Bristol-born YouTuber George Clarke is set to hit the Strictly dancefloor this weekend. Here’s everything you need to know about the star
Strictly Come Dancing is set to make its triumphant return this weekend, with fans eagerly awaiting the season 23 premiere.
15 fresh celebrities will take to the famous dancefloor for the first time, as well as being paired up with their professional partners.
This year’s cast includes Lorraine star Ross King, Love Island’s Dani Dyer, I’m a Celebrity winner Vicky Pattison and EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal.
The sixth celebrity contestant to be announced as part of the series was YouTuber and podcaster George Clarke.
On joining Strictly, George said: “Never thought I’d say this… but I’m doing Strictly! Honestly, I’ve got no idea what I’m doing but I’m excited to get stuck in… and potentially fall over a fair bit.”
Ahead of the new series kicking off this weekend, here’s everything you need to know about George.
How old is George Clarke?
George Clarke has joined the cast of Strictly Come Dancing this year(Image: BBC)
George is 25 years old. He was born in Bristol, where he grew up with an older sister named Emily.
He studied sports and exercise science at the University of Exeter, before launching his TikTok account in December 2019 – which marked the beginning of his successful career.
George is incredibly proud of his Bristol roots. Ahead of this weekend’s launch show, he was recently seen filming a Strictly promo in the city.
Sharing the light-hearted footage on Instagram, the show posted: “Caught doing the ‘Hip Pop’ in 4K George Clarke is bringing all the moves to the #Strictly Ballroom.”
What is George Clarke best known for?
George is a YouTuber and podcaster(Image: Jordan Peck/Getty Images for AELTC)
George, also known as George Clarkey, is a British YouTuber, podcaster and social media star known to millions online.
He began experimenting with video content as a teenager, quickly discovering the power of humour and honesty to connect with people around the world.
Since then, he has built a thriving career with millions of followers across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, with fans drawn to his authenticity and sharp comedic voice.
George also co-hosts The Useless Hotline Podcast with Max Balegde, which has proven so popular that it has led to a series of live shows across the UK.
George Clarke’s family life
The star will make his Strictly debut this Saturday(Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
George is in a relationship with lingerie model Yasmin Amelia, with the pair confirming their romance just before his Strictly announcement.
Ahead of his Strictly debut, an emotional video resurfaced where George opened up about a haunting moment when his mum almost died after suffering a terrifying brain condition. The content creator previously explained how his mum was diagnosed with a brain inflammation called encephalitis.
“There is a side to me I don’t think I have ever shown you. A more serious side was back in 2015, my family thought we’d have to live without my mum,” he said.
George added: “I’d always known that she is amazing, but the fact that she overcame a 20% chance of survival in intensive care.
“She has permanently lost her long-term memories, she’s lost her taste and her smell. She has no sense of direction anymore, and to come out of all of that and apologise to us for what she has put us through is really a testament to how lucky we are that she’s still here. I am lucky enough to hear that God-awful cackle.”
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One at 6.40pm on Saturday, September 20