Strictly Come Dancing announce final contestant - and it's Game of Thrones icon

Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn has been announced as the fifteenth and final celebrity joining the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. The multi-award-winning entertainment show will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer for its new series next month. It is due to hit screens again on September 13.

On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Kristian Nairn says: "This will be a huge challenge for me physically, but I'm ready to rise to it! It's a surreal and wonderaful opportunity to shed one of my left feet!" Kristian is an internationally renowned actor, DJ and creative force who has spent over two decades at the forefront of music and entertainment. He is best known for his unforgettable portrayal of Hodor in HBO's global phenomenon Game of Thrones, a role that earned him a devoted international following and created one of the most iconic and emotional moments in recent TV history.

Kristian is also known to millions around the world for his role as Wee John Feeney in two series of the HBO comedy Our Flag Means Death.

As one of Ireland's most prolific house DJs, he has played alongside industry icons including Steve Aoki, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Fatboy Slim, and Danny Howard, and has delivered high-energy sets at global superclubs such as Amnesia, Café Mambo, and Hakkasan.

The news was revealed on Vernon Kay's BBC Radio 2 show this morning, guest hosted by Gary Davies.

His announcement followed that of Karen Carney who was also announced on the show.

Kristian and Karen join the already announced stars who will be joining the show next month. Gladiators star Nitro aka Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Love Island star Dani Dyer, Doctor Who and ER legend Alex Kingston, and former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink were the first stars announced.

They were followed by EastEnders icon Balvinder Sopal, YouTuber George Clarke, Drag Queen La Voix, former rugby player Chris Robshaw, model and actor Ellie Goldstein and The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner.

Reality star Vicky Pattison, Neighbours star Stefan Dennis and Lorraine's Hollywood correspondent Ross King round out the list.

Although they have begun rehearsals the celebrities have yet to discover which professional dancer they will be teamed with.