HE DIDN’T LIFT THE GLITTERBALL — BUT HE WON SOMETHING GREATER  A son who stood on thɑt stɑge for his mum — brɑvely fighting breɑst cɑncer — ɑnd mɑde her prouder thɑn ɑny judge ever could.

Strictly Come Dancing finalist George Clarke left viewers in tears as he struggled to contain his emotions during a moving interview on It Takes Two, just hours before the grand final tonight (Saturday, December 20).

George and Alexis discussed the final (Credit: BBC)
Fans were in tears too (Credit: BBC)
George Clarke and dance partner Alexis Warr (pictured) are hoping to emerge victorious in Saturday’s finale of Strictly Come Dancing
YouTuber George Clarke has become the people’s favourite in this year’s Strictly for both his impassioned dancefloor performance and the way he dedicated his routine as a ‘love letter’ to his family, specifically his adored mother Nicky – who is currently fighting breast cancer.
Family games

The 26-year-old TikTok sensation, joined by pro partner Alexis Warr, was overcome when shown heartfelt messages of support from his family during the show on Friday evening. Unable to continue, George wiped away tears and apologised, admitting: “Sorry… this is awful of me,” as he reflected on the journey that has brought him to the verge of the Glitterball Trophy.

It’s all too easy to see why Strictly bosses hope that privately-educated George’s popularity with savvy online youngsters may revitalise what has become an increasingly toxic and tired television brand

George explained that he’d tried not to think about the final in order to stay present, saying the experience has already given him “imposter syndrome,” but also acknowledging how difficult the aftermath of the competition may feel once the whirlwind ends.

Fans watching at home were visibly moved, taking to social media to share their own tears and praise his humility and vulnerability. Messages poured in: “I’m emotional for George,” “Don’t cry, you’ll set me off,” and “He is so loved.”

Despite being a strong favourite among the public, bookmakers currently place him behind Karen Carney in the odds. But George’s journey has resonated far deeper than scores or rankings — driven not by fame, but by love and a desperate desire to make his mother proud.

In week eight, his emotional rhumba dedicated to his mum Nicky — who is bravely battling breast cancer — earned widespread admiration. The routine, described as a “love letter,” left both George and his family in tears and marked the moment when the wider Strictly audience embraced him.

George spoke candidly about his mother’s diagnosis, admitting that she has endured more than most: “Nobody deserves what she has gone through, least of all her.” Her illness now dominates family life, and George has been open about how the news has affected him.

The YouTuber, known for his massive online following — 2.4 million TikTok fans, nearly a million across Instagram and YouTube — has captured attention beyond his digital audience. Strictly bosses reportedly hope his popularity with younger viewers may breathe new life into the long-running show.

Unlike his rivals, George has no professional dance background. Friends say the only dancing he ever did before Strictly was at university socials, making his progress even more remarkable. Meanwhile, fellow finalists Amber Davies and Karen Carney have sparked debate due to their extensive dance experience.

George’s journey is also tied to a quieter family story. His mother’s resilience isn’t new — she previously battled encephalitis when he was 16, leaving George traumatised after witnessing her seizure. Yet he describes her as selfless and strong, apologising to the family even after her recovery.

Supporting him from the audience is his girlfriend, model Yasmin Bennett, credited by George as believing in him “more than I did.” His upbringing in Bristol, private education, and university degree paint a picture of a grounded young man who chose effort over shortcuts — despite his father’s senior role at Aardman Animations.

Amber Davies, meanwhile, has faced backlash from viewers because of her stage background and will not participate in the Strictly tour due to prior commitments to the musical Legally Blonde.

George’s growing public profile, however, seems set to extend beyond Strictly, with new TV opportunities reportedly emerging. Insiders say he may be on the verge of becoming a breakout star — not just online, but across mainstream media.

And should he lift the Glitterball Trophy tonight, no supporter will be cheering louder than his mother — the woman whose courage inspired his every step on the Strictly dancefloor.