Kristian Nairn, best known for playing Hodor in Game of Thrones, has withdrawn from this year's Strictly Come Dancing because of unexpected medical reasons. The 49-year-old actor expressed his disappointment, saying he was “truly looking forward” to taking part in the contest.
Nairn, who had previously acknowledged that the show would pose a significant physical challenge, now hopes to be back on his feet soon. His decision comes after years of health struggles, including a back problem he attributes to his six-season stint on Game of Thrones. Carrying co-star Isaac Hempstead Wright on his back led to a pelvic tilt that required half a year of physiotherapy to correct.
In candid interviews, Nairn has also spoken about his past drug use. He admitted to being hooked on cocaine and later accidentally trying ketamine, which he said nearly killed him. He described lying in bed with his heart pounding and gasping for breath before losing consciousness for hours.
His departure from Strictly means BBC chiefs will reveal his replacement on The One Show this evening. In a statement, Nairn apologised to fans, saying: “With a heavy heart, I have to step back from this season of Strictly Come Dancing due to unexpected medical reasons.” He added that he would be “back on my feet very soon, in every sense.”
