Alex Kingston has confessed she’s not that fussed what the judges think of her upcoming Strictly Come Dancing performance.

The former ER actress and her professional partner Johannes Radebe are preparing to perform a Rumba on this Saturday’s episode (October 18) of the BBC ballroom programme.

During her appearance on spin-off It Takes Two on Thursday (October 16), she disclosed that she loves the dance and has decided not to care “what the judges think about our dance or what they say”.

Behind the scenes, her determination hasn’t gone unnoticed by her fellow contestants. Several have described her as an inspiration. “Alex walks into rehearsal with this quiet fire,” one co-star said.

“You can tell she’s carrying something — maybe frustration, maybe pride — but she’s using it in the best way. Watching her dance this week has been incredible.” Others admitted they’re “slightly terrified” of facing her in the dance-off, should it come to that.

As Saturday night approaches, the atmosphere around Kingston’s performance feels almost cinematic. Producers are reportedly planning a moody, spotlight-heavy stage design to emphasize the intensity of her Argentine Tango.

The costume department has hinted at a striking red-and-black ensemble — symbolic of danger, desire, and defiance. One crew member described the number as “a showstopper in the making,” adding, “If she nails it, it could be the moment that defines her Strictly journey.”

Fans are also speculating about how the judges — Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke — will react. Craig, known for his famously blunt critiques, is expected to pay close attention to technique, while Shirley will likely watch for emotional authenticity.

“She’s got to make us believe every step,” Shirley said in a recent interview. “The Argentine Tango isn’t just about moves — it’s about connection and storytelling.”

“I think it’s going to be my favourite dance,” Alex told the programme’s presenter Janette Manrara.

She continued by revealing that she’s not particularly concerned about whatShirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Anton Du Beke and Motsi Mabuse make of it, reports the Mirror.

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Alex is paired with pro Johannes Radebe on the show

“I think I decided I don’t care what the judges think about our dance or, you know, what they say,” Alex explained.

“I’m going to go to my bed knowing that that is my favourite dance – I just feel it.”

“I feel it and I just want to go out Rumba-ing every night,” she added, as Johannes and Janette started to laugh.

Speaking about their training priorities for the Rumba, Johannes said: “It has absolutely been her quality of movement. And how far she’s come. You know, now we have the language between us where I’m like, ‘forward, walk, turn’ and she knows just what I’m talking about.

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Alex is enjoying the Rumba

“So it’s been so beautiful to see this, how she’s taking on training.”

Last week, Alex and Johannes dazzled Strictly fans with their Quickstep routine, which saw Alex embodying Meryl Streep’s character Miranda Priestley from The Devil Wears Prada movie.

Her professional dance partner, visibly impressed by her newfound intensity, hinted that the upcoming routine will showcase a side of Kingston audiences have never seen before. “Alex has completely transformed in rehearsals,” he said.

“There’s a new energy in her — fierce, focused, unstoppable. She’s been in the studio early every morning, drilling every step until it’s perfect. The judges should be ready — because she’s coming for them.”

Sources close to the show say Kingston’s determination has electrified the rehearsal floor. Crew members have described her rehearsals as “like watching a woman possessed,” with one insider revealing that she even requested extra practice sessions after hours. “She’s on a mission,” the source said. “You can feel it — she’s not just dancing anymore, she’s fighting for something. She wants to prove she belongs in that final.”

Fans have rallied behind her with overwhelming support. Social media has exploded with messages cheering her on, with hashtags like #TeamAlex and #WatchHerThisWeek trending shortly after her fiery interview aired. “That’s the spirit we love!” one fan tweeted.

“Alex Kingston is about to make history!” Another wrote, “She’s been underrated all season — this is her moment to shine.” The online buzz has added to the growing anticipation for Saturday night’s show, where expectations for Kingston’s routine are sky-high.

Their performance was set to KT Tunstall’s Suddenly I See, a track featured in the film, and they were taken aback when the singer herself praised their performance on Instagram.

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Janette Manrara was hosting It Takes Two

Alex Kingston has set the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom ablaze with anticipation after issuing a fiery warning to the judges ahead of this weekend’s live show.

The beloved actress, best known for her roles in Doctor Who and ER, stunned fans with a bold message that has everyone talking: “Watch me this week.” Her confident declaration, shared just days before what’s being described as her most daring performance yet, has sparked a wave of excitement — and a little tension — behind the scenes.

The statement came during an interview with It Takes Two, where Kingston discussed her preparation for the upcoming round. Known for her charm and quiet determination, she surprised both fans and presenters with her sudden burst of competitive fire.

“I’ve worked my socks off this week,” she said with a smile that carried a hint of challenge. “The judges have been… let’s say, tough on me lately. So, this weekend, I’m going to give them something they won’t forget.” The remark drew gasps and laughter in the studio — but it was clear she wasn’t joking.

Those who have followed Kingston’s Strictly journey know that her performances have been a rollercoaster of highs and near misses. Despite her undeniable stage presence, the judges have often urged her to “dig deeper” or “push for more precision.”

Last week’s scores, which many viewers felt were harsh, seem to have lit a fire within her. “I took their comments to heart,” she admitted. “I don’t want sympathy points or polite claps. I want to earn every mark. And this week — I plan to.”

But while fans are excited, some insiders say her bold statement may have raised the stakes in more ways than one. The Strictly judges — known for their mix of constructive criticism and sharp wit — are said to have taken note of her comments.

“They love passion,” one source said, “but they also expect delivery. Alex has thrown down the gauntlet, and now the pressure’s on. She’ll need to back up her words with one of her strongest performances yet.”

That performance, according to teasers from the production team, will be a dramatic Argentine Tango — a dance that demands precision, emotion, and unbreakable chemistry.

Early rehearsal footage suggests Kingston and her partner have poured heart and soul into the choreography, balancing powerful storytelling with intricate footwork. “It’s fiery, it’s emotional, it’s explosive,” her partner teased. “She’s not holding anything back this week.”

In a moment of candor, Kingston admitted that she’s channeling personal emotions into the performance. “This dance is personal for me,” she said. “It’s about power, passion, and finding strength when people doubt you.

I’ve been told I’m too soft, too careful, too nice — and maybe I have been. But not this week.” The words drew applause from fans in the studio audience, many of whom have championed her as one of the most authentic and relatable contestants in the competition.

In the days leading up to the live show, Kingston has kept up the momentum, sharing snippets of her rehearsals and motivational messages on social media. One post simply read, “Blood, sweat, and sequins — see you Saturday.”

Another featured a short video of her practicing spins, captioned: “Focused. Fueled. Ready.” Fans have flooded the comments with encouragement, calling her “the comeback queen” and “the heartbeat of this season.”

As the lights prepare to rise on Saturday night’s broadcast, all eyes will be on Alex Kingston. Her message — “Watch me this week” — has become both a promise and a challenge, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated performances of the series. Whether she stuns the judges or surprises herself, one thing is certain: this week, Alex Kingston is dancing not just for scores, but for redemption.

“I mean, I was not expecting that, I don’t think either of us were and to know that she watches Strictly, it’s fantastic in itself!” Alex shared with Janette.