Kristian Nairn has withdrawn from this year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing – just weeks before the show kicks off.

The Game of Thrones actor, 49, has pulled out of the BBC show on medical grounds, both he and Strictly bosses have confirmed.

It was only announced last week that Kristian was one of the 15 celebrities taking to the ballroom for the 2025 series.

But in a statement today, 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.”

Strictly Come Dancing: Kristian quits

Kristian Nairn 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.

Kristian also portrayed Wee John Feeney on the HBO Max series Our Flag Means Death, and he is a professional music DJ. He was previously the resident DJ of Kremlin, a gay club in Belfast.

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 year’’ series and we all wish him a speedy recovery.”

Strictly 2025: The complete line-up

Last week, the BBC confirmed 15 celebrities for Strictly Come Dancing 2025. The final three names were announced on Friday morning – and they included Kristian’s.

TV showbiz journalist Ross King was revealed first on ITV’s Lorraine. Karen and Kristian’s announcements followed very quickly after on Radio 2.

On Thursday, Apprentice star Thomas Skinner was confirmed for Strictly during the Breakfast Show on Hits Radio. Reality star Vicky Pattison was then unveiled during ITV’s This Morning, before Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis also made his appearance on the show to confirm his signing.

Gladiator Nitro – real name Harry Aikines-Aryeete – was the first celebrity for Strictly 2025 to be announced. The professional athlete was followed by ER and Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston, Love Islander Dani Dyer and retired football Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

EastEnders’ Balvinder Sopal was also been confirmed for the 2025 series. Balvinder joins social media influencer George Clarke. Drag Race UK’s La Voix and rugby legend Chris Robshaw were next to be announced. The BBC then confirmed model and actress Ellie Goldstein for the line-up.

Judges and pro dancers

All of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing pro dancers have already been confirmed by the BBC. They include the usual Strictly favourites, including Aljaz Skorjanec, Amy Dowden, Vito Coppola and Johannes Radebe.

There are also two new pros joining the dancing line-up in 2025. They are Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon. American dancer Alexis has already appeared on So You Think You Can Dance? and Dancing With The Stars. Julian, from Australia, has appeared on the show’s counterparts Down Under, too.

Last week, Gorka Marquez announced he will miss a big chunk of this year’s series. Gorka will also be without a celebrity partner for 2025.

The dancer has a clash of schedules after being given a job on the Spanish version of Strictly, called Bailando Con Las Estrella. It means he will only be able to pre-record the group dances for Strictly UK and then bow out until later in the series.

The judging panel is remaining the same for 2025. Shirley Ballas will be back as Head Judge, sitting alongside Anton Du Beke, Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse.

When does Strictly 2025 start?

BBC Breakfast confirmed last week that this year’s Strictly Come Dancing will start on Saturday September 20. Last year’s pre-recorded launch show aired six days earlier on September 14, with the first live show following the week after.

This year’s series will air every Saturday in the run up to Christmas. The dreaded results show airs on a Sunday night. The 2024 finale aired on December 14. Last year, Chris McCausland and his professional partner Dianne Buswell scooped the Glitterball Trophy.

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