BBC Strictly Come Dancing star Kristian Nairn quits ahead of live shows due to health issue

The Game of Thrones actor and DJ has been forced to pull out of BBC Strictly as he shared a sad update

Strictly Come Dancing contestant Kristian Nairn has withdrawn from the BBC One competition just a week into rehearsals, citing health concerns as the reason for his departure.

In an official statement, he said he was sad to leave as he added: "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."

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

BBC Studios' Executive Producer Sarah James also commented on the situation: "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."

The actor, famed for his portrayal of Hodor in Game of Thrones from 2011-2016, had only recently been unveiled as the final celebrity to join this year's Strictly line-up.

Last Friday, he shared his enthusiasm: "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."

Kristian, 49, has also appeared in Ripper Street, The Rookie and Our Flag Means Death. Beyond acting, he's a progressive house and trance DJ, previously holding a residency at the Kremlin, a gay club in Belfast, as reports the Mirror.

Rehearsals for the BBC One show are currently in progress, with the 2025 cast spotted arriving at a London studio. This year's line-up includes model and disability advocate Ellie Goldstein, former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Drag Race UK's La Voix, ex-Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison and Thomas Skinner from The Apprentice.

Joining them will be Gladiators' Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Love Island champion Dani Dyer, Doctor Who's Alex Kingston, EastEnders' Balvinder Sopal, TikTok sensation George Clarke, retired rugby player Chris Robshaw, Neighbours icon Stefan Dennis, ITV entertainment reporter Ross King and footballer Karen Carney.