Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn has PULLED OUT of Strictly
Due to a medical condition
Last updated 26th Aug 2025
With just weeks to go until the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing, BBC bosses have been busy announcing the line-up, with the likes of Vicky Pattison, Thomas Skinner, Ellie Goldstein Dani Dyer and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.
The 2025 line-up will also see drag queen La Voix take part, as well as influencer George Clark, EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal, and former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink. On Friday 15th August, Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn was unveiled, alongside Ross King and Karen Carney.
Has Kristian Nairn quit Striclty?
However, in an update on Thursday 21st August, the BBC confirmed Kristian had been forced to pull out of the show,
Kristian Nairn said of his departure: “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."
Sarah James, Executive Producer, BBC Studios, added: “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.”
As well as starring in HBO drama Game of Thrones, playing the role of Hodor, Kristian is an internationally renowned actor, DJ and creative force who has spent over two decades at the forefront of music and entertainment.
His portrayal of Hodor earned him a devoted international following and created one of the most iconic and emotional moments in recent TV history.
He also played the role of Wee John Feeney in two series of the HBO comedy Our Flag Means Death.
In the music industry, Kristian has played at some of the biggest superclubs around such as Amnesia, Café Mambo, and Hakkasan, as well as playing alongside Steve Aoki, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Fatboy Slim, and Danny Howard.
Who will replace him?
The new celebrity joining Strictly Come Dancing is Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope. The news was announced on The One Show just hours after Kristian revealed he'd no longer be taking part.
Check out the official Strictly 2025 line-up so far:
Nitro (Harry Aikines-Aryeetey)
Best known for: Gladiator and Team GB sprinter
Harry said: "After the Christmas Special, it was so nice I just had to do it twice! I'm so excited to be part of the Strictly family this series and I'm ready to give it all I've got. I'll be bringing tons of energy to light up the dance floor. Let's hope I'm as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track."
Alex Kingston
Best known for: Actress
Alex said: "Aaaaagghhh!!!!!!"
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Best known for: Former footballer
Jimmy said: "Swapping the pitch for the ballroom is certainly not something I've done before but I'm looking forward to tackling a fun challenge! Bring on a new type of footwork, with hopefully no own goals."
Balvinder Sopal
Best known for: EastEnders star
Balvinder said: "Being on Strictly is a dream that I held on to, with no proof that it would ever happen. Working on EastEnders and being a part of Strictly Come Dancing is the stuff that dreams are made of. I'm far too excited to put into words how I feel but I'm incredibly excited at the prospect of dancing across the ballroom!"
George Clark
Best known for: YouTuber, podcaster and social media
George said: "Never thought I'd say this… but I'm doing Strictly! Honestly, I've got no idea what I'm doing but I'm excited to get stuck in... and potentially fall over a fair bit."
La Voix
Best known for: Drag Queen
La Voix said: "I've performed for royalty, RuPaul and Simon Cowell, but nothing fills me with more excitement (and quite a bit of terror) than the thought of dancing in front of millions on live Saturday night TV. Strictly is a national institution and I can't wait to get started. All that's left to say is: good luck to my partner! Here's hoping they can help me go from La Voix into La Danse."
Chris Robshaw
Best known for: Former England Rugby player
Chris said: "This is about as far out of my comfort zone as it gets! I'm hoping to take my dad dancing to a whole new level, and my mum can't wait to drag me along to her Zumba class. Let's see if a rugby sidestep works in the Cha Cha Cha."
Ellie Goldstein
Best known for: Model and Influencer
Ellie said: "I'm absolutely over the moon to be joining the cast and pros of Strictly Come Dancing this year. It's a show I've loved watching for so long, and the chance to now be part of it feels like a dream. I know it's going to be challenging, but I'm ready to do it with the glitter and glamour and make some magic on that dancefloor. Let the Strictly journey begin!"
Thomas Skinner
Best known for: TV personality, social media star and businessman
Thomas said: "I'm beyond excited to be joining Strictly Come Dancing. I've tackled the boardroom and some big breakfasts in my time but stepping onto the dance floor under that glitter ball is next level stuff! I've never danced in my life (other than at weddings) but I'm ready to graft and of course have a laugh. Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!"
Vicky Pattison
Best known for: TV personality and reality star
Vicky said: "'I'm absolutely buzzing to be part of this year's Strictly Come Dancing lineup... but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't terrified. I am a not a natural dancer! However, it's such an amazing opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone and to challenge myself in a completely new way and I just really hope I don't make too much of a fool of myself!"
Stefan Dennis
Best known for: Neighbours actor
Stefan said: "This is an opportunity for me to once again learn to step out of my comfort zone in the world of television. Looking forward to the sparkle and reaching for the sky."
Ross King
Best known for: Presenter, actor and writer
Ross said: "From the bright lights of Hollywood to the glittering ballroom - it's a dream come true to be part of such an iconic show. I can't wait to learn from the best, meet my fellow contestants, and, most importantly… try not to step on too many toes! Let's give this the best that I can! As my mum always said: "You'll never know till you give it a go!"
Karen Carney
Best known for: Former footballer and TV pundit
Karen said: "It really is a dream come true to be a part of this year's Strictly Come Dancing line up. I'm such a huge fan of the show and I can't believe I'm finally getting the chance to take part. I'm so excited to meet everyone and get dancing!"
Lewis Cope
Best known for: Emmerdale actor
Lewis said: "I'm so excited to be swapping the Dales for the dance floor and joining this year's Strictly Come Dancing. I've always been a fan of the show and cannot wait to get started!"
Amber Davies
Best known for: West End star and former Love Island winner
Amber said: "This has been the craziest 24 hours of my life. I've watched Strictly with my family since I was younger and to now be part of the show is a dream come true. I'm going to give it my all and I am sending Dani well wishes for a speedy recovery. I hope I do her proud."
Dani Dyer: FORCED TO WITHDRAW
Best known for: Love Island and reality star
Dani said: "Getting the opportunity to be on Strictly is the second most amazing thing I've done this year! I feel very very blessed and cannot wait to get my dancing shoes on."
Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One in September.
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