Alex Kingston Reflects on Hollywood Marriage and New Beginnings

Alex Kingston, currently dazzling audiences on the latest season of *Strictly Come Dancing*, has opened up about her past marriage to renowned actor Ralph Fiennes. Following their divorce, Kingston relocated from the UK to Los Angeles, seeking a fresh start and a new chapter in her life.

The actress, best known for her roles in the medical drama *ER* and the iconic British series *Doctor Who*, was married to Fiennes from 1993 to 1997. The couple’s relationship, which began after a decade of dating, was tumultuous and ultimately led to their separation. Kingston has candidly described their marriage as fragile, stating, “We were like strangers… His mother was dying and somehow we thought the wedding was going to heal everything.”

In the wake of their split, Kingston grappled with feelings of worthlessness and self-doubt. She shared with the *Daily Mail* that she believed she would “never find anyone else as good” as Fiennes, adding that at the time, her self-esteem was incredibly low. Reflecting on the experience, she stated, “Divorce is awful but it is also something I don’t regret happening to me because it has shaped who I am now.”

Fiennes, who has received three Academy Award nominations for his performances in *Schindler’s List*, *The English Patient*, and *Conclave*, reportedly had an affair with his *Hamlet* co-star, Francesca Annis, during their marriage. This relationship, which lasted from 1997 to 2006, followed the couple’s separation and added to the heartbreak Kingston experienced.

After the divorce, Kingston decided to leave her life in London behind and moved to Los Angeles. This decision proved pivotal for her career, as she landed the role of Dr. Elizabeth Corday in *ER*, where she starred for an impressive twelve years. Kingston has acknowledged that her move to the United States marked a significant turning point in her professional life.

The actress has since married television producer Jonathan Stamp, tying the knot in a charming ceremony at the All Saints Anglican Church in Rome in 2015. Kingston also shares a daughter, Salome, with her second husband, German writer Florian Haertel. The couple divorced in 2009, finalizing their separation four years later.

As Kingston continues to shine on *Strictly Come Dancing*, she remains a testament to resilience and reinvention. Viewers can catch the next episode on October 18, 2023, airing on BBC One from 18:30 to 20:35. Her journey reflects not only her personal growth but also the transformative power of new experiences.