TV presenter and architect George Clarke has bravely opened up about the emotional challenges he faced during his time on Strictly Come Dancing, revealing the heartbreaking loss of his uncle during rehearsals.
The 49-year-old star, known for Amazing Spaces, joined the BBC dance competition in 2023 but found himself grappling with grief while trying to master complex routines. "It was one of the toughest periods of my life," Clarke admitted. "My uncle passed away during training, and trying to put on a brave face for the show while mourning was incredibly difficult."
The Emotional Toll of Performance Pressure
Clarke described how the intense schedule of Strictly left little room for processing his grief: "You're exhausted physically from the training, then emotionally you're completely drained. There were days I just wanted to hide under the duvet."
The presenter, who was partnered with professional dancer Dianne Buswell, revealed that the experience took a significant toll on his mental health: "I've always been someone who copes well under pressure, but this was different. The combination of grief, fatigue and performance anxiety created a perfect storm."
A Supportive Strictly Family
Despite the challenges, Clarke praised his fellow contestants and the Strictly production team for their support: "The other celebrities and pros were amazing. When you're going through something like that, having that family around you makes all the difference."
He particularly credited his dance partner Dianne for her understanding: "She knew when to push me and when to give me space. That kind of emotional intelligence is priceless."
Speaking Out to Help Others
By sharing his story, Clarke hopes to encourage others facing similar challenges: "Mental health doesn't take time off because you're on TV. If my experience helps someone else feel less alone, then it's worth being open about it."
The presenter has since returned to his architecture shows but says the Strictly experience changed him: "It taught me about resilience, but also about being kinder to myself. Sometimes just getting through the day is enough."
