Alex Kingston has declared her love for dance partner Johannes Radebe as they became the latest couple to leave Strictly Come Dancing.
The pair found themselves in the dreaded dance-off for the first time, having had a difficult evening in the ballroom on Saturday night (November 29) as the show returned to its Elstree Studios home following its visit to Blackpool the previous weekend.
Alex and Johannes were seen performing a Cha Cha Cha to Anita Ward's 1979 hit Ring My Bell and scored 23 points, after the judges - and Alex herself - noted a number of mistakes.
But they then won an extra three points in the Instant Dance challenge, during which the couples were informed which dance style they'd be performing before being given 15 seconds to pick a costume, quickly change backstage, and then given just ten seconds to decide how they were going to perform the dance.
However, it wasn't enough to see them out of the bottom two, with Alex and Johannes facing dance-off veterans Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon in a fight for their place in the competition, with the quarter-finals ahead.
After they both reprised their routines from the previous night, the judges cast their votes, with Anton Du Beke choosing to save Alex and Johannes, while Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse saved Balvinder and Julian. Head judge Shirley Ballas, who had the casting vote this week, decided to also save Balvinder and Julian, securing their place in Strictly's musicals week.
When asked about her time on the show, Alex said: "I had never in my wildest dreams imagined that I would last this long. It's been just the most incredible journey for me. I feel quite proud of myself because I've loved the process, I mean 100%, you can tell by my smile. Everyone always says that their dance partner is a friend for life, but JoJo really will be."
She has since taken to social media to reflect on their time on the show, which came a year after she underwent treatment for cancer of the womb, something she only recently shared publicly and reflected on during the show's broadcast live from the famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
Alongside pictures and videos highlighting her Strictly journey, Alex said: "Hello sweeties, Where to even begin...Strictly had been the journey of a lifetime and such a dream come true. If you had told me a year ago, while in the midst of radiotherapy, that a year later I'd be on Strictly Come Dancing, I wouldn't have believed you! I'm so proud of everything Johannes and I have accomplished, and so grateful to my body for getting me this far. It was always my dream to get to dance with Jo Jo and dance we did!
"To everyone who supported us, Thank you endlessly. To be able to do this at my age is such a privilege, and I feel so lucky. Your belief in us has got me through even the toughest of days. If I've learned anything from this it's that it's never too late to try, and fall in love with something new. Whether taking a local dance class or picking up a new hobby, keep exploring and living life to the full. And most importantly... keep dancing!!!"To the cast and the professionals, It's been so wonderful getting to spend time with you all. Thank you for all the words of encouragement and cheers from the sidelines. It's been such a pleasure watching you all grow on your journeys, and I can't wait to keep watching. And a big thank you to all the crew keeping things running behind the scenes, and making sure we all look fab!!!"
She then added: "Johannes, Every day I have been blown away by your kindness, your elegance, and your ability to bring calm to every storm. You light up every room you walk into my darling man !I cannot thank you enough for helping me find my steel balls and 'exquisite' legs! May your bag always be filled with mints, and your heart filled with joy and happiness. Love you so much."
Strictly co-star Balvinder quickly replied: "You are a different class, dear Alex." Amber Davies shared: "The most iconic duo there ever was. Alex Kingston you are a legend," while Karen Carney said: "You should be so proud, you're incredible." Pro dancer Karen Hauer gushed: "You were wonderful."
Katya Jones commented: "Alex, I have loved watching you and supporting you - I truly hope this has been everything you have ever hoped for. So so proud of you." Vicky Pattison, who was seventh to leave the competition, wrote: "Love you so much you beautiful soul," while Chris Robshaw added: "You were amazing Alex."