George Clarke, the breakout YouTube sensation captivating audiences on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, has shared a deeply moving insight into his upcoming Rumba, revealing it as a poignant tribute to his mum who has endured “a lot of trouble” over the past decade. The 32-year-old internet star, dancing with professional partner Alexis Warr, opened up on ITV’s This Morning about channeling personal family heartache into the slow, intimate routine – a performance set to steal the spotlight at the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom this weekend.

In a candid chat with hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard on Tuesday morning, Clarke – one of the frontrunners for the Glitterball Trophy – explained the emotional layers behind his Week 8 dance. “My mum has had a lot of trouble in the last 10 years so I thought it’d be nice to use this platform to devote something to her and the rest of the family,” he said, his voice softening as he reflected on the gesture’s significance. The Rumba, scheduled for Saturday night’s fan-favorite Blackpool special, will be performed to Keane’s haunting ballad “Somewhere Only We Know” – a track etched in family memory after Clarke’s sister sang it at their grandad’s funeral. “So my sister sang the song Somewhere Only We Know at my grandad’s funeral and it’s a song that means a lot to my whole family,” he shared, adding that the dedication extends to his entire clan.Clarke’s Strictly journey has been a whirlwind of transformation. The content creator, known for his viral architectural tours and home renovation videos amassing millions of views, entered the competition as a wildcard wildcard – bottom of the leaderboard in Week 1. But with Warr’s guidance, the duo has surged to favorites status. Their Viennese Waltz to Queen’s “Somebody to Love” on November 8 earned a stellar 34/40 from judges, who showered praise on Clarke’s “effortless elegance” and “emotional depth.” They breezed through to Week 8 on Sunday’s results show, dodging the dance-off amid a field thinned by recent exits.

Now, the Rumba – often dubbed the “dance of love” – presents a stark contrast. “The Rumba is very slow and exposing, where all of your body parts have to be working together,” Clarke admitted, laughing off the nerves. “Performing feels really strange – it’s not something I normally do.” Warr, beaming beside him, teased: “He’s got the hips now – watch out, Blackpool!” The pair joked about easing family tensions: “Hopefully they’ll be less on the edge of their seat wondering if it’s going to go wrong,” Clarke quipped, envisioning his loved ones cheering from home.

Blackpool Tower Ballroom, the glittering jewel of Strictly‘s calendar, adds extra sparkle. A rite of passage for contestants, the venue’s sprung floor and Art Deco grandeur have hosted legends from Bruce Forsyth to Anton Du Beke. Clarke, a Blackpool native at heart through his northern roots, called it “surreal” – a homecoming nod to his working-class upbringing in the seaside town. “It’s the ballroom we’ve all dreamed of,” he enthused. With voting lines open and odds at 5/1 (per Betfair), the duo could etch their names in history.

Clarke’s candor strikes a chord in a season marked by vulnerability. Strictly 2025 has seen tributes galore: From Nick Knowles honoring his late dad to Sarah Hadland’s mental health advocacy. But Clarke’s mum-focused reveal hits personal. Details of her “trouble” remain private – Clarke has hinted at health battles in past vlogs – yet the dedication underscores his grounded persona. Off-camera, he’s a family man: Dad to two young sons with wife Katie, balancing viral fame with DIY dad duties.

Judges and pros are buzzing. Head judge Shirley Ballas previewed: “George’s Rumba will tug at heartstrings – emotion is key.” Pro dancer Dianne Buswell added on X: “Can’t wait for @GeorgeClarkeRumba – family tributes are magic! #StrictlyBlackpool.” Fans have rallied, with #GeorgeForMum trending post-This Morning, amassing 250,000 views. One viral tweet: “From YouTube bricks to Blackpool spins – George’s mum deserves this shine! Vote vote vote.”

As Strictly hurtles toward its December 20 finale – post the recent exits of JLS’s JB Gill and EastEnders’ Jamie Borthwick – Clarke’s story embodies the show’s spirit: Glamour laced with grit. “This platform’s given me so much,” he told Deeley. “Now it’s my turn to give back.” With Blackpool beckoning, will the Rumba propel him to glory? One thing’s certain: Hearts will melt faster than the Tower’s famous ice rink.