Overview

• Kristian Nairn withdrew from the 2025 series after roughly a week of training, citing unexpected medical reasons in an official statement.
• Nairn later told fans stress and grief had triggered physical symptoms, said he is under treatment, and indicated his doctor expects a recovery in two to three weeks.
• Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope was unveiled on The One Show as Nairn’s replacement and said the programme first contacted him on Monday.
• Cope, known for playing Nicky Milligan, described accepting the late call-up while walking on Oxford Street and said the excitement has taken over.
• Strictly’s executive producer Sarah James praised Nairn and wished him a speedy recovery, as the production continues rehearsals toward the BBC One and iPlayer premiere on 20 September.