Kristian Nairn has revealed why he’s had to withdraw from this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing.
The Game of Thrones actor, 49, has pulled out of the BBC show on medical grounds. But now he’s shared a few more details.
It was only announced last week that Kristian was one of the 15 celebrities taking to the ballroom for the 2025 series. But yesterday (August 21), he has exited the show. Emmerdale star Lewis Cope replaces him.
‘Heavy heart’
In a statement shared by the BBC, Kristian said: “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.”
You are going to be a big miss petal.
Kristian was one of the final two celebrities to be announced for Strictly Come Dancing 2025. The actor, from Northern Ireland, is best known for playing Hodor in Game of Thrones. He portrayed the part for six seasons of the hugely successful TV show.
Last week, Kristian said it would be an “honour” for him to appear on Strictly, adding that he was looking forward to wearing sparkly outfits.
But confirming his withdrawal, Sarah James, Executive Producer for 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 series and we all wish him a speedy recovery.”
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Real reason he’s quit
Last night, Kristian took to Instagram to share a statement in his own words. In it, he revealed that he’s struggling with stress and grief, and is already having treatment. However, he’s not expected to be back to his best for a couple of weeks. And so won’t be fit in time to take part in all of the pre-launch training.
Speaking from his home, he shared: “I am not going to beat around the bush with this, this is real talk. I am not doing the PR thing – I hate that. I always try to be pretty honest and real with you guys. Hopefully anybody who has been around here for a while will attest to that. I’ve been given the amazing opportunity of Strictly but sadly I’m having to withdraw.
“Like so many people at the minute, I have dealing with a high level of stress. And a little bit of grief, if I’m going to be really real. I’ve always been my mother’s son and I have always powered through things like this in the past and any other time of my life actually.
“Honestly, I think I’ve got a pretty healthy attitude towards stuff like this. I thought I did at least. For the first time it’s manifested physically. And it’s caused a spike in my vitals. It’s entered an area of concern,” he said.
‘I’m under treatment already’
Addressing his size, Kristian then said: “I’m a big guy. Always have been, ever since I stepped foot on this earth. So I take my health very seriously and I do see my doctor all the time.
“I was checked for the show two weeks before. And everything was fine. So he was happy for me to take part. Please note, I’m okay. I’m under treatment already. And my doctor isn’t concerned.
“And after two to three weeks I’ll be pretty much back to normal. But sadly I don’t have time for the show now, for all the training and everything like that. And I also don’t want to leave them, you and the other contestants hanging. It’s not really fair. I’m gutted to say the least.”
He concluded his post by saying: “This is something that I haven’t dealt with before so this is a surprise for me. I always thought I had this. To my fellow contestants, although it was brief, I really enjoyed meeting you.
“It’s a really great bunch of people and I’m really looking forward to watching and seeing how well you all do.”
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