show, prompting questions on social media. “Why is Alex limping? If she's hurt herself surely it's not a good idea to continue dancing?” one fan wrote on X.
Speaking to Claudia Winkleman after the dance-off, Ms Kingston acknowledged the physical strain: “It's never really discussed when you're at the sharp end, how our bodies are suffering and my 62-year-old self is saying, what are you putting me through?”
Judge Motsi Mabuse also highlighted Ms Kingston’s errors, saying: “One mistake I can forgive, two mistakes I will look the other way, three mistakes? I am not Mother Christmas!”
Many viewers suggested the actress' elimination was driven more by her declining health than her dancing. One said: “Definitely the best outcome, can't see how Alex would have been okay for next weekend. She was clearly in pain.”
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Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe
|BBC/Kieron McCarron
Another viewer remarked: “Alex was limping and probably shouldn't have been allowed to dance… technically I thought she was better than Bal but lacking energy, the closest dance-off yet for me.”
Some argued Ms Kingston had still performed the stronger dance-off routine. “She was the better dancer tonight. I'm not buying the judges’ vote,” one fan posted.
A fourth viewer added: “Alex is clearly injured and seemed to almost be begging to be sent home… she was on the verge of withdrawing anyway.”
Despite the disappointment, fans praised Ms Kingston’s resilience. “Absolutely gutted for Alex… she was clearly in a great deal of pain and not a word of complaint. What an absolute pro,” one supporter wrote.
Another added: “She’s done so well. What an incredible woman, 62 years old and smashed it.”
Ms Kingston’s daughter had previously revealed the actress was performing with a broken rib during the Blackpool special, prompting further concern about her long-term comfort in the competition.
After her elimination, Ms Kingston expressed pride in lasting ten weeks: “I had never in my wildest dreams imagined that I would last this long. It’s been the most incredible journey.”
She added warmly: “Everyone always says their dance partner is a friend for life, but JoJo really will be.”
Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe
|BBC/Kieron McCarron
Professional partner Johannes Radebe praised her determination: “Thank you, Alex, for being a trooper. I will hold on to the memories."
He concluded: “As far as the dancing goes, we achieved what we wanted to achieve. These memories are just the beginning, we are very much a Strictly family.”