Game Of Thrones star Kristian Nairn has been forced to pull out of this year’s season of Strictly Come Dancing on medical grounds.
The Northern Irish actor – best known for playing Hodor in the hit fantasy series – was the final celebrity confirmed to be taking part in the new series of Strictly last week.
However, on Thursday afternoon, he announced that he would no longer be able to compete due to what he described as “unexpected medical reasons’.
“With a heavy heart, I have to step back from this season of Strictly Come Dancing due to unexpected medical reasons,” he said. “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.”
Strictly producer Sarah James also issued a statement, which 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.”
A replacement for Kristian is due to be revealed on Friday’s edition of The One Show, airing at 7pm on BBC One.
In addition to Game Of Thrones, Kristian’s screen work has included likes of Ripper Street and Our Flag Means Death, as well as the US drag competition Dragula, which he guest judged in 2021.
The Strictly 2025 line-up was slowly unveiled last week, with celebrity contestants including Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey (AKA Nitro), Love Island winner Dani Dyer, Doctor Who actor Alex Kingston, Drag Race UK favourite La Voix and controversial former Apprentice candidate Thomas Skinner.
Strictly Come Dancing will return to our screens next month.
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