Game over for Strictly Kristian

Blow for actor as he quits over his training struggles

- BY JANINE YAQOOB and MARK JEFFERIES

KRISTIAN Nairn has told how quitting Strictly was a major blow, but hopes he may get another crack at the show.

The Game of Thrones star pulled out just one week into rehearsals, blaming difficulties including stress and grief.

He will be replaced by Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope as bosses scrambled around to find a last-minute stand-in.

BBC sources claimed Kristian had struggled from the outset and “wasn't up to competing”.

Northern Irishman Kristian revealed he had quit in an emotional Instagram video. The 49-year-old said: “Like so many people at the minute, I have been dealing with a high level of stress and a little bit of grief, if I'm going to be real.

“I've always been my mother's son and I have always powered through things like this in the past and any other time of my life.

“Honestly, I think I've got a pretty healthy attitude towards stuff like this.

“I thought I did, at least. For the first time it’s manifested physically and it's caused a spike in my vitals. It's entered an area of concern. I'm a big guy. Always have been, ever since I stepped foot on this earth.

“So I take my health very seriously and I do see my doctor all the time. I was checked for the show two weeks before and everything was fine. So he was happy for me to take part.

“Please note, I'm OK. I'm under treatment already and my doctor isn't concerned. And after two to three weeks I'll be pretty much back to normal.

“But sadly, I don't have time for the show now, for all the training and everything like that.