Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn has spoken candidly about the 'brutal' reality of training for Strictly Come Dancing and the serious health scare that led to his sudden withdrawal from the 2024 series.
The star, best known for his role as the gentle giant Hodor in the hit HBO series, was forced to pull out of the BBC competition just weeks before the launch show. In an exclusive statement, Nairn described the immense physical pressure of the show's notorious training regime.
'The training is brutal, I'm not going to lie,' Nairn revealed. 'It's a whole different level of physical exertion. I have a newfound respect for every single person who has ever taken part.'
A Frightening Turn of Events
The situation took a serious turn when Nairn began experiencing alarming health symptoms. 'My body just started shutting down,' he explained. 'I was getting numbness in my limbs and face, and my speech started to go. It was terrifying, to be honest.'
This medical emergency forced the production team and Nairn himself to make the difficult decision to withdraw from the competition. His priority shifted immediately from mastering the Cha-Cha-Cha to safeguarding his health.
An Outpouring of Support
Nairn expressed his profound disappointment at having to leave the show but was overwhelmed by the support from the Strictly team, his professional partner, and fans. He confirmed he is now on the mend but requires further medical investigation to determine the root cause of the episode.
The actor's departure has sent shockwaves through the Strictly community, with many praising his honesty about the immense physical and mental challenges the show presents. His replacement for the upcoming series has yet to be announced by the BBC.
