A replacement was soon lined up, with Cope - who played Nicky Miligan on the ITV soap - being confirmed as Nairn's substitute during Thursday's (21 August) episode of The One Show, with the actor soon joining hosts Roman Kemp and Clara Amfo on the sofa.

Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn has pulled out of this year's Strictly Come Dancing "due to unexpected medical reasons", just days after the line-up was announced. Nairn, 49, is best known for playing Hodor – the guileless servant of House Stark - in HBO's fantasy drama.

The final Strictly contestant for 2025 has been announced, giving the show a line-up that is the usual mix of actors, musicians, athletes, presenters and reality TV and social media stars.

EMMERDALE hunk Lewis Cope has been confirmed as the new contestant for Strictly Come Dancing 2025 – being drafted in at the last minute. The star was announced on The One Show tonight, making an

Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special winner has revealed the real reason why she hasn't been invited to join the main 2025 series line-up

"Game of Thrones" actor Kristian Nairn has dropped out as a contestant on "Strictly Come Dancing" due to "unexpected medical reasons."

The launch date for the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing has been announced – and fans don’t have much longer left to wait for its return. This year’s series will kick off on Saturday 20 September with the BBC dance competition ’s usual pre- recorded launch programme.

Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn has been forced to withdraw from Strictly Come Dancing before the BBC dance show has even got underway. Nairn, who played Hodor in HBO’s fantasy franchise, has had to quit the UK’s version of Dancing With The Stars for medical reasons.

Actor and DJ Kristian Nairn has withdrawn from the new series of Strictly Come Dancing, for medical reasons.

Dianne Buswell has addressed her future on Strictly Come Dancing amid uncertainly over her partner in the next series

Strictly stars Molly Rainford and Tyler West are engaged three years after meeting on the show. In a wholesome two-step away from the so-called “ Strictly curse”, EastEnders actor Rainford and Kiss FM DJ West found love after competing as contestants on the BBC dancing competition in 2022.