YouTuber George Clarke has issued a statement reflecting on his experience after missing out on the title of 2025 Strictly Come Dancing champion. The final, held over the weekend, featured Clarke alongside finalists Karen Carney and Amber Davies as they competed for the coveted Glitterball trophy.
In an exhilarating finale, the three contestants performed three distinct dances, showcasing their skills before the judges. Ultimately, it was ex-footballer Karen Carney and professional dancer Carlos Gu who claimed the victory. Following the event, Clarke opened up about his journey on the show, expressing that it helped him cultivate a sense of “self-belief.”
Emotional Reflections on the Journey
In a heartfelt statement released on December 21, 2025, Clarke conveyed his mixed feelings about the series concluding, describing it as “a lot to process.” He reflected, “The journey is done and that’s hard to come to terms with,” adding that the past few months have been “a hell of an experience.”
Clarke expressed his deep appreciation for his professional partner, Alexis, who joined the show this season. He stated, “Your pro is 99% of your process, and I’ve had the best and most formative four months of my life.” This partnership proved to be transformative, as Clarke noted, “She helped me discover some belief in myself, something that has really helped shape me as a person, not just as a dancer.”
During the final episode, Clarke and Alexis performed a range of dances, including a dramatic Paso Doble to “Game of Survival” by Ruelle, a graceful Viennese Waltz to “Somebody to Love” by Queen, and an energetic show dance to “Human” by The Killers. Each performance received high praise from the judges, earning them a score of 39, which tied them with the winning duo and placed them just one point behind fellow runners-up Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin.
Personal Growth Through Dance
Reflecting on his performances, Clarke remarked, “I ended the night doing three wildly different dances, none of which I would’ve had a chance in hell at doing at the start of the competition.” He emphasized that not only did he see improvement, but he genuinely enjoyed performing, a sentiment he had not anticipated.
Clarke characterized his time on Strictly Come Dancing as “uplifting and positive,” calling it a “breath of fresh air” in his life. He stated, “I’ve learned a lot about dancing, I’ve learned a lot about myself, and it’s something I’ll never forget.” He acknowledged that all contestants had their unique journeys, and while many deserved to win, he was pleased that a “particularly impressive woman on and off the dance floor” emerged victorious.
As he looks to the future, Clarke expressed a desire to continue dancing, stating, “I hope that I can continue dancing in some capacity because in my ways I don’t feel like I’m done.” However, he humorously noted that his body would be on standby until 2026.
With the series concluded, Clarke’s reflections highlight not only the competitive nature of the show but also the personal growth and connections formed throughout the experience. For those interested in following the latest in show business, Strictly Come Dancing can be streamed on **BBC iPlayer**.
