Kristian Nairn, the actor best known for his role in Game of Thrones, has announced he’s had to withdraw from this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
Explaining the decision, Nairn said: “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.”
**ARE YOU READING THIS ON OUR APP? DOWNLOAD NOW FOR THE BEST GB NEWS EXPERIENCE**
Sarah James, Executive Producer, BBC Studios, added in a separate statement: “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.”
LATEST STRICTLY COME DANCING NEWS:
Thomas Skinner flooded with praise for Narinder Kaur gesture amid ongoing feud over Strictly roleChris Robshaw almost QUIT BBC Strictly over stalking ordeal after facing ‘disgusting threats’Channel 5 Vine star unleashes fresh Thomas Skinner attack as she fumes at BBC Strictly bosses
The BBC has confirmed a new celebrity contestant will be unveiled soon to take Nairn’s place.
Inevitably, Strictly fans flooded the social media announcement confirming Nairn’s withdrawal with their disappointed reactions.
“Oh no!! Sad to read this …fingers crossed for a quick recovery,” one fan wrote, before a second shared a love heart emoji with the message: “Oh no, gutted. Sending love.”
A third echoed: “What a shame, was looking forward to seeing you learn to dance! Hope for a quick recovery.”
“Wishing you a speedy recovery! Wonder who will take the spot,” a fourth weighed in while a fifth said: “Oh no – was really looking forward to seeing him but sending well wishes and hope he can return next year x.” (sic)
Meanwhile, several of his would-be Strictly castmates also took to the Instagram post to share their messages of support.
“You are going to be a big miss petal… wishing you a speedy recovery,” Vicky Pattison penned, while Karen Carney echoed: “Speedy recovery,” along with a pair of love heart emojis. (sic)
Nairn’s departure from the Strictly world comes just days after he was unveiled as a celebrity particpant on Vernon Kay’s BBC Radio 2 show, guest hosted by Gary Davies.
On joining Strictly, Nairn said at the time: “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!”
Nairn is undoubtedly best known to TV fans for his role in Game of Thrones, but his CV also boasts credits in several other big-name projects,
He’ll undoubtedly be recognisable to millions for his portrayal of Wee John Feeney in two series of the HBO comedy Our Flag Means Death.
His work behind the DJ decks has also made him 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.
