Kristian Nairn exits Strictly Come Dancing 2025 for medical reasons

Kristian Nairn has withdrawn from Strictly Come Dancing 2025, stepping back from the BBC competition just one week into training due to unexpected medical reasons. In a formal statement, the Game of Thrones actor and DJ expressed a heavy heart at having to pull out, apologizing to fans and colleagues and wishing the show’s participants a smooth path ahead. A replacement for Nairn was set to be announced on a major BBC program, with details later confirmed by the network.

Nairn, who gained wide recognition as Hodor on the fantasy series and has since pursued a career as a house and trance DJ, was the final celebrity announced for this year’s lineup. He indicated that the decision comes after mounting health concerns, noting that he was “truly looking forward to the journey” but that medical reasons necessitated his exit. His remarks extended gratitude to supporters and projected a positive recovery, saying he would be “back on my feet very soon, in every sense.”

BBC Studios executive producer Sarah James voiced regret at the departure, underscoring the early promise she had seen in Nairn. She said the team had enjoyed getting to know him and believed he possessed “all the makings...