Viewers Spot a Clue: Was Alex Kingston Really the Only 'Strictly Come Dancing' Departure?

Her dazzling run on the dancefloor has come to a bittersweet end — but it's what her partner said next that has loyal fans fearing another beloved face may be bowing out for good.

It was an emotional farewell for "Doctor Who" actress Alex Kingston, who took her final spin on the "Strictly Come Dancing" stage on Saturday, 29 November, after a heart-wrenching elimination that left both viewers and judges almost tear-eyed.

Kingston, 62, was sent home after receiving the lowest combined scores of the night alongside her fan-favorite partner Johannes Radebe — affectionately known to viewers as "Jo Jo."

But while the result stung, Kingston was the picture of grace in defeat.

"I had never in my wildest dreams imagined that I would last this long," she said. "It's been just the most incredible […] journey for me. I feel quite proud of myself because I've learned to dance and I've really loved the process."

She turned to Radebe — now a forever friend, she said — and added:

"And I mean, 100 per cent, I couldn't have done it without this man."

Johannes' Heartfelt Speech Sparks Panic Among Fans: 'Is This His Goodbye?'

As host Tess Daly turned to Radebe, few expected what came next.

"Thank you," Radebe told Kingston warmly. "Because I have never grinned this much in my life for the past couple of weeks with you. Thank you, Alex, for being a trooper."

He continued with heartfelt sincerity:

"I appreciate the laughs, I'll hold on to the memories. But, as far as the dancing goes, I think we've achieved what we both wanted to achieve."

Kingston smiled as she said the memories they'd made were only the beginning of their journey together — a sentiment Radebe warmly echoed.

But it was what came after that set off alarm bells across social media. "To my Strictly family, I'm forever grateful. Thank you, thank you, thank you," Radebe said.

To many, it didn't sound like a weekly sign-off — it sounded like a goodbye.

"Is JoJo leaving? Felt like a goodbye speech?" one viewer asked nervously. "Is it just me or does it sound like Jo Jo is also leaving and not returning next year? 😢" another questioned.

"I thought that too, definitely seemed like he was hinting at it," someone replied. "I thought that as well… it was like a final goodbye 😢❤️," echoed another.

Outrage Over Judges' Decision as 'Wrong Couple' Saved Again

While fans mourned Kingston and Radebe's exit, outrage quickly shifted toward the judges — who chose to save Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon in the dance-off.

"What!!! Belvindar saved, yet again!! Is anyone asking questions??? 🤔🤔" one angry netizen fumed. "How many weeks and judges keep on saving the wrong couple?!" demanded another.

Some viewers believed Kingston danced better, despite her known injury from earlier in the competition. "It's pretty clear that Alex is injured. I thought she danced better than Bal in the dance-off," one fan observed.

Even Judge Shirley Ballas sympathized, telling Kingston after the performance:

"It just wasn't your night tonight."

And Judge Craig Revel Horwood didn't hold back — delivering his trademark brand of brutal honesty. "It got worse, and worse, and worse," he said of her dance — but still added that it was sophisticated and finessed.

The final scores told the story: Horwood gave a 4, Ballas and Motsi Mabuse both gave 6, and Anton Du Beke added a 7, bringing their total to 23 — not enough to survive the night.

'Strictly Saved Me': Kingston Reflects on Her Journey and Her Health

Just one day later, Kingston took to Instagram with a moving post that revealed just how much the show had meant to her — and how far she'd come in only a year.

"Where to even begin…" she wrote. "Strictly had been the journey of a lifetime and such a dream come true."

She went on to reveal the personal battle she'd overcome to even be on the show:

"If you had told me a year ago while in the midst of radiotherapy that a year later I'd be on Strictly Come Dancing, I wouldn't have believed you!"

"I'm so proud of everything Johannes and I have accomplished, and so grateful to my body for getting me this far," she continued. "It was always my dream to get to dance with Jo Jo — and dance we did!"

'Love You So Much': Her Final Message to Johannes Leaves Fans in Tears

Kingston ended her post with a touching tribute to her partner, filled with affection and signature humor:

"I cannot thank you enough for helping me find my steel balls and 'exquisite' legs! May your bag always be filled with mints, and your heart filled with joy and happiness. Love you so much. 💃❤️🪩💋"

Whether or not Jo Jo is truly leaving remains to be seen — but one thing is certain: this partnership has left its mark on fans forever.