Game of Thrones actor and DJ Kristian Nairn has quit BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, weeks before live shows are due to start.
The BBC confirmed earlier today (21 August) Nairn would no longer be taking part in this year's competition due to medical reasons.
Speaking about the news to the BBC, 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."
Kristian has since shared a video talking more in depth about his exit from the show, revealing the impact grief was having on him, and the physical manifestation it had on his health.
Speaking to camera in a video post shared on his Instagram he said:
"Hey guys, I hope you’re doing well. Firstly sorry to be reading this, it’s a bit like a wedding speech I guess. But anyway firstly to anyone who has just followed me in the last couple of weeks - hello! Hope you’re well. So I’m not going to beat around the bush with this. This is real talk I’m not doing the PR thing I hate that. I always try to be pretty honest and real with you guys and hopefully anybody who has been around here for a while will attest to that.
"So I’ve been given a wonderful opportunity to become part of the Strictly Come Dancing family as you may know but sadly I’m having to withdraw from this year’s show. There’s been such a response and I definitely want to share why.
"Like so many people at the minute I’ve been dealing with a high level of stress and a little bit of grief if I’m going to be really real. I’ve always been my mother’s son and I’ve always powered through things like this in the past.
"At any other time in my life, actually, honestly, I think I've got a pretty healthy attitude towards stuff like this, I thought I did at least. But for the first time, it's manifested physically and has cause a spike in my vitals. It's sort of an area of concern, like, I'm a big guy. Always have been, ever since I set foot on this Earth. So I take my health very seriously, and I do see my doctor all the time, and I was checked for the show, like two weeks before, and everything was fine. Everything was fine. So he was happy for me to take part.
"Please know, yeah, I'm okay. I'm under treatment already, and my doctor isn't concerned. After two, maybe three weeks, I'll be pretty much back to normal, but sadly, it's not the time.
"It's not going to be in time for all the training and everything like that. And I also don't want to them, and you and the other contestants hanging. That's not really fair, and I'm gutted to say the least. I was really looking forward to taking part in this.
"The guys in the show, honestly, I'm not gonna lie, they've been completely understanding, and I've honestly felt 100 per cent supported, so I'm really grateful for that. So let's see what happens when I get sorted. I'm going to be taking it easy for now, and I'll be able to return to work very shortly.
"I was so excited for this, but not only for myself, but for the people, the amazing people from my home of Northern Ireland. It's always been my honour to in some way, and my weird way to just to be, just to show that I'm from Northern Ireland. I'm very proud, and I'm sorry if I let you down in any way, but I'll continue to do my best.
"We live in strange, crazy times at the moment. So you know, without being preachy, please look after yourself. Don't ignore what's going on inside your head. This is something I haven't dealt with before, so this is really coming back as a surprise for me.
"To my fellow contestants, although it was brief, I really enjoyed meeting you. It's a really great bunch of people. And yeah, I'm looking forward to watching and seeing how well you all do.
"Who knows what the future holds? I'm totally still here, creating, creating in my own haphazard way, and just trying to be better than ever. And don't worry, guys. I know that people have known me for years. Honestly, don't worry. I totally got this. I love you all truly. I really do. And thank you for being part of my journey. Thank you for all the support you've always shown me and the new people as well. I really appreciate it. And lastly, just enjoy the show. And yeah, thank you for all the support that's been really it's been really great."
Nairn was one of the final contestants announced for this year's series, and would have been joining a lineup that includes Alex Kingston, Dani Dyer and Vicky Pattison.
Sarah James, Executive Producer at BBC Studios said of Kristian's exit: “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.”
Kristian is best known for his role in Game of Thrones as Hodor and in HBO's Our Flag Means Death as Wee John Feeney.
Kristian's replacement is expected to be announced later today at 7pm on BBC's The One Show.
