A withdrawal announcement has been made just days after the line-up for the BBC One show was confirmed
15:22, 21 Aug 2025Updated 15:28, 21 Aug 2025
Strictly Come Dancing is set to return very soon(Image: PA)
Actor and DJ Kristian Nairn has withdrawn from the new series of Strictly Come Dancing, for medical reasons, it has been announced.
The full line-up for the 2025 run of the BBC One dance contest was only announced in full last week with Kristian confirmed to be joined by the likes of Love Island winner Danni Dyer, Gladiator Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal and drag queen La Voix.
With just weeks to go until the series launch, with the pre-recorded opener set to air on the BBC on September 20, it was confirmed on Thursday (August 21) that Kristian would no longer be taking part.
He said in a statement: “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 dance floor. Thank you all for your support, and I will be back on my feet very soon, in every sense. Love to all, Kristian.”Sarah James, Executive Producer, BBC Studios added: “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. We’re incredibly sorry to lose him from this year’s series and we all wish him a speedy recovery.”
Kristian was the last celebrity to be announced for the 2025 series(Image: PA)
The new celebrity joining Strictly Come Dancing will be announced on tonight’s The One Show, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 7pm.
Kristian is best known for his unforgettable portrayal of Hodor in HBO’s global phenomenon Game of Thrones, a role that earned him a devoted international following and created one of the most iconic and emotional moments in recent TV history.
Kristian is also known to millions around the world for his role as Wee John Feeney in two series of the HBO comedy Our Flag Means Death.
As one of Ireland’s most prolific house DJs, he has played alongside industry icons including Steve Aoki, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Fatboy Slim, and Danny Howard, and has delivered high-energy sets at global superclubs such as Amnesia, Café Mambo, and Hakkasan.When he was announced to take part in Strictly 2025, the star said: This will be a huge challenge for me physically, but I’m ready to rise to it! It’s a surreal and wonderful opportunity to shed one of my left feet!”