The stage is set once again for one of Britain’s most beloved TV competitions, but not without a dramatic twist just weeks before the new season. On August 21, 2025, fans of Strictly Come Dancing were met with the unexpected news that Kristian Nairn, best known for his role as Hodor in Game of Thrones, has withdrawn from the show due to medical reasons. The BBC swiftly confirmed his replacement: former Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope, who now steps into the glittering spotlight as the latest contestant in the show’s 23rd season.
Nairn’s departure was officially announced across multiple media outlets, including BBC, The Independent, Digital Spy, and The Telegraph. In a heartfelt statement, Nairn expressed his regret at having to leave before the season’s start, which is scheduled for September 20, 2025. “With a heavy heart, I have to step back from this season of Strictly Come Dancing due to unexpected medical reasons,” he said. “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.”
Nairn, who had only just been announced as the final contestant for the 2025 line-up a week prior, called the opportunity “surreal and wonderful.” BBC Studios Executive Producer Sarah James also voiced her disappointment: “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.”
The news left a gap in the cast, but the BBC wasted no time in filling it. During the August 21 episode of The One Show, hosts Roman Kemp and Clara Amfo introduced Lewis Cope as Nairn’s replacement. Cope, who played Nicky Miligan on Emmerdale for two years before leaving the soap in July 2024, shared his excitement: “I was on the way to meet a friend, which was quite lucky as we could celebrate. I got the phone call as I was walking down Oxford Street and it was like ‘right, I’ve got to do it.’ Now, the excitement has just taken over and I’m just all in.”
In an official statement, Cope added, “I’m so excited to be swapping the Dales for the dance floor and joining this year’s Strictly Come Dancing. I’ve always been a fan of the show and cannot wait to get started!” According to Digital Spy, Cope was approached to join the show on August 18, just three days before the announcement, underscoring the fast-paced nature of live television casting.
Cope’s arrival completes a diverse line-up for the 23rd season, which features 15 celebrities from across the entertainment, sports, and social media worlds. Among the contestants are Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis, reality star Vicky Pattison, Love Island winner Dani Dyer, EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal, ER and Doctor Who star Alex Kingston, drag entertainer La Voix, rugby icon Chris Robshaw, football pundit Karen Carney, social media personality George Clarke, former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, presenter Ross King, model Ellie Goldstein, and social media star Thomas Skinner—whose inclusion has sparked some online debate over his outspoken views and political connections.
The show’s judges—Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, and Anton Du Beke—return for another season, as do all the professional dancers from last year. Fans can expect the same high-energy routines, dazzling costumes, and dramatic eliminations that have made Strictly a Saturday night staple. The pre-recorded launch show is set for September 20, with the first live performances airing on September 27 on BBC One. The popular spin-off, Strictly: It Takes Two, will continue on weeknights on BBC Two, and both shows are available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.
The 2025 line-up reflects the show’s ongoing evolution, blending established stars with rising talents from new media. For instance, George Clarke, a YouTuber and podcaster known for his comedic skits and collaborations with the Sidemen, brings a fresh digital audience. Meanwhile, the inclusion of Ellie Goldstein, the first model with Down’s syndrome to appear on the cover of Vogue, signals a commitment to greater representation and diversity.
Each contestant brings their own story and motivation to the ballroom. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, for example, credits his daughters for introducing him to the show, while Chris Robshaw, a former England rugby captain, jokes about swapping his rugby sidestep for the cha-cha-cha. La Voix, a finalist from Drag Race UK, promises “spectacular outfits” and hopes to go “from La Voix into La Danse.” Alex Kingston, inspired by a friend’s recent participation, decided, “I’m in my sixties—just go for it. What have you to lose?”
Yet, the road to the glitterball trophy is never simple. The sudden withdrawal of Nairn—who also has a global following as a DJ—reminds viewers of the unpredictability of live television. Such last-minute changes can shake up the dynamics, but they also add a layer of real-life drama that keeps audiences invested. As Cope steps in, he faces not only the challenge of learning new routines but also the pressure of winning over fans who may have been rooting for Nairn. Cope himself admitted he’s most eager to impress judge Shirley Ballas.
Controversy has also touched this season before it’s even begun. Thomas Skinner, a former The Apprentice contestant and now a social media personality, has drawn criticism for his outspoken political views and recent high-profile meetings, including one with US Vice President JD Vance. Some, like The Independent’s Rachel McGrath, question the BBC’s decision to cast divisive figures, musing whether Strictly can maintain its reputation as a “wholesome Saturday night show that was all about the dancing.”
Despite these bumps, excitement for the new season is running high. From the bright lights of Hollywood with Ross King to the dance floor dreams of Balvinder Sopal and the competitive fire of Karen Carney, the 2025 cast promises a blend of spectacle, diversity, and good old-fashioned British entertainment.
As the curtain rises on another season, all eyes will be on Lewis Cope as he takes his first steps on the dance floor. For fans, the show’s enduring appeal lies in these very moments—when the unexpected happens, and new stars are born under the glitterball’s glow.
