Kristian Nairn has told how quitting Strictly was a major blow, but hopes he may get another crack at the show. The Game of Thrones star pulled out just one week into rehearsals, blaming difficulties including stress and grief.

Hours after Northern Irish DJ and actor Kristian Nairn revealed he was pulling out of series 23 of Strictly, Lewis Cope has been announced as his replacement.

It has been announced today, Thursday, August 21, that Game of Thrones star, Kristian Nairn, has had to pull out of Strictly Come Dancing 2025 due to 'unexpected medical reasons'.

Strictly Come Dancing may be hit by another fix row as Emmerdale star Lewis Cope's dance past has been revealed after he has stepped in for Kristian Nairn after his exit

Kristian Nairn, best known as Hodor in Game of Thrones, has unexpectedly withdrawn from this year’s Strictly Come Dancing, sharing a candid and vulnerable update about his health.