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.”
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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.”
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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!”
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