Alex Kingston has spoken about how her time on Strictly Come Dancing provided the ideal remedy following her treatment for womb cancer.

The 63-year-old performer disclosed her diagnosis while competing on the BBC ballroom series last year, where she was partnered with professional dancer Johannes Radebe.

Kingston, renowned for her roles in Doctor Who and ER, has previously discussed undergoing a hysterectomy and radiotherapy as part of her cancer care.

In conversation with Saga Magazine, she explained that she was aware she could recognise a rhythm and possessed some dancing ability, particularly for Latin rhythms, but had never anticipated being capable of tackling ballroom choreography.

She stated that she genuinely cherished her involvement in the programme, describing it as the ideal counterbalance to completing cancer treatment. She expressed that being matched with Johannes Radebe proved wonderful, noting his wonderful character.

Regarding her diagnosis, she mentioned that she was preparing to begin another television project when she learned she had cancer and had to abandon it, which was unfamiliar territory for her and felt very unsettling. She noted that like many performers, there is always anxiety about whether opportunities will continue to arise, and she was concerned others might perceive her as unreliable.

The actress also shared with the lifestyle publication how her diagnosis altered her perspective, stating that she has always maintained an optimistic outlook, and navigating a cancer experience reinforced her commitment to that attitude. She noted that it forces contemplation of life’s impermanence, though she intends to reach 100 years old.

Kingston has previously discussed her difficulties with conception and has been candid about undergoing several cycles of IVF to have her daughter Salome, who arrived in 2001.

When questioned about her most difficult period, she said that pursuing IVF to have Salome was extremely demanding. She explained that the process builds gradually because individuals commit to the journey and persist with it, focused on the ultimate goal. However, it proves tremendously taxing, and she believes those going through it may not fully appreciate just how exhausting it can be, particularly when undergoing multiple attempts as she did.

She added that following her womb cancer diagnosis in 2024, she sometimes questions whether there might be some connection.