Strictly Come Dancing contestant George Clarke is navigating an emotional rollercoaster, opening up about the intense pressure of the competition while his mother bravely faces a cancer diagnosis.
Feeling the Pressure on the Dance Floor
The 25-year-old YouTuber admits he is "going a bit mental" as weekly rehearsals for the hit BBC show become increasingly demanding. Despite the stress, he confesses to relishing his role as part of one of the show's most popular pairings.
George and his professional dance partner, Alexis Warr, 25, recently performed a quickstep to Frank Sinatra's I Get a Kick Out of You, hoping to surpass their impressive score of 39 out of 40 from the Blackpool special.
Alexis believes the key to managing the pressure is straightforward, stating, "We need him to eat breakfast and get proper sleep." George, however, is feeling his body adapt, saying hopefully, "I think I’m getting fitter. There is pressure now. It’s nice to dream, but we try to focus on each week."
A New Fanbase and Family Support
George's charming performances have won him a legion of new fans, including the famous Strictly mums. He recounted a funny encounter with Sue, a regular vlogger outside Elstree Studios, who once needed help taking a photo. His most loyal supporter, however, is his nan. "She’s been amazing," George shared. "She doesn’t normally vote, but she’s been using all five votes on me every week."
The partnership between George and Alexis was instantly successful. Alexis recalls knowing it would be fun, praising George as "funny, witty, smart and proper." Backstage, George is known as the "cheerleader of the group," a role Alexis describes as "so cute." For George, the most difficult moment is the results show, as he hates to see anyone leave after their hard work.
An Emotional Journey for His Mum
The most poignant part of George's Strictly experience is dedicating his journey to his mum, Nicky, who was recently diagnosed with cancer. In an emotional VT broadcast on the show, George revealed the news, adding that this wasn't her first major health battle.
He recalled a traumatic event from when he was 16, when his father discovered his mother having a seizure. She was subsequently diagnosed with a brain inflammation called encephalitis. "Nobody deserves what she has gone through, but least of all her," George said emotionally. "It feels like it's taking up so much of her life now."
Despite her own struggles, his mum's focus remains on him. "She’s class," George said. "She just asks: ‘Are you eating enough? How’s your dance this week?’ It just shows the sort of person she is." He described her as "the most selfless person I've ever met," revealing that after her hospitalisation, she apologised for what she had put the family through.
Nicky was in the audience with George's father, Shaun, to watch his performance. After the dance, the judges thanked George for his openness, with Judge Motsi Mabuse adding, "I wish her all the best and that we can live this life together."
