Kristian Nairn, the actor who made Hodor a household name on "Game of Thrones", was ready to swap fantasy for the foxtrot. Fans were hyped when the 7-foot-tall star joined the 2025 cast of "Strictly Come Dancing" on August 16. But by August 21, just five days later, he was out.
In an emotional Instagram post, the 49-year-old DJ explained why he had to leave. The reason? A serious health warning, tied to stress and grief, that took a physical toll. He said his vital signs spiked, and even though he passed a medical check two weeks earlier, his doctor told him to step back for his safety.
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Following the withdrawal, the support rolled in fast. The BBC backed him. Executive producer Sarah James wished him well and said the whole "Strictly" team was behind him. Fans responded with love and encouragement, glad he chose health over pressure.
On the same day Kristian Nairn exited, the show filled his spot. Actor Lewis Cope, known for playing Nicky Milligan in "Emmerdale", was announced as the replacement. The news dropped during "The One Show", keeping the momentum going for the upcoming season.
Kristian / IG / Kristian Nairn had called joining "Strictly" a "huge challenge" and seemed all-in. It was supposed to be fun, fresh, and full of sparkle. But behind the scenes, things weren’t right.
Cope seemed pumped. He said he was excited to join and ready to take on the challenge. It is a big gig, and he is stepping in at the last minute, but the energy is there. He is not trying to copy anyone; he is just bringing his own style to the dance floor.
"Strictly Come Dancing," produced by BBC Studios Entertainment, will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this autumn. The show's team includes executive producer Sarah James, commissioning editor Jo Wallace, and series editors Nicola Fitzgerald and Jack Gledhill.
Kristian Nairn may be off the dance floor, but he is not out of the spotlight. The actor, DJ, and creative powerhouse has been a major force in entertainment for over 20 years. Most people still picture him holding that door as Hodor in "Game of Thrones", one of the show’s most gut-wrenching moments.
Kristian / IG / Kristian Nairn’s not just Hodor. He also played Wee John Feeney in the HBO comedy "Our Flag Means Death". And when he is not acting, he is behind the decks.
As one of Ireland’s top house DJs, he has played massive clubs and festivals around the world, sharing stages with legends like Steve Aoki and Fatboy Slim.
He wants people to take mental health seriously. That is the real message here. It is not just about dropping out of a TV show. It is about knowing when to hit pause, when to take care of yourself, and when to ask for help. Kristian Nairn didn’t try to tough it out. He did the smart thing.
However, it is not often we see celebrities open up like that, especially right after being cast in a major show. His honesty stood out. No fluff. No hiding. Just the truth, said clearly and calmly to his fans.