The music had faded, the lights were dimmed, and the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom was suddenly a lot quieter.
While the glitterball trophy had already found its new home, George Clarke was waking up to a very different kind of moment — one filled with reflection, gratitude, and a surprising mix of emotions.
After finishing as runner-up in this year’s competition, the 26-year-old content creator took to Instagram on Sunday to finally put his feelings into words.
Processing Second Place Without Regret
George competed alongside professional dancer Alexis Warr and made it all the way to the final, only to miss out on the win as former footballer Karen Carney and partner Carlos Gu were crowned champions.
While proud of the journey, George admitted that coming second wasn’t easy to digest.
Sharing a photo of himself and Alexis mid-dance, he explained that the emotions weren’t about losing the glitterball — but about the journey ending.
After months of rehearsals, performances, and personal growth, saying goodbye to Strictly felt heavier than he expected.
Gratitude for the People Who Backed Him
One thing George was certain about was the support surrounding him.
He openly thanked his family, friends, girlfriend, online community, and everyone who cheered him on throughout the competition.
He admitted the experience made him realise just how strong his support network truly is — something he says he’ll always be thankful for.
A Challenge That Pushed Him Far Outside His Comfort Zone
Despite making a career in front of a camera, George confessed that being the centre of attention doesn’t come naturally to him.
From the moment he signed up, he knew Strictly would push him far beyond his comfort zone.
The early weeks were especially tough.
Each new routine felt unfamiliar, and he doubted whether he could ever match the standard set by the other contestants.
At one point, he genuinely wondered if he had taken on more than he could handle.
Why Alexis Warr Made All the Difference
That self-doubt, George says, is where Alexis completely changed the game for him.
He credited her not only as an exceptional dancer and choreographer, but as someone who helped him build belief in himself.
Calling his four months on the show the most formative of his life, George explained that a professional partner plays a huge role in the journey — and he couldn’t have asked for a better one.
Alexis didn’t just teach him steps; she helped him manage his mindset, his nerves, and his confidence.
Trust, Friendship, and Real Partnership
One of the pair’s strengths throughout the competition was their connection on the dance floor.
Their lifts and partnership were regularly praised, and George believes that came from genuine trust and friendship.
He shared how Alexis learned exactly how he worked best, supporting him mentally just as much as physically.
What impressed him most was her approach as the “new girl” on Strictly — choosing to prove herself through their partnership rather than stealing the spotlight.
George described her as a true asset to the show and said it was an honour to be her first celebrity partner.
Falling in Love With Performing
Looking back at the final, George couldn’t quite believe what he had achieved.
He performed three wildly different dances — routines he says would’ve been completely impossible for him at the start of the series.
Not only had he improved, but for the first time, he genuinely loved performing.
That alone, he said, felt like a huge personal victory.
Saying Goodbye to the Strictly Family
George also had nothing but praise for hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who signed off after 21 years fronting the show.
He described them as incredible and said being part of their final series made the experience even more special.
Overall, he reflected on Strictly as a uniquely uplifting environment, filled with positivity and warmth.
From the cast to the crew, he said everyone felt like a breath of fresh air in his life.
A Gracious Nod to the Winner
While many contestants could’ve walked away with the trophy, George was more than happy to see Karen Carney crowned champion.
He described her as an impressive woman both on and off the dance floor — a worthy winner in every sense.
Karen Carney’s Emotional Win
Karen was visibly stunned when Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced her as the winner of the 2025 series.
After embracing Carlos Gu, she struggled to find the words, thanking fans and praising her partner for standing by her every step of the way.
Later, the pair shared their joy on Instagram, holding the glitterball trophy and thanking viewers for their votes, messages, and unwavering support.
So… What’s Next for George?
For now, George says rest is top priority. His body, he joked, will be “on standby until 2026.”
But creatively, he’s far from finished.
He revealed hopes to continue dancing in some capacity, admitting it feels like something he’s not quite ready to walk away from.
With that chapter closing, he’s already looking ahead — ready to recover, regroup, and jump back into making content for his ever-supportive online audience.
As one journey ends, another is already waiting to begin.
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