Strictly Come Dancing contestant George Clarke delivered an emotional revelation during Saturday night's show, dedicating his performance to his mother who has been diagnosed with cancer.
Heartbreaking Revelation on Strictly
The social media influencer and podcast host shared the devastating news about his mother Nicky during his pre-dance video package before performing the Rumba with professional partner Alexis Warr. George had tears in his eyes as he explained his mother's recent cancer diagnosis, stating that "nobody deserves what she has gone through, but least of all her."
He emotionally described how the illness is affecting his mother, noting that "it feels like it's taking up so much of her life now." The touching moment was witnessed by millions of viewers watching the popular BBC dance competition on November 15, 2025.
Previous Health Battle with Encephalitis
Before discussing the cancer diagnosis, George detailed his mother's previous serious health condition. When George was 16 years old, his mother experienced a life-threatening medical emergency that began when his father went to check on her before hockey practice.
"He went upstairs and she was having a seizure," George recalled. His mother was subsequently diagnosed with encephalitis, a rare but serious condition where the brain becomes swollen. According to the NHS, encephalitis can be life-threatening and requires urgent hospital treatment.
George expressed that most people only learn about encephalitis when it affects them personally in what he described as "a horrible way." He praised his mother's character throughout her health struggles, noting that Nicky apologised to her family for "what she'd put us through" after leaving hospital.
Family Support During Strictly Journey
Despite her health challenges, Nicky Clarke attended the Strictly Come Dancing live show alongside her husband Shaun to support their son. The family's close bond was evident as George spoke about his mother being "the most selfless person I've ever met."
The emotional segment highlighted the dual health battles Nicky has faced, from the rare brain inflammation to her current cancer diagnosis. George's dedication of his dance to his mother created one of the most moving moments of this year's Strictly series, resonating deeply with viewers who expressed their support across social media platforms.
