Dame Joan Collins, the actress renowned for portraying the formidable Alexis Colby in the 1980s soap opera Dynasty, believes the character would elicit significant negative reactions if the show were to be broadcast today. Collins, 93, stated in her first podcast appearance on Shooting Star Children's Hospice's podcast, 'Shooting Star Unwrapped,' that while audiences embraced the character in the 1980s, the reception would likely be different in 2026.
Collins described Alexis Colby as a woman "who knew exactly what she wanted and didn't care who she hurt to get it." She acknowledged that the character was not perfect but maintained that "it worked for the character, and I liked her very much, even though a lot of people hated her." The actress expressed gratitude that the show is not airing currently, anticipating she would receive "so much hate mail."
Collins also discussed her personal life, including her marriage to producer Percy Gibson, 61. They met in 2000 while working on a touring production of "Love Letters" in the U.S. and married in 2002. She described their relationship as solid, attributing its longevity in show business to liking and loving each other, rather than solely relying on lust. She highlighted Gibson's kindness, patience, and positive relationship with her children and grandchildren as key elements of their marriage.
As part of her participation in the "Shooting Star Unwrapped" podcast, Dame Joan donated a Valentino clutch, a shell-shaped minaudière gifted to her by the designer himself, to be auctioned for the charity. Other celebrities, including Brenda Blethyn OBE, Tony Hadley MBE, Philip Glenister MBE, and Michael Ball, have also contributed items for auction. The podcast is available on major platforms, with auction bids accepted via the Virtual Charity Shop.