In a startlingly candid revelation, Kristian Nairn, beloved for his roles on Strictly Come Dancing and as the gentle giant Hodor in Game of Thrones, has laid bare his tumultuous history with drug abuse in his new memoir.
The 47-year-old star confesses to a period of intense cocaine use that spiralled out of control, describing his former self as a 'monster' completely consumed by addiction.
A Descent Into Darkness
Nairn's memoir paints a vivid picture of a life overshadowed by substance abuse. He details how his cocaine habit escalated to a point where he was using the drug 'every day, all day,' funding his addiction through his work as a DJ in Belfast's vibrant nightlife scene.
He reveals the devastating personal cost, admitting his addiction made him a 'selfish, self-obsessed, horrible person' who was deeply unpleasant to be around, ultimately acknowledging he was 'not a good guy' during this chapter of his life.
The Turning Point and Road to Recovery
The path to sobriety began with a moment of clarity. Nairn credits his mother with a pivotal intervention, confronting him about his destructive lifestyle. This painful honesty became the catalyst for change.
He made the life-altering decision to quit cocaine 'cold turkey,' a gruelling process he undertook alone. His journey to recovery was solidified by a complete break from the environment that enabled his addiction, leaving Belfast behind for a fresh start.
Life After Addiction: From Hodor to the Strictly Ballroom
Nairn's sobriety opened the door to incredible opportunities that would have been unimaginable during his addiction. His newfound clarity and health allowed him to land his iconic role as Hodor in the global phenomenon Game of Thrones.
Years later, his journey culminated in a triumphant appearance on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in 2021, where he won the hearts of the nation with his charm and dedication, a world away from the man he once described himself to be.
His story stands as a powerful testament to the possibility of redemption and rebuilding a life from the depths of addiction.
