One of this year’s celebrity contestants has withdrawn from Strictly Come Dancing just weeks before the opening show

Kristian Nairn has withdrawn from this year’s Strictly Come Dancing (Image: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing has been thrown into chaos as Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn has withdrawn from the upcoming series citing medical reasons. The news comes just days after he was announced as part of the line up.. The 49-year-old actor and DJ, who had previously been pictured smiling as he arrived at rehearsals for the show, expressed his regret at quitting the BBC show, saying he had been “looking forward to the journey”.

“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,” he wrote in a statement. He is best known for his unforgettable portrayal of Hodor in HBO’s global phenomenon Game of Thrones, a role that earned him a devoted international following and created one of the most iconic and emotional moments in recent TV history.

Speaking for BBC Studios, Executive Producer Sarah James said: “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.”

While his medical condition hasn’t been disclosed, Kristian had admitted the show was going to prove a physical challenge for him.

“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!” he said following his announcement.

The star is set to be replaced on the programme with a new celebrity, whose identity will be revealed on The One Show this evening.

Kristian had previously been seen smiling arriving at Strictly Come Dancing rehersals (Image: James Curley)

The new addition will join the already announced stars who will be joining the show next month. Gladiators star Nitro, aka Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Love Island star Dani Dyer, Doctor Who and ER legend Alex Kingston, and former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink were the first stars announced.

They were followed by EastEnders icon Balvinder Sopal, YouTuber George Clarke, Drag Queen La Voix, former rugby player Chris Robshaw, model and actor Ellie Goldstein and The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner.

Reality star Vicky Pattison, Neighbours star Stefan Dennis, Lorraine’s Hollywood correspondent Ross King and footballer turned pundit Karen Carney round out the list.

The celebrities have begun their training for the show, but are yet to be paired with their professional partners.