Saturday’s episode of Strictly Come Dancing opened with a moment that left both the audience and judges reaching for tissues.
George Clarke, the 25-year-old YouTube star, dedicated his Rhumba to his mum, who is courageously fighting cancer — and the tribute completely overwhelmed him.
With his parents watching proudly from the crowd, George danced alongside pro partner Alexis Warr, delivering a slow, heartfelt routine he described as a “love letter” to the people who carried him through the hardest chapter of his life.
George Opens Up About His Mum’s Long Illness
Before stepping into the spotlight, George spoke candidly in his VT about the years his mum spent battling Encephalitis, a rare but dangerous brain inflammation that later led to her cancer diagnosis.
Fighting back tears, he said: “She’s the most selfless person you could ever meet.
When she finally came home from hospital, the first thing she did was apologise for worrying us. No one deserves what she’s had to go through.”
On X, fans rallied behind him, sharing messages like:
-
“I’m in bits — so happy to see George’s mum in the audience.”
-
“The dance was beautiful and the story behind it broke me.”
-
“Had no clue his mum has cancer. Sending so much love.”
The emotional moment didn’t spare George from critique, though.
Judges admitted the routine lacked technical polish and scored the pair 30 out of 40.
A Battle Few Knew About
George has spoken previously about the terrifying summer his mum collapsed from Encephalitis — a condition that can cause memory loss, confusion, and seizures.
He remembers watching her being taken away in an ambulance and realising she didn’t recognise him.
The months that followed were filled with rehab sessions as she relearned memories, even calling him “Fat Boy” during the early stages of recovery.
On TikTok, he shared that doctors gave her just a 20% chance of survival, and that she temporarily lost her long-term memories, sense of smell and taste, and even her ability to navigate familiar places.
A Family Rooted in Creativity
George’s dad, Sean Clarke, also sat proudly in the audience.
Sean is the managing director of Aardman Animations, the iconic studio behind Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep.
He started at Aardman back in 1998 and worked his way up, co-producing major films before stepping into the top job in 2019.
The Rest of the Strictly Cast Bring the Heat
The episode was full of contrasting moods as the remaining celebs delivered their routines:
Balvinder Sopal & Julian Caillon
The EastEnders actress opened the show with an American Smooth that judges called “safe,” landing a 27/40.
Amber Davies & Nikita Kuzmin
Amber’s fiery Paso Doble lit up the ballroom, scoring a huge 38/40 and even making Anton Du Beke blush.
Craig Revel Horwood called it “brilliant” and “full of fire.”
This came just one day after Amber addressed rumours about her close friendship with Nikita, calling him a “lovely person” and a “wonderful student.”
Alex Kingston & Johannes Radebe
Their dreamy Waltz earned glowing praise and a 35/40, with Motsi Mabuse saying she “loves this partnership.”
Vicky Pattison & Kai Widdrington
Fresh from topping the leaderboard last week, Vicky’s jive didn’t quite hit the same highs. The judges placed them in the middle of the pack with 27/40.
Karen Carney & Carol Gu
The football star pushed through a back injury to perform an American Smooth that left her partner Carol in tears. They earned 31/40.
Lewis Cope & Katya Jones
Lewis stole the show with a steamy Tango. Motsi called it the best dance she has ever seen on Strictly, and the pair walked away with an impressive 37/40.
What’s Coming Up
Strictly returns next Saturday at 6:30pm, with the always-anticipated Blackpool special on the horizon.
Viewers can catch up anytime on BBC iPlayer.
Meet the 2025 Strictly Line-Up
Below is the full cast taking on the ballroom this year:
-
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, 36 — Olympic Sprinter & Gladiator
-
Alex Kingston, 62 — Actress (Doctor Who)
-
Balvinder Sopal, 46 — EastEnders star
-
La Voix, 45 — Drag performer
-
Thomas Skinner, 34 — Reality star & entrepreneur
-
Vicky Pattison, 37 — TV personality
-
Karen Carney, 38 — Football pundit
-
George Clark, 25 — YouTuber
-
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, 53 — Former footballer & coach
-
Ellie Goldstein, 23 — Model & disability ambassador
-
Chris Robshaw, 39 — Rugby star
-
Stefan Dennis, 66 — Actor
-
Ross King, 63 — Showbiz correspondent
-
Lewis Cope, 30 — Actor
-
Amber Davies, 28 — West End performer