A new celebrity has replaced Kristian Nairn on Strictly Come Dancing
Lewis Cope is the latest Strictly Come Dancing celebrity(Image: BBC)Drama has already hit the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing before the series has even begun on BBC One. Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn has pulled out of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing “due to unexpected medical reasons”.
The 49-year-old expressed his disappointment, stating he was “truly looking forward” to participating in the contest. It has now been announced that Lewis Cope is replacing them on the dancing competition. They were announced as the new Strictly contestant on The One Show on Thursday, August 21.
Lewis is best known for his performance in ITV’s Emmerdale as series regular Nicky Milligan, who in an explosive storyline was revealed to be a member of the series’ iconic Tate and Dingle families.
Lewis was nominated for the Rising Star Award at the 2023 National Television Awards for the role.
Away from the Dales, Lewis’ other television work includes roles in Vera, Mrs Sidhu Investigates, and Hetty Feather and he previously worked with David Beckham on an advertising campaign.
On stage, Lewis has played the lead role of Leonard Vole in the Olivier-nominated Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution, has toured the UK in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and, at the age of 11, he made his stage debut playing Michael in the West End smash Billy Elliot: The Musical.
On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Lewis Cope says: “I’m so excited to be swapping the Dales for the dance floor and joining this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
“I’ve always been a fan of the show and cannot wait to get started!”
Lewis will dance on the show alongside previously announced celebrities: Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Dani Dyer, Alex Kingston, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Balvinder Sopal, George Clarke, La Voix, Chris Robshaw, Ellie Goldstein, Thomas Skinner, Vicky Pattison, Stefan Dennis, Ross King and Karen Carney.
Best known for his role as Hodor in Game of Thrones, Kristian now hopes to be back on his feet soon. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter
He had previously acknowledged that taking part in the show would pose a significant physical challenge.
This comes after the actor has been candid about various health problems he has faced over the years.
Nairn revealed that his six-season stint on Game of Thrones resulted in a back issue.
Hodor was frequently seen carrying disabled Bran (Isaac Hempstead Wright) on his back on screen.
Nairn says this led to a pelvic tilt that required half a year of physiotherapy to correct.
Announcing his departure from the show, he stated: “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.”
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.walesonline.co.uk ’
