Strictly's Kristian Nairn Exits This Year for Medical Reasons; Replacement Announced Tonight

Actor and DJ Kristian Nairn has withdrawn from the new series of Strictly Come Dancing, for medical reasons.

Kristian Nairn says: ‘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.’

‘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.’

Actor and DJ Kristian Nairn has withdrawn from the new series of Strictly Come Dancing, for medical reasons

Kristian is best known for playing Hodor in the fantasy series Game of Thrones and at 6ft10 he confessed he’s worried about how his height will impact him on the dancefloor.

He explained: ‘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!’

The new celebrity joining Strictly Come Dancing will be announced on tonight’s The One Show, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 7pm.

STRICTLY LINEUP 2025

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey

Age: 36

Profession: Olympic Sprinter and Gladiator

Harry says: ‘I’ll be bringing tons of energy to light up the dance floor. Let’s hope I’m as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track.’

Alex Kingston

Age: 62

Profession: Doctor Who actress

The actress teases: ‘My hips don’t lie’

Balvinder Sopal

Age: 46

Profession: EastEnders actress

Balvinder says: ‘I’m far too excited to put into words how I feel but I’m incredibly excited at the prospect of dancing across the ballroom.’

La Voix

Age: 45

Profession: Drag performer

She says: ‘Strictly is a national institution and I can’t wait to get started. All that’s left to say is: good luck to my partner! Here’s hoping they can help me go from La Voix into La Danse.’

Thomas Skinner

Age: 34

Profession: Reality star and entrepreneur

He says: ‘Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!’

Vicky Pattison

Age: 37

Profession: Reality TV star

She says: ‘I’m absolutely buzzing to be part of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up… but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t terrified’

Karen Carney

Age: 38

Profession: Football pundit

She says: ‘I’m such a huge fan of the show and I can’t believe I’m finally getting the chance to take part.’

Dani Dyer

Age: 29

Profession: Reality star, 2018 Love Island winner

Dani says: ‘Getting the opportunity to be on Strictly is the second most amazing thing I’ve done this year! feel very very blessed and cannot wait to get my dancing shoes on.’

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink

Age: 53

Profession: Former Chelsea and Netherlands striker and ex-England coach.

He says: ‘Swapping the pitch for the ballroom is certainly not something I’ve done before but I’m looking forward to tackling a fun challenge! Bring on a new type of footwork, with hopefully no own goals.’

Ellie Goldstein

Age: 23

Profession: Model, influencer and disability ambassador

She says: ‘It’s a show I’ve loved watching for so long, and the chance to now be part of it feels like a dream’.

Chris Robshaw

Age: 39

Profession: Rugby player

He says: ‘This is about as far out of my comfort zone as it gets! I’m hoping to take my dad dancing to a whole new level, and my mum can’t wait to drag me along to her Zumba class’.