Alex Kingston Reflects on Heartbreak After Marriage to Ralph Fiennes

Alex Kingston, known for her role in the BBC dance show *Strictly Come Dancing*, has opened up about her tumultuous past, including her marriage to acclaimed actor Ralph Fiennes. The actress, who is currently partnered with Johannes Radebe on the popular series, has had three marriages, each shaping her life in significant ways.

Having previously tied the knot with Fiennes in 1993 after a decade-long relationship, Kingston experienced a marriage that quickly became fraught with challenges. The couple finalized their divorce just four years later in 1997. Kingston has recounted the emotional upheaval surrounding their relationship, stating, “We were like strangers – very fragile. His mother was dying, and somehow we thought the wedding was going to heal everything. But that was crazy, of course.”

The split reportedly stemmed from Fiennes’s affair with his *Hamlet* co-star, Francesca Annis, who was 18 years his senior. Kingston, reflecting on this period, admitted to feeling “worthless” after their separation. In a 2012 interview with the *Evening Standard*, she expressed doubts about finding another partner as good as Fiennes, which she later recognized as an indication of her low self-esteem at the time. “Divorce is awful, but it is also something I don’t regret happening to me because it has shaped who I am now,” she remarked.

Following the end of her marriage, Kingston made a significant life change by relocating to Los Angeles. This move proved pivotal for her career, leading to her iconic role as Dr. Elizabeth Corday in the hit medical drama *ER*, where she starred for 12 years. The transition not only revitalized her professional life but also marked a new chapter of personal growth.

In the years since, Kingston has wed television producer Jonathan Stamp, with the couple celebrating their marriage in a ceremony at the All Saints Anglican Church in Rome in 2015. She also shares a daughter, Salome, with her second husband, German writer Florian Haertel. The couple divorced in 2009, finalizing their separation in 2013.

Despite past heartaches, Kingston remains optimistic about her journey. She continues to engage audiences with her performances and is set to appear on the next episode of *Strictly Come Dancing* on October 18, 2023, airing on BBC One from 18:30 to 20:35. Her experiences, both personal and professional, resonate with many, showcasing her resilience and commitment to her craft.