Strictly Come Dancing 2025: Lewis Cope replaces Kristian Nairn

Kristian Nairn has withdrawn from Strictly Come Dancing for medical reasons, prompting the BBC to draft in Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope as a last‑minute replacement for the 2025 lineup. The news comes as the show gears up for its autumn return, with launch week scheduled for September and the first live performances to follow.

Nairn, best known for his work on Game of Thrones, delivered the withdrawal in a statement saying he was stepping back “due to unexpected medical reasons.” He added that he was “truly looking forward to the journey” and offered apologies to fans who had been looking forward to seeing him on the dance floor, promising he would “be back on my feet very soon, in every sense.” The BBC acknowledged his withdrawal with a message of support, noting that producers were disappointed to lose him but wished him a speedy recovery and confirming that a replacement would be announced.

The replacement arrived shortly after, with Lewis Cope revealed as the final contestant for the series. Cope, who plays Nicky Miligan on Emmerdale, confirmed on The One Show that he had been contacted on Monday to join the show and that the news had come as a surprise in a positive way. “Im...