George Clarke Shares Emotional Story on Strictly Come Dancing

George Clarke, a contestant on the popular dance competition Strictly Come Dancing, delivered an emotionally charged performance on November 15, 2023, dedicated to his mother, Nicky Clarke, who is currently battling cancer. The heartfelt rendition of “Somewhere Only We Know,” performed with professional partner Alexis Warr, resonated deeply with audiences, despite mixed feedback from the judges.

In a pre-recorded segment prior to the live performance, Clarke revealed his mother’s recent cancer diagnosis, which follows her earlier battle with encephalitis, a serious condition causing inflammation of the brain. He shared a poignant memory from his youth, explaining, “When I was 16, I was about to leave for hockey practice with my dad when he went upstairs to check on Mum. She was having a seizure at that moment. She was diagnosed with a brain inflammation called encephalitis.”

Clarke described his mother as “the most selfless person” he knows, recalling how she apologized for the difficulties her illness caused the family. He expressed his frustration at being unable to alleviate her suffering, stating, “Nobody deserves what she has gone through, but least of all her. It feels like it’s taking up so much of her life now.”

The choice of the song “Somewhere Only We Know” holds significant meaning for Clarke and his family. He explained that it was performed by his sister at their grandfather’s funeral, evoking memories of family unity during difficult times. Nicky Clarke attended the live show, where her son received a score of 29 out of a possible 40 from the judges.

Despite the emotional impact of the routine, judges offered critical feedback. Craig Revel Horwood, who faced boos from the audience, commented, “Actually, it wasn’t a rhumba. So for me, it was difficult to judge. Admittedly, the story was absolutely magnificent. You told that beautifully, so you will win the audience votes with this. But unfortunately, you won’t win my vote. It just technically was not great.”

Following the performance, which placed Clarke and Warr third from the bottom on the leaderboard, the 25-year-old took to social media to address fans’ reactions to the judges’ remarks. He posted a selfie on his Instagram Story, acknowledging the technical shortcomings of their dance but expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share his story. “Aware that wasn’t the most technically gifted dance we’ve done… BUT I am so unbelievably happy we got the opportunity to do that and tell a story,” he wrote.

As the competition approaches its annual Blackpool special, Clarke’s emotional performance and heartfelt message have struck a chord with viewers. He concluded his post by expressing his appreciation for the audience’s support, saying, “Your votes would be much appreciated, but since the start of the show, that’s the main thing I wanted to do, so even being able to show you that is enough. Love you all.”

Clarke’s dedication to his mother and the story behind his performance highlight the personal connections that often resonate in reality television, reminding viewers of the human experiences behind the entertainment.