Kristian Nairn, best known for playing Hodor in Game of Thrones, has withdrawn from the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing due to medical reasons, the BBC has announced. The 49-year-old actor and DJ was initially named among the 15 celebrity contestants, and a replacement will now be drafted in.
“With a heavy heart, I have to step back from this season of Strictly Come Dancing due to unexpected medical reasons,” Nairn said. “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 dancefloor. Thank you all for your support, and I will be back on my feet very soon, in every sense.”
Nairn rose to fame for his role as the gentle giant Hodor, whose single line of dialogue became a cultural phenomenon. He once noted the paradox of being asked about his catchphrase: “10 times more people ask me if I’m sick of being asked to say Hodor than actually ask me to say Hodor.”
Outside acting, Nairn released a house track in 2015 titled Up (Club Mix) and embarked on a three-month tour across the US and UK. Sarah James, executive producer of Strictly at BBC Studios, said: “We’ve absolutely loved getting to know Kristian… We’re incredibly sorry to lose him from this year’s series and we all wish him a speedy recovery.” The new celebrity joining the show is expected to be announced on The One Show.
