Kristian Nairn Withdraws from Strictly Come Dancing Due to Health Concerns

Kristian Nairn, renowned for his portrayal of Hodor in HBO's Game of Thrones, has announced his withdrawal from the upcoming season of Strictly Come Dancing due to unforeseen health issues.

The 49-year-old actor and DJ from Lisburn, Northern Ireland, was recently unveiled as the fifteenth and final contestant for the 2025 series of the popular dance competition. However, in a heartfelt statement, Nairn expressed his regret over stepping back from the show.

"With a heavy heart, I have to step back from this season of Strictly Come Dancing due to unexpected medical reasons," Nairn shared. "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."

He added, "Thank you all for your support, and I will be back on my feet very soon, in every sense. Love to all, Kristian."

Sarah James, executive producer at BBC Studios, commented on Nairn's departure: "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."

Nairn's participation was initially announced on Vernon Kay’s BBC Radio 2 show, where he expressed enthusiasm about the challenge ahead. "This will be a huge challenge for me physically, but I’m ready to rise to it! It’s a surreal and wonderful opportunity to shed one of my left feet!" he remarked.

Beyond his acting career, Nairn is also a celebrated house music DJ, having performed alongside industry giants such as Steve Aoki, Fatboy Slim, and Danny Howard. His towering presence and charismatic personality have endeared him to fans worldwide.

The BBC has announced that a replacement for Nairn will be revealed on The One Show on BBC One at 7:00 PM BST on Thursday.

Fans and colleagues have flooded social media with messages of support for Nairn, wishing him a swift recovery and expressing hope to see him back in the spotlight soon.

As the new season of Strictly Come Dancing approaches, the show's producers are working diligently to finalize the lineup and ensure an exciting competition for viewers.

For those in Northern Ireland and beyond, Nairn's health and well-being remain a top priority, and the community stands united in support of one of its most beloved figures.