“Game of Thrones” actor Kristian Nairn has dropped out as a contestant on U.K. competition series “Strictly Come Dancing” due to “unexpected medical reasons.”
Best known for playing the seven-foot House of Stark servant Hodor on the HBO series, Nairn revealed that he would no longer be able to participate in a statement issued on Thursday.
“With a heavy heart, I have to step back from this season of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ due to unexpected medical reasons,” Nairn said, according to BBC News. “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.”
He added: “Thank you all for your support, and I will be back on my feet very soon, in every sense. Love to all, Kristian.”
The 49-year-old actor, who is 6’10”, was the 15th and final contestant revealed for this year’s “Strictly Come Dancing” lineup. Due to his height, Nairn acknowledged when he accepted his spot in the competition that it would be “a huge challenge for me physically, but I’m ready to rise to it.”
Of Nairn’s withdrawal, “Strictly Come Dancing” 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.”
Nairn’s replacement will be revealed on “The One Show” later on Thursday. The new season of “Strictly Come Dancing” is set to premiere on BBC one and iPlayer Sept. 20.
