Alex Kingston gets seal of approval from Strictly Come Dancing pro - 'Extremely cool'

Strictly Come Dancing's Dianne Buswell has branded a 2025 contestant 'extremely cool' as Doctor Who enthusiasts were left 'screaming' following a major announcement.

With mere weeks remaining before the annual BBC programme kicks off, the initial quartet of celebrities were unveiled on Monday (August 11).

The opening reveal caught supporters off guard as Harry Aikines-Aryeetey was disclosed during an instalment of children's news show Newsround. Known as Nitro, Harry is most famous for taking part in the Bradley and Barney Walsh edition of Gladiators.

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Additionally, Harry is a multiple gold medal-winning Team GB sprinter, who became the first competitor to secure gold medals in both 100 and 200 metres at the World Youth Championships.

"After the Christmas Special, it was so nice I just had to do it twice! I'm so excited to be part of the Strictly family this series and I'm ready to give it all I've got. I'll be bringing tons of energy to light up the dance floor. Let's hope I'm as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track," he said.

Later during the evening, Strictly enthusiasts were urged to watch The One Show as three additional contestants were being revealed by Roman Kemp and Alex Scott.

The opening member of the trio disclosed was Love Island champion Dani Dyer, with the daughter of EastEnders icon Danny Dyer wed to Jarrod Bowen. On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Dani said: "Getting the opportunity to be on Strictly is the second most amazing thing I've done this year! I feel very very blessed and cannot wait to get my dancing shoes on."

The third and final celebrity revealed on the magazine programme was Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, a former footballer who represented Leeds United, Atlético Madrid and Chelsea during his playing career.

Following his retirement, Jimmy has established himself as a recognisable figure in football commentary for leading UK sports broadcasters, taken charge of clubs including Burton Albion and Northampton Town and worked as an assistant coach with the England national squad.

"Swapping the pitch for the ballroom is certainly not something I've done before but I'm looking forward to tackling a fun challenge! Bring on a new type of footwork, with hopefully no own goals," he joked.

Nevertheless, it was the reveal of Doctor Who icon Alex Kingston that seems to have generated the greatest buzz across social media platforms.

Following her rise to fame on the medical drama ER as Dr Elizabeth Corday, Alex went on to portray one of the legendary sci-fi programme's most beloved characters. Featured on Doctor Who from 2008 to 2015, Alex brought River Song, aka The Doctor's Wife, to life alongside three different Doctors on television and remains active in audio adventures and literary works.

Alex has also appeared in Douglas Is Cancelled, Treason, Gilmore Girls, Boudica, Lost in Austen, Dodger, A Discovery of Witches, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, and Arrow. Her impressive theatre credits include portraying Lady Macbeth and Nurse Ratchet in One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest.

On the official Strictly Instagram page, Dianne, who claimed the Glitterball Trophy with blind comedian Chris McCausland last year, captured everyone's sentiments. She posted: "Extremely cool love this!" To which Alex, who is presently in Italy, responded: "So excited to get dancing!".

Adding to the praise was Motsi Mabuse, who penned: "Welcome to the Strictly family, Alex! Can't wait to see your personality shine on that dance floor, here's to sparkle, rhythm, and unforgettable moments! Woop Woop."

Countless Doctor Who enthusiasts couldn't hide their delight as they anticipate discovering whether Alex excels at dancing as much as she does at fighting aliens. @bobby_seagull declared: "Was such a big fan of hers on Doctor Who!" @mommagledders shared: "I love her so much! She would be great with Johannes!".

@stephlhulme penned: "Ahhh! I am a big Whovian and this announcement has made my day." @richardfrankscomedy noted: "Such a cool signing." @giselle_barajas1234 exclaimed: "DOCTOR WHO FANS ARE SCREAMING. YES ALEX." @calum_creates suggested: "I know it's been done before, but please can Alex dance to the Doctor Who theme!"

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