Alex Kingston has spoken about how taking part in Strictly Come Dancing provided the ideal cure after receiving care for cancer of the womb.
The performer, who is 63, shared her health news during her time as a competitor on the BBC ballroom series last year, dancing alongside professional partner Johannes Radebe.
Kingston, who rose to fame through her roles in Doctor Who and ER, has previously discussed undergoing removal of the uterus and radiotherapy as part of her medical care.
In conversation with Saga Magazine, she explained that while she knew she could pick up rhythms and considered herself capable with her feet, alongside a passion for Latin rhythms, she never imagined herself attempting formal ballroom styles.
She stated that her time on the show was genuinely enjoyable and proved to be the ideal remedy following her cancer recovery. Being matched with Radebe was a dream scenario, she noted, describing him as having a wonderful spirit.
Regarding her health situation, she mentioned that she was preparing to begin filming another television project when the cancer diagnosis arrived, forcing her to step away from the production, which was unfamiliar territory that felt awkward.
She acknowledged that entertainers frequently harbour concerns about future employment opportunities and that she fretted others might view her as undependable.
The star also discussed with the lifestyle publication how her illness affected her perspective, stating she has always maintained an optimistic outlook and that navigating a cancer experience strengthened her resolve in this area.
She noted it forces individuals to reckon with their own impermanence, though she aims to reach 100 years old.
Kingston has previously discussed her difficulties conceiving and has been candid about attempting numerous fertility treatments to have her child, Salome, who entered the world in 2001.
When questioned about her most difficult period, she identified the fertility procedures she underwent to have Salome as particularly gruelling.
She explained that the process builds gradually as participants commit fully to the journey because of the ultimate goal. However, it takes an enormous toll, and those immersed in it often fail to appreciate quite how demanding it becomes, especially when enduring multiple attempts as she did.
She mentioned receiving a diagnosis of womb cancer in 2024 and noted she sometimes considers whether there might be a connection to her earlier fertility treatments.
