Doctor Who star Alex Kingston to host Oxford awards ceremony

The actress is known for multiple roles over the years, and took part in the most recent series of Strictly Come Dancing last year.

Included in her many acting parts is a memorable turn as River Song in the BBC sci-fi series Doctor Who.

She played the Doctor’s mysterious wife from 2008 to 2015, starring alongside three incarnations of the character- David Tennant, Matt Smith and Peter Capaldi.

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The 63-year-old, who was born in Epsom, is said to reside in a cottage in Oxfordshire, according to multiple national reports.

Now, Ms Kingston will host this year’s Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) Staff Recognition Awards.

The awards event will take place at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford on Thursday, June 18.

Anyone can watch live on the day via Microsoft Teams from 7.30 to 9.30pm.

Ms Kingston said: “I’m so excited to be hosting the OUH Staff Recognition Awards event this year and be among the people who gave me such incredible care.

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“During my cancer treatment, I experienced extraordinary kindness during a challenging time of my life.

“Everyone I met was warm, sensitive, and reassuring. I always felt informed about the journey ahead and confident that I would be supported every step of the way.

“I was in awe of every clinician I encountered, especially the specialist nursing team who guided me through radiotherapy.

“I used to bring doughnuts each time I came in as a small thank you. And I’m glad to be back again – not as a patient, but to celebrate them.”

More than 1,900 nominations were received for the OUH Staff Recognition Awards 2026.

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Teams, individual members of staff, volunteers, and fundraisers were all nominated, and the finalists in each category were announced in April.

Simon Crowther, Interim Chief Executive Officer at OUH, said: “Our Staff Recognition Awards shine a spotlight on the values at the heart of our Trust, honouring colleagues who inspire those around them through the way they live our values every day, and the meaningful difference they make to the care we provide for our patients and communities.”

Douglas Graham, Chief Executive Officer of Oxford Hospitals Charity, said: “Working across all our hospitals gives the Charity team the privilege of seeing the remarkable dedication of staff throughout OUH.

“As always, we are proud to support the Staff Recognition Awards and to celebrate the teams and individuals who make such a difference.”