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Alex Kingston and Johannes Radebe Surprise Judges with Strong Early Performance in Strictly 2025 Actress Alex Kingston, best known for her roles in ER and Doctor Who, has emerged as a surprisingly strong contender in the early stages of the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing. Paired with professional dancer Johannes Radebe, the 62-year-old secured one of the highest scores of the weekend during the second live show, positioning the pair as early frontrunners ahead of the competition’s highly anticipated Movie Week. The acclaimed British performer, who plays Dr. Elizabeth Corday in the US medical drama ER and the iconic River Song in the BBC’s Doctor Who, delivered a Samba performance that received glowing praise from the judging panel. Their routine to 'La Bamba' on Saturday night earned them 31 points out of a possible 40, placing them near the top of the leaderboard and demonstrating an aptitude for Latin choreography many analysts had not predicted. Head Judge Shirley Ballas commented that the performance was "probably one of the better Sambas I’ve seen in a long time," an evaluation considered significant given the technical difficulty of the dance style, which often proves challenging for amateur dancers in the competition's initial weeks. Judge Motsi Mabuse praised the pairing's "brilliant timing," while Anton Du Beke simply exclaimed, "I love that!" highlighting the entertainment value and infectious joy of the routine. Ms Kingston’s participation in the 23rd series of the show, broadcast on BBC One, was announced in August, where she joined a diverse line-up including former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal, and social media personality George Clarke.
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At 62, Ms Kingston is the oldest woman in this year's contest, a factor she has openly discussed as a central motivation for taking part. Speaking at the time of the announcement, Ms Kingston explained the personal reasoning behind her decision, stating that she "had to sit and really think about whether I would be up for it physically. " Ultimately, she felt compelled to embrace the challenge: "I just felt like, 'Come on, Alex, do it for women of a certain age. ' I wanted to show that you can still take on something physically demanding and completely new, regardless of your age," she said. The actress also revealed that she was inspired by her close friend, actress Sarah Hadland, who reached the final of the 2024 series. Ms Kingston noted that while Ms Hadland "didn't sugarcoat" the intensity and overwhelming nature of the training, she affirmed that the experience "absolutely changed her life. " The pairing with Johannes Radebe has also been widely celebrated by fans. Mr Radebe, a three-time finalist and a fan-favourite professional dancer, is known for his inventive and often dramatic choreography.
The synergy between the seasoned performer and the energetic professional appears to have resonated with viewers, building a considerable base of public support, which is critical for surviving the weekly public vote. The momentum continues to build for the couple as they prepare for the high-stakes Movie Week, traditionally one of the most anticipated events of the series. During the Sunday night results show, it was revealed that Alex and Johannes will perform a routine themed around the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada. The selection immediately generated a significant reaction on social media, with many fans speculating that Ms Kingston is perfectly suited to embody the film’s high-fashion, high-power aesthetic, potentially stepping into a role inspired by Meryl Streep's Miranda Priestly. Television analysts suggest that Ms Kingston’s background as a versatile stage and screen actress gives her a distinct advantage in tackling the performance aspect of the dances. "Alex Kingston possesses a depth of dramatic skill that few other contestants bring to the floor," noted Dr Eleanor Vance, a cultural commentator specialising in celebrity television, speaking to BBC News. "Her ability to connect with the character and narrative of a dance, particularly in themed weeks like Movie Week, often transcends minor technical flaws. This combination of theatricality and credible technique, demonstrated by her Samba score, makes her a very dangerous dark horse in the competition.
" Dr Vance further suggested that the "Doctor Who factor," referring to the enduring loyalty of the sci-fi show’s global fanbase, could provide a substantial voting boost in later weeks. As the competition moves into its third week, the focus remains on consistency and managing the gruelling physical demands of training. While Ms Kingston and Mr Radebe have demonstrated clear technical prowess and high public appeal, the history of Strictly Come Dancing shows that early success does not guarantee a place in the final. However, her strong start serves as a definitive statement of intent, suggesting that the veteran actress is not only ready for the challenge but is competing for the coveted Glitterball trophy. The competition continues next Saturday when the remaining couples perform their Movie Week routines live on BBC One.
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