The Strictly Come Dancing 2025 finale on December 20 was a dazzling spectacle of sequins, spins, and raw emotion, but one moment stole the hearts of millions—and it wasn’t the crowning of champions Karen Carney and Carlos Gu. YouTuber and TikTok star George Clarke, 26, may have walked away without the coveted Glitterball Trophy, finishing as a runner-up alongside pro partner Alexis Warr, but his journey on the BBC’s iconic dancefloor transcended victory. It was a love letter to his mother, Nicky, who is battling breast cancer, and a testament to the power of vulnerability, resilience, and self-discovery.

“I did this for you, Mum,” George reportedly whispered to his family after his show-stopping final performance—a tear-soaked showdance to Human by The Killers that left partner Alexis, judge Shirley Ballas, and audiences sobbing. Though he didn’t lift the trophy, George’s emotional odyssey—from a shy content creator to a dancefloor revelation—has left an indelible mark on Strictly’s 21-year legacy. This is the story of a man who turned personal pain into universal inspiration, proving that true victory lies not in glitter but in the courage to shine.

George Clarke’s emotional performances captivated Strictly audiences, especially his tribute to his mother.

From Bristol to the Ballroom: George Clarke’s Unlikely Rise

George Clarke wasn’t your typical Strictly contestant. A Bristol-born content creator with a combined 955k followers on Instagram and X, he built his fame through relatable YouTube videos, gaming streams, and TikTok skits alongside pals like Max Balegde and Arthur Hill. Unlike West End star Amber Davies or former footballer Karen Carney, George had no performance background. “I’m not a performer, never mind a dancer,” he admitted on Instagram before the finale, recalling how he felt awkward simply clapping on steps during the September launch show.

Yet, his authenticity and underdog charm made him a fan favorite from the start. Paired with newcomer pro Alexis Warr, George embarked on a 12-week journey that saw him avoid every dance-off, earn consistent high scores (including three 39s in the final), and discover a confidence he never knew he had. His growth wasn’t just technical; it was deeply personal, rooted in a family story that resonated with millions.

George’s mother, Nicky, has been a constant presence in his life and in the Strictly audience, cheering despite her ongoing battle with breast cancer. Diagnosed after years of health struggles—including a terrifying bout with encephalitis when George was 16—Nicky’s resilience became the heartbeat of his journey. “She’s the most selfless person I’ve ever met,” George told Alexis in a pre-recorded VT, his voice cracking. “The first thing she did when she came out of hospital was apologise for what she’d put us through.”

This emotional core defined George’s Strictly experience, culminating in moments that left viewers reaching for tissues and social media ablaze with support.

Week Eight: The Rumba That Broke Hearts

The turning point came during week eight, when George and Alexis performed a rumba to Lily Allen’s piano version of Somewhere Only We Know—a song tied to his grandfather’s funeral, making it a poignant tribute to his family, especially Nicky. Described as a “love letter” to his mum, the routine was raw and vulnerable, with George’s expressive movements conveying pain and hope. His parents watched from the audience, tears streaming, as head judge Shirley Ballas and fans at home were moved to sobs.

George broke down post-performance, overwhelmed by the weight of honoring his mother’s strength. “Nobody deserves what she has gone through, least of all her,” he said, his voice trembling. The dance wasn’t perfect—judge Craig Revel Horwood critiqued its technical rumba elements, calling it lacking in hip action, which sparked backlash from fans who branded him “cruel” and “spiteful” for missing the emotional depth. “Read the room, Craig,” one viewer tweeted, while another wrote, “George’s storytelling was everything—sod the technique!”

The rumba earned 34 points but secured George a new fanbase. “Oh, George Clarke, you are so loved by so many,” a fan posted on X, reflecting the outpouring of support. This performance wasn’t just a dance; it was a declaration of love and survival, cementing George as the series’ emotional heart.

The rumba to Somewhere Only We Know became an iconic Strictly moment, dedicated to Nicky.

The Final Countdown: Tears, Triumphs, and a Showdance for the Ages

As Strictly 2025 hurtled toward its finale, George’s journey became even more poignant. On Friday, December 19, he appeared on It Takes Two, the last before the final, where messages from his sister, cousin, and aunt left him in tears. “Sorry, this is awful,” he choked out, as Alexis rubbed his arm and host Fleur East reassured him. He admitted to “insane amounts of imposter syndrome” but emphasized staying present each week, which fueled his joy in the process. “Sunday and especially Monday will hit incredibly hard not going in,” he added, dreading the post-Strictly void.

The grand final on December 20 was a historic night, marking the final episode hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who stepped down after 21 and 11 years, respectively. Queen Camilla sent a heartfelt message praising their “warmth, compassion, and sheer happiness,” leaving both presenters teary. Against this emotional backdrop, George, Amber, and Karen each performed three dances: a judges’ choice, a showdance, and a favorite routine.

George and Alexis delivered:

Judges’ Choice: Viennese Waltz to Somebody to Love by Queen—scoring 39. Anton Du Beke called George “magnificent,” while Craig Revel Horwood noted, “You’ve turned into quite the ballroom dancer.”
Showdance to Human by The Killers—another 39. This powerful routine, reflecting George’s personal transformation, left Alexis and Shirley in tears. Anton declared him a “superstar,” and Craig praised his “power and presence.” George later said, “We tried to show how I’ve changed as a person.” Fans on X echoed the sentiment: “Cheers George, whole of the UK is crying now.”
Favorite Dance: Paso Doble to Game of Survival by Ruelle—also 39. First performed in week two, it had marked George as a “front-runner.” Craig loved the “better shaping,” and Motsi called him “cool, calm, and collected.”

Despite near-perfect scores, Karen Carney and Carlos Gu clinched the title, with Karen becoming the first footballer to win, breaking the “Strictly footballers curse.” Her shocked reaction—“I literally am lost for words”—and gratitude to Carlos capped an emotional night.

The Real Victory: Self-Belief and a Mother’s Pride

Hours after the finale, George took to Instagram with a heartfelt post that summed up his journey in seven words: “The journey is done and that’s hard.” The photo of him and Alexis on the dancefloor accompanied a raw reflection: “Last night was a lot to process, but not because I didn’t walk away with a glitterball. The journey is done, and that’s hard to come to terms with.”

He thanked his family, girlfriend, friends, and fans, marveling at his “support network.” Most poignantly, he credited Alexis for helping him discover “some belief in myself, something that has really helped shape me as a person, not just as a dancer.” He admitted early doubts: “After the first few weeks, I really thought I’d bitten off more than I could chew… no part of me believed I could create as good a dance as the others.” Yet, Alexis’s guidance transformed him, making the past four months “the most formative” of his life.

Fans flooded social media with love. “George, you won our hearts,” one wrote. Another added, “Your mum must be so proud.” Indeed, sources close to George say nothing would make Nicky happier than seeing her son shine, especially amid her cancer battle. “It would just be so lovely for him to do this for his mum,” a friend told the Daily Mail.

George’s vulnerability resonated universally. His openness about imposter syndrome, his tears on It Takes Two, and his dedication to Nicky struck a chord, particularly with those facing personal struggles. “Not me sobbing watching @George_Clarkey crying… he is such a lovely guy,” a fan tweeted.

Beyond the Glitterball: A Surprise Win and Lasting Impact

While George didn’t lift the Glitterball, fans spotted a silver lining moments after the final aired. He appeared on Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel, emerging as the top-performing expert—a symbolic “win” that delighted supporters. “Gutted he didn’t win Strictly, but George on The Wheel is the victory we needed!” one posted on X.

George’s Strictly journey also highlighted a cultural shift. As a social media star, he represented a new demographic on mainstream TV, alongside I’m A Celebrity winner AngryGinge. “It’s a whole demographic that hasn’t really been touched massively,” he told BBC News, noting the “mental” experience of reaching the final.

His impact extended beyond entertainment. By sharing his mother’s cancer battle, George raised awareness, inspiring fans to check on loved ones or support charities. His rumba became a rallying cry for survivors and families, with comments like “George’s dance for his mum gave me strength for my own fight.”

A Legacy of Love and Courage

As Strictly 2025 closed, it marked the end of an era with Tess and Claudia’s departure and a new chapter for George Clarke. He didn’t need a trophy to prove his worth—his transformation from a nervous novice to a confident, emotional powerhouse was victory enough.

For Nicky, watching her son dedicate his journey to her was the ultimate gift. “I did this for you, Mum” wasn’t just a whisper; it was a promise kept on the grandest stage, seen by millions. As George wrote, “I’ve learned so so much,” and so have we: about love, perseverance, and the beauty of showing up, even when it’s hard.

Strictly may be over, but George Clarke’s light burns bright. From Bristol to Blackpool to the finale, he danced for his mum—and in doing so, moved a nation to tears.