Kristian Nairn, known for his role as Hodor in Game of Thrones, has expressed deep disappointment over having to withdraw from this year’s Strictly Come Dancing due to health concerns.
The 49-year-old actor shared the news on Instagram on Thursday, explaining the reasons behind his decision to not participate in Strictly this season.
Nairn opened up about his current struggles, stating, “Like so many others right now, I am facing a lot of stress and some personal loss, which I need to be honest about,” he shared. “Being my mother’s son, I’ve typically pushed through such challenges. I believed I had a robust approach to dealing with life’s difficulties—apparently more than I actually did.”
“For the first time, my stress has led to physical symptoms, raising concerns about my vital signs,” he continued. “Given my stature—I’ve been a big guy all my life—I’ve always prioritized my health. I have regular check-ups, and just two weeks before the casting announcement, my doctor gave me the green light for the show.”
Nairn reassured his fans, “Please know I’m okay. I’m already receiving treatment, and my doctor isn’t overly worried. In two or three weeks, I should be back to my usual self, but unfortunately, that won’t be soon enough for the extensive training required for the show.”
Despite his enthusiasm for participating in the competition, Nairn admitted, “I’m devastated. I was truly looking forward to being part of this.” He also mentioned that the Strictly production team and producers have given him their complete support during this time.
“I’ll be taking it easy for the time being and expect to return to work soon,” Nairn added in his Instagram video. “These are bizarre and tumultuous times. So, without sounding preachy, take care of yourselves and pay attention to your mental health.”
Reflecting on his unexpected health issue, he said, “This is a new experience for me, and quite a shock. I always thought I was in control,” reassuring his audience, “but don’t worry, I’ve totally got this under control.”
In a statement to the BBC, Strictly executive producer Sarah James expressed regret over Nairn’s exit, saying, “We’ve absolutely loved getting to know Kristian in this short time, and he would have been a fabulous contestant on Strictly Come Dancing. We are very sorry to see him go and wish him a quick recovery.”
Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope will be stepping in to replace Nairn. Excited about the new opportunity, Cope stated, “I’m so excited to be swapping the Dales for the dance floor and joining this year’s Strictly Come Dancing. I’ve always been a fan of the show and can’t wait to get started!”
Hi, I’m Emily, a passionate and dedicated member of the Sherburne County Citizen team. With a keen eye for detail and a love for writing, I ensure that the latest celebrity news, major economic trends, and helpful tips for your home are presented in the most engaging and informative way possible. Fun fact: During a particularly exciting news story, I once managed to finish an article in record time, fueled solely by copious amounts of coffee and pure adrenaline!
