UPDATE: YouTuber George Clarke has issued a heartfelt statement following his defeat in the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing finale, revealing that the journey profoundly shaped his self-belief. The competition concluded last night, with ex-footballer Karen Carney and professional dancer Carlos Gu taking home the coveted Glitterball trophy.
In a dramatic finale that aired on December 21, 2025, Clarke performed alongside Carney and fellow finalist Amber Davies, each showcasing three dances. The stakes were high, and emotions ran deep as they battled for the top spot. Ultimately, Clarke and his partner, Alexis, finished just shy of victory, tying for scores with the winners.
In his statement released today, Clarke reflected on what he described as “a lot to process,” acknowledging how challenging it is to accept the competition’s end. “The journey is done and that’s hard to come to terms with,” he wrote. He characterized his time on the show as “a hell of an experience,” thanking his partner for her significant impact on his life.
“Your pro is 99% of your process and I’ve had the best and most formative 4 months of my life,” Clarke expressed, highlighting Alexis’s role in his personal growth and confidence.
During the finale, Clarke and Alexis delivered stunning performances, including a powerful Paso Doble and a graceful Viennese Waltz, each scoring 39 points from the judges. This tied them with Carney and Gu, placing them just one point behind Davies and her partner Nikita Kuzmin.
“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,” Clarke noted, celebrating his unexpected growth as a performer. He described the entire experience as “uplifting and positive,” calling it “a breath of fresh air” in his life.
Clarke also expressed his 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 added that his body will need a break until 2026.
The emotional finale not only marked Clarke’s journey but also the end of hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on the show, adding another layer of significance to the event.
As fans react to the finale, Clarke’s heartfelt words resonate with many, emphasizing the personal journeys each contestant undertook. “Everyone has had their own personal journeys,” he remarked, expressing his admiration for the winner. “I’m happy to say that a particularly impressive woman on and off the dance floor has had the privilege of walking away as champ.”
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