George Clarke finished as a joint runner-up on the twenty-third series of Strictly Come Dancing in December 2025, alongside professional partner Alexis Warr. The Bristol-born YouTuber and Useless Hotline podcast host became a breakout star of the season, reaching the grand final on December 20, 2025, where he competed against fellow finalists Karen Carney and the eventual winner. Known for his high-energy performances and emotional transparency, George’s journey was defined by a “near-perfect” 39-point Salsa in Blackpool and a poignant Rumba dedicated to his late grandfather. As of April 2026, George has returned to his digital content roots while continuing to advocate for Encephalitis International, the charity for which he serves as an ambassador.
The 2025 Final: Three Iconic Dances
George Clarke’s appearance in the Strictly 2025 Final was a culmination of four months of intense training. On December 20, he and Alexis Warr performed three distinct routines to secure the public vote.
Judges’ Choice: A Viennese Waltz to “Somebody to Love” by Queen.
Favourite Dance: A Paso Doble to “Game of Survival” by Ruelle.
Showdance: A high-octane routine to “Human” by The Killers.
The Showdance, in particular, was praised by judge Anton Du Beke for its “raw energy and storytelling,” reflecting George’s transition from a social media personality to a genuine stage performer. Although he narrowly missed out on the Glitterball Trophy, his runner-up status cemented his place in Strictly lore.
Partner Profile: Alexis Warr
The 2025 series marked the debut of American professional dancer Alexis Warr. Her partnership with George, dubbed “Team Warrkey” by fans, was noted for its natural chemistry and mutual support.
Alexis, a former So You Think You Can Dance winner in the US, was credited with “unlocking” George’s confidence. Their rehearsal room footage, often shared on George’s YouTube channel, highlighted a friendship that extended beyond the dancefloor, with the pair continuing to collaborate on content into 2026.
High Point: The Blackpool Salsa
The turning point for George’s campaign came during the annual visit to the Blackpool Tower Ballroom in week nine. Closing the show with a Salsa to Bob Sinclar’s “Rock This Party (Everybody Dance Now),” the duo scored 39 out of 40.
This performance earned George his first set of 10s from the judges. Shirley Ballas described the routine as having a “fantastic vibe,” while the audience reaction solidified George as a frontrunner for the final. The “hip-pop” elements he integrated into the traditional Salsa steps became a viral sensation on TikTok the following day.
Personal Life and 2026 Updates
Beyond the ballroom, George’s personal life made headlines during the 2025 series. In November 2025, he made his relationship with lingerie model Yasmin Amelia red carpet official at the TikTok Awards.
In 2026, George has leveraged his Strictly fame to expand his podcast, The Useless Hotline, with co-host Max Balegde. He also remains deeply committed to his charity work, frequently speaking about his mother’s battle with encephalitis to raise awareness and funds for the condition.
Tactical Success: The “Everyman” Appeal
George’s success on Strictly was largely attributed to his “Everyman” appeal. Unlike some contestants with previous stage experience, George was open about his lack of formal training and his struggles with performance anxiety.
His emotional interview on It Takes Two regarding his Rumba to “Somewhere Only We Know” resonated with millions. By showing his vulnerability, George tapped into a demographic of viewers who valued authenticity over technical perfection, a strategy that carried him through several high-pressure dance-offs.
Practical Information for Fans
For those looking to catch up on George Clarke’s Strictly journey or see what he is doing in 2026, the following factual data is essential.
2026 Content Schedule
The Useless Hotline Podcast: New episodes every Monday on all major platforms.
YouTube: Weekly vlogs featuring “Behind the Scenes” of his post-Strictly life.
Social Media: Daily updates via @georgeclarkeey on TikTok and Instagram.
Where to Watch Replays
BBC iPlayer: Full 2025 episodes are available for a limited time.
YouTube: The official Strictly Come Dancing channel hosts George’s best individual dances, including the Blackpool Salsa and the Final Showdance.
FAQs
Did George Clarke win Strictly 2025?
No, George Clarke finished as a joint runner-up in the 2025 final.
Who was George Clarke’s partner on Strictly?
He was partnered with professional dancer Alexis Warr, who was also in her first year on the show.
What was George Clarke’s highest score?
His highest score was 39 out of 40, achieved during his Blackpool Salsa and again during the final.
Is George Clarke still on TikTok?
Yes, George remains a prolific TikTok creator in 2026, with over 2.3 million followers.
What is George Clarke’s podcast called?
His podcast is titled The Useless Hotline, which he co-hosts with Max Balegde.
Was George Clarke on the Strictly Tour 2026?
Yes, George was a headline performer on the Strictly Live Tour in early 2026, performing his fan-favorite Salsa across the UK.
Who is George Clarke dating in 2026?
As of early 2026, George is in a relationship with model Yasmin Amelia.
What charity does George Clarke support?
He is an ambassador for Encephalitis International, a cause close to his heart due to his mother’s health history.
Did George Clarke ever fall in the bottom two?
George faced the dance-off once during the 2025 series but was saved unanimously by the judges.
How old is George Clarke?
Born on December 3, 1999, George is 26 years old as of 2026.
What was George Clarke’s most emotional dance?
His Rumba to “Somewhere Only We Know” was his most emotional performance, dedicated to his late grandfather.
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