TikTok Star George Clarke Reflects on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Journey, Admits He’s “Not a Performer”
Despite feeling initially uncomfortable, TikTok star George Clarke is expressing gratitude to fans as he nears the final of Strictly Come Dancing, acknowledging he never considered himself a dancer or performer.
George Clarke, 26, is hoping to advance to the Strictly Come Dancing final alongside dance partner Alexis Warr. The influencer has openly discussed his initial apprehension about participating in the BBC competition, but now feels a shift in perspective. He recently took to Instagram to thank supporters, stating, “I’m (George) not a performer, never mind a dancer, but I think nights like last night make me believe that maybe changing, fingers crossed that we get one final week to prove it! Love you all, Team Warrkey.”
During Saturday’s semi-final, Clarke and Warr delivered a Samba, earning a score of 35, and a Charleston, receiving a 37, for a combined total of 72. This performance followed Clarke’s revelation about the surprisingly small size of the Strictly ballroom.
Speaking on The Useless Hotline podcast, Clarke described his initial reaction to the set, noting, “It was really interesting because I’ve seen it live before in Blackpool, which is obviously a much bigger place. The studio is quite small.” A fellow podcast host cheekily remarked, “I thought that when I first saw the studio. I was like, ‘Oh, this is st.’” Clarke quickly clarified, “Oh, it’s not st. It’s just smaller. You’re just like, ‘Oh… this is what it is…'”
Clarke explained that production techniques create the illusion of a larger space for television viewers. “The dance floor itself looks so much bigger on TV than it does in real life,” he said. “It looks like two different rooms to what I’m seeing.” Contestants even utilize small televisions positioned around the studio to monitor how their performances translate to the screen.
Beyond the set design, Clarke also highlighted the physical demands placed on the judges. He noted they are constantly moving to maintain optimal viewing angles, and even described judge Shirley Ballas doing “cartwheels.”
Clarke also recounted an amusing moment where he unexpectedly spotted himself on camera during a live segment with host Tess Daly.
The TikTok star is currently competing against West End actress Amber Davies, Lioness Karen Carney, and EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal for a place in the final. As he progresses, Clarke’s journey demonstrates a willingness to embrace new challenges and a growing confidence, even for someone who initially identified as “not a performer.”
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