Kristian Nairn, best known for playing Hodor in Game of Thrones, has pulled out of the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing due to medical reasons, the BBC has confirmed.
The 49-year-old actor and DJ was originally announced as one of 15 celebrities for the 2024 season. In a statement, Nairn said: 'With a heavy heart, I have to step back from this season of Strictly Come Dancing due to unexpected medical reasons. 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.'
The BBC has said a replacement contestant will be drafted in, with the new name set to be revealed on The One Show on Thursday. Strictly’s executive producer Sarah James expressed regret at losing Nairn, saying: 'We’ve absolutely loved getting to know Kristian in this short time, and he has all the makings of a brilliant Strictly Come Dancing contestant.'
Nairn rose to fame as Hodor in the hit HBO series, and also pursued a music career, releasing a house track in 2015. He added: 'Thank you all for your support, and I will be back on my feet very soon, in every sense.'
