George Clarke reflects on Strictly Come Dancing journey after runner-up finish
Content creator thanks his partner Alexis Warr and says the experience helped him grow beyond dancing.
George Clarke has spoken publicly about his Strictly Come Dancing journey after finishing as the runner-up in the 2025 BBC series. The content creator, 26, competed with dance partner Alexis Warr and ultimately could not overtake winner Karen Carney and her pro Carlos Gu. Clarke wrote on Instagram that finishing in second place has been hard to come to terms with, but he emphasized the learning and growth he experienced during the competition.
Clarke described the experience as a challenge to his comfort zone, noting that he felt out of place in the early weeks as he navigated unfamiliar dance movements week after week. He credited Warr for playing a pivotal role in his progress, saying that a professional partner accounts for a large share of the process and that the four months with Warr represented some of the best and most formative moments of his life. Clarke acknowledged that Warr helped him discover belief in himself and contributed to a shift not just in his dancing but in his personal outlook. He praised Warr as an exceptional dancer and choreographer, but also highlighted her character, describing her as a wonderful person who built a trusting partnership with him throughout the series.
In reflecting on the final, Clarke spoke about the dynamic of the show with hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, calling their final series after 21 years fronting the program an incredible experience. He noted that his final night featured three dances that showcased a wide range of styles, and he said he genuinely enjoyed performing them, even if they were far from the dances he might have imagined performing at the outset of the competition. Clarke stressed that the broader Strictly world is uplifting and positive, and he thanked the Strictly family for the supportive environment that helped him grow creatively and personally. He also thanked Daly and Winkleman for their leadership during the show’s concluding run and expressed appreciation for the chance to be part of their last season.
The runner-up finish came as Karen Carney and Carlos Gu were crowned the champions of the 2025 series in a finale that showcased their versatility through a trio of performances: a judges’ choice, a show dance, and a favorite dance, culminating in Carney lifting the glitterball trophy amid the finale’s emotional moments. Clarke’s post-pandemic reflection echoed the sentiment of many participants who describe the journey as transformative, even when the ultimate prize eludes them. Clarke said he would take time to rest in the coming weeks but also expressed a desire to continue dancing in some capacity, noting that his body might be on standby until 2026 as he considers his next steps.
Carney’s win was celebrated by her supporters and the show’s audience, with the winner expressing gratitude to fans and to Carlos Gu for their teamwork and support. Clarke’s acknowledgment of Warr’s impact and his gratitude for the experience underscored a common thread among Strictly competitors: that the relationships formed and the personal growth achieved can matter as much as the trophy. As the season concluded, Clarke indicated that he remains open to future dance opportunities and to sustaining the momentum he built during his time on the program.