The actor and DJ from Northern Ireland has pulled out of the upcoming BBC series for “medical reasons”
The replacement has been announced for Strictly Come Dancing after an actor and DJ from Northern Ireland pulled out for “medical reasons.”
Less than a week ago, Kristian Nairn was announced as the final celebrity to join the upcoming series of the hit BBC show when it returns next month.
On BBC’s The One Show, the Lisburn actor and DJ’s replacement was announced as Emmerdale star Lewis Cope, known for his role as series regular Nicky Milligan, who in an explosive storyline was revealed to be a member of the series’ iconic Tate and Dingle families.
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On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Lewis Cope says: “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!”
In a statement issued on Thursday afternoon, a spokesperson for BBC Strictly Come Dancing said: “Due to medical reasons, actor and DJ Kristian Nairn has sadly withdrawn from the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.”
Sharing his own statement, Kristian said: “With a heavy heart, I have to step back from this season of Strictly Come Dancing due to unexpected medical reasons. 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.”
Lewis was nominated for the Rising Star Award at the 2023 National Television Awards for the role. Away from the Dales, Lewis’ other television work includes roles in Vera, Miss Sidhu Investigates, and Hetty Feather and he previously worked with David Beckham on an advertising campaign.
On stage, Lewis has played the lead role of Leonard Vole in the Olivier-nominated Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution, has toured the UK in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and, at the age of 11, he made his stage debut playing Michael in the West End smash Billy Elliot: The Musical.
Strictly’s full cast of celebrity contestants for its upcoming series will include the likes of Love Island winner Dani Dyer-Bowen, former Apprentice star Tom Skinner and former Chelsea footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this autumn.
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