In the first shock move before the series has even started, Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn has dropped out of Strictly Come Dancing 2025 due to medical reasons. He is being replaced by soap star and actor Lewis Cope.

One of the only contestants who had truly excited me for this series of Strictly Come Dancing was out before it had even begun.

A replacement was soon lined up, with Cope - who played Nicky Miligan on the ITV soap - being confirmed as Nairn's substitute during Thursday's (21 August) episode of The One Show, with the actor soon joining hosts Roman Kemp and Clara Amfo on the sofa.

Strictly Come Dancing may be hit by another fix row as Emmerdale star Lewis Cope's dance past has been revealed after he has stepped in for Kristian Nairn after his exit

Kristian Nairn, best known as Hodor in Game of Thrones, has unexpectedly withdrawn from this year’s Strictly Come Dancing, sharing a candid and vulnerable update about his health.