Game of Thrones’ Kristian Nairn pulls out of Strictly Come Dancing: ‘I’m gutted’
Kristian Nairn has told fans why he has stepped down from the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 lineup. (John Lamparski/Getty Images)
Kristian Nairn has told fans why he has stepped down from the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 lineup. (John Lamparski/Getty Images)
Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn has pulled out of Strictly Come Dancing 2025 after he was announced to be taking part in the series last week.
The actor, perhaps best known for his turn as House Stark servant Hodor in the HBO series, was announced to be one of the contestants in the BBC dance competition series. However, the BBC has since announced that Nairn has withdrawn from Strictly Come Dancing for medical reasons.
The 49-year-old said via a press release: “With a heavy heart, I have to step back from this season of Strictly Come Dancing due to unexpected medical reasons. I was truly looking forward to the journey, and I’m deeply sorry to disappoint anyone who was looking forward to seeing me on the dance floor.
“Thank you all for your support, and I will be back on my feet very soon, in every sense. Love to all, Kristian.”
The actor-come-author later took to Instagram to tell his followers that he’s been navigating “a high level of stress and a little bit of grief”, which has “for the first time, manifested physically and caused a spike in my vitals as an area of concern”.
“I take my health very seriously… I’m okay, I’m under treatment already,” he reassured fans. “My doctor isn’t concerned. After two, maybe three weeks, I’ll be pretty much back to normal. But sadly, it’s not the time for the show,” he said.
“I’m not going to be [recovered] in time for all the training, and I also don’t want to leave them, you, and the other contestants hanging. It’s not really fair,” he said.
“I’m gutted, to say the least. I was really looking forward to taking part in this,” he continued. “The guys on the show have been completely understanding, and I’ve honestly felt 100 per cent supported.
“I’m going to be taking it easy for now,” he told fans. “To my fellow contestants, I’m looking forward to watching and seeing how you all do.”
Sarah James, executive producer at BBC Studios, said: “We’ve absolutely loved getting to know Kristian in this short time, and he has all the makings of a brilliant Strictly Come Dancing contestant.
“We’re incredibly sorry to lose him from this year’s series, and we all wish him a speedy recovery.”
Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope, best known for playing Nicky Milligan on the series, has been announced to be stepping into Nairn’s place on the competition series.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One in the autumn.
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