Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn has pulled out of this year's Strictly Come Dancing, just days after the line-up was announced, saying he's been struggling with "a high level of stress and a little bit of grief". Nairn, 49, is best known for playing Hodor - the guileless servant of House Stark - in HBO's fantasy drama.

"Game of Thrones" actor Kristian Nairn has dropped out as a contestant on "Strictly Come Dancing" due to "unexpected medical reasons."

A ctor and DJ Kristian Nairn – who played Hodor in Game of Thrones – has withdrawn from the new series of Strictly Come Dancing for medical reasons. ‘With a heavy heart, I have to step back from this season of Strictly Come Dancing due to unexpected medical reasons,’ he said.