In a revealing interview that's set tongues wagging across the entertainment industry, acclaimed actress Alex Kingston has lifted the lid on what she calls the "worst-kept secret" in acting circles: the widespread addiction to Strictly Come Dancing among serious thespians who'd never admit it publicly.
The Doctor Who and ER star, who recently graced the Strictly ballroom herself, confessed that fellow actors regularly approach her to whisper their admiration for the glittering BBC competition. "They come up to me and say, 'I absolutely love the show, but don't tell anyone I watch it,'" Kingston revealed during her appearance on BBC's Desert Island Discs.
The Great British Hypocrisy
According to Kingston, there exists a curious divide between public perception and private viewing habits within the acting community. While many performers publicly dismiss Strictly as mere light entertainment, they're secretly tuning in every Saturday night like the rest of the nation.
"There's a snobbery about it," the actress explained, noting that some of her colleagues consider the show a "guilty pleasure" beneath their artistic credentials. This creates the peculiar situation where actors who wouldn't be caught dead praising the programme in interviews are among its most devoted followers.
From Critic to Contestant
Kingston's own journey with Strictly reflects this complex relationship. Before joining the 2024 lineup, she admitted to having reservations about the show's format. However, her experience as a contestant completely transformed her perspective.
"It's one of the hardest things I've ever done," she confessed, praising the incredible discipline and athleticism required to master the dances each week. The actress discovered that behind the sequins and sparkle lies one of television's most demanding challenges.
The Unspoken Appreciation
What makes this clandestine viewing particularly ironic, according to Kingston, is that actors should theoretically be among Strictly's biggest champions. The show combines multiple performance disciplines - dance, music, costume design, and live television production - creating a spectacle that celebrates the very arts these professionals dedicate their lives to.
Yet the stigma persists, creating what Kingston describes as an "open secret" within industry circles. Fellow thespians will enthusiastically discuss their favourite dancers and most memorable routines in private, while maintaining a carefully cultivated indifference in public.
A Nation's Comfort
Beyond the acting world's peculiar habits, Kingston touched on Strictly's broader cultural significance. She described the show as "comforting" television that provides much-needed escapism during challenging times.
"It's something that families can watch together," she noted, highlighting the programme's cross-generational appeal. In an era of fragmented viewing habits and streaming services, Strictly remains a rare shared cultural experience that brings millions together every autumn weekend.
The actress's candid comments have sparked conversation about why certain television programmes become stigmatised despite their popularity, and whether it's time for the acting community to come clean about their Saturday night viewing preferences.
