Strictly Come Dancing took an emotional turn on Saturday night
Abbie Bray Deputy Editor for Screen Time
19:09, 08 Nov 2025
Claudia Winkleman had to step in to comfort Alex Kingston on Saturday night as she broke down on Strictly Come Dancing.
Not only did Alex break down in tears in the VT ahead of her performance, but she also got choked up before receiving her score from the judges.
The star, who is partnered with Johannes Radebe, admitted to having a “tough” week and said she didn’t want to let anyone down.
After receiving her mixed feedback from the judges, Alex was comforted by Claudia and her fellow co-stars as she got emotional once again.
Claudia began, “Alex, you know we love you and since this has begun, what my favourite thing is, I see you on a Friday and I go, ‘How is it and do you love it?’ and yesterday you went, ‘No, not very much’.”
Alex had a tough week(Image: BBC)READ MORE: Strictly’s Tess Daly shares concerns for star on live show as she steps in to helpREAD MORE: BBC Gardeners’ World star shares ‘guilt’ over marriage as he opens up on ‘difficult start’
Alex replied, “Yes. I know. The thing is, I’m numerically dyslexic, so I can’t count.”
“Yes,” Claudia replied as Alex started to choke back tears. She continued, “And that’s quite difficult.”
The host chimed in, “I know, and I don’t want you to be sad because you were excellent and….”
Everyone stepped in to comfort Alex(Image: BBC)
Realising Alex was getting upset, Claudia encouraged everyone to comfort Alex. She said, “No, everyone get in.
“You know what? The other thing is, you’re not supposed to love every dance.”
Alex added, “No, but I should love this dance because it’s, you know, it’s drama, but it’s just that I’m used to dancing to lyrics.”
As she sobbed, Alex reassured, “It’s fine, it’s fine.”
Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
