Actress Alex Kingston Shares Her Journey Battling Uterine Cancer and Inspiring Others
Renowned actress Alex Kingston, 62, has bravely shared her personal experience with uterine cancer, a diagnosis she almost missed due to attributing early symptoms to the natural process of aging. The star revealed that she underwent a hysterectomy and radiation therapy after being diagnosed in May of last year.
Kingston candidly admitted that she “wasn’t reading the signs,” believing that common indicators like bloating and weight gain were simply “part and parcel” of entering her sixties. In an interview featured in the April issue of Prima magazine, she recounted the profound shock of discovering her uterine cancer diagnosis after initially overlooking the warning signals.
“I hadn’t realised that uterine cancer was a cancer that didn’t get much airtime,” Kingston explained. She elaborated that this may be because, in many cases, the body can signal when something is wrong, and early detection significantly improves survival rates.
Despite her naturally positive outlook, Kingston confessed that her body was sending clear messages that something was amiss. “Because I’m such a positive person, even though my body was trying to tell me that something was very wrong, I wasn’t reading the signs,” she stated. She continued to dismiss symptoms such as bloating, weight gain, and injuries that failed to heal properly, attributing them to her age. “I thought, ‘This is what it’s like to be in your 60s, and it’s just part and parcel of getting older.’”
The turning point came during a performance. “It was only when I was doing a play and I started haemorrhaging on stage that I realised, ‘Oh there’s something going on,’” she recalled. Even then, her initial thoughts were not of cancer. “But even then, I thought maybe I’d got a burst fibroid. I never, ever went down the cancer road, so it was a shock.”
Kingston, who was performing in the play “The Other Boleyn Girl” at the West Sussex theatre in April and May of last year, delayed seeking medical attention until after her run concluded. Doctors subsequently discovered cancer in her fallopian tubes, but thankfully, it had not spread to her ovaries.
From Recovery to the Dance Floor: A Message of Resilience
Following her successful battle with the disease, Kingston embraced a new challenge by joining the cast of “Strictly Come Dancing.” Paired with professional dancer Johannes Radebe, she used her platform to inspire others facing adversity.
The mother-of-one described how, while battling cancer consumed a “huge part” of her life, she now feels a sense of empowerment, akin to “Superwoman.” Her participation in the show was a deliberate effort to demonstrate that with determination, it is possible to move forward and overcome significant life challenges.
Speaking to The Mirror, Kingston extended her encouragement to those navigating their own difficulties. She urged them to live their lives to the fullest, emphasizing the importance of cherishing every moment and enjoying life, as it offers only one opportunity.
Kingston was the eighth celebrity to be eliminated from the competition in November, following a performance marked by several mistakes. She and her professional partner, Johannes Radebe, faced off against “EastEnders” star Balvinder Sopal and her partner Julian Callion. Sopal and Callion ultimately survived the dance-off for a record fifth time. While judge Anton Du Beke opted to save Kingston and Radebe, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Shirley Ballas all voted to save Sopal and Callion, securing their place in the quarter-finals.
Reflecting on her “Strictly Come Dancing” experience after the results were announced, Kingston shared her immense enjoyment with presenter Tess Daly. “I had never in my wildest dreams imagined that I would last this long,” she expressed. “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.” She also spoke warmly of her bond with her dance partner, stating, “Everyone always says that their dance partner is a friend for life, but JoJo really will be.”
The April 2026 issue of Prima magazine is currently available for purchase.
