Kristian Nairn would have revolutionised Strictly – his departure has left me lost

Every year, the Strictly Come Dancing line-up gets the same response: critics predictably scoff at its lack of star power.

And every time, those same critics swiftly get swept up in the magic of Strictly. Its comfort, its joy, and the enduring promise that the journey is enough, no matter who takes it.

Admittedly, this was the first time even I felt underwhelmed. For a show that once claimed it banned reality TV stars, arguably two of its biggest signings this year are Love Island winner Dani Dyer and former Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of both. But for them to be the two most recognisable names on a Strictly line-up feels like a strange change of direction for the BBC’s biggest show.

I was mid-conversation with some equally perplexed Strictly fans when I got the alert that changed everything. Kristian Nairn — aka Hodor from Game of Thrones — was the final star announced for the line-up. And I instantly did a complete U-turn.

Nairn’s addition was completely unexpected. He hadn’t been mentioned in a single round-up of rumours that I could see, yet his casting felt utterly inspired.

Since Hodor’s devastating exit in Game of Thrones, Nairn has rarely been seen on television, but he’s kept himself busy. He’s become a respected DJ, opened a gay bar, and is a wonderfully avant-garde drag queen — the second drag queen on this year’s line-up, when there hadn’t been a single one in Strictly’s 22-year history until last year’s Christmas special.

But yesterday, the actor — who’s over two meters tall — confirmed ‘with a heavy heart’ that he had to drop out of Strictly due to ‘unexpected medical reasons,’ just weeks before he was due to take to the dance floor for the first time.

I was sitting in a conference surrounded by hundreds of people when I saw the news break, and it took every ounce of willpower not to cry out in despair. One of the only contestants who had truly excited me for this series of Strictly Come Dancing was out before it had even begun.

In his place, actor Lewis Cope was announced, best known for roles in Emmerdale, Vera, and Doctors. The news came via The One Show, where Cope walked onto the studio floor visibly and understandably overwhelmed.

In the few minutes he sat on the sofa between two globally renowned actors in James Norton and Brian Cox, he came across as sweet, humble, and suitably excited. Without even seeing his dance moves, I dare say he already shows the personality traits of a winner.

Am I particularly excited about his casting? I can’t say that I am — though, in a month’s time, I may well be voting for him to win.

First impressions suggest he has all the charm of Bobby Brazier, one of Strictly’s greatest success stories in recent years. And if he has the talent to match, he could be a strong contender.

But Cope seems like an odd choice to replace someone as wonderfully different and eccentric as Nairn. The Game of Thrones actor would have brought a unique energy to Strictly — the total surprise of his casting was truly special. 

Usually, I head into Strictly with an open mind. But for the first time, I’m struggling to find anyone else besides Nairn I’m particularly excited about.

Thankfully, there are already history-making moments on the horizon, even if I’ll never get my head around the decision to include former Apprentice candidate and MAGA fan Thomas Skinner. 

La Voix is the first drag queen to compete in the main Strictly series, following Drag Race UK star Tayce’s win in the 2024 Christmas special. I genuinely believe La Voix is the perfect ambassador for the drag community — someone with the potential to open hearts and minds at a time when drag performers are being so needlessly vilified by the right wing.

Meanwhile, Dani Dyer won Love Island in part because her connection with Jack Fincham felt like it was lifted straight from a rom-com. Also, her dad is one of the greatest human beings to walk the planet.

But mostly because she’s such a sincerely pure and hopeful gem, with the warmth to become as beloved as Stacey Solomon — if she plays her cards right.

If I were a more successful betting man, I’d place my money on her becoming the heart of this year’s Strictly — alongside current favourite Ellie Goldstein, a trailblazing model who has graced the cover of Vogue and is the first contestant with Down syndrome to appear on Strictly Come Dancing. The BAFTA for TV Moment of the Year already feels like hers to lose.

Still, without even seeing Nairn take a single step on the dance floor, I know he would have brought something special to Strictly: a gentle giant with so many fascinating strings to his bow. He would have added a new dimension to this year’s series, and we already had so many reasons to root for him.

I’m sure Cope will be great — another jewel in the Strictly crown. But if Nairn had to be the one to drop out of the series early, I only wish he’d been replaced by someone just as unique.

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One next month.

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing Ross.Mccafferty@metro.co.uk. 

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