Strictly Come Dancing star George Clarke has opened up about his mum’s battle with a deadly brain condition, which left her with a 20 per cent chance of survival
Jane Lavender and Frankie Collins
08:00, 18 Oct 2025
Strictly newcomer George Clarke has revealed the heartbreaking moment he almost lost his mum (Image: BBC)
Strictly Come Dancing star George Clarke has disclosed the heartbreaking moment he almost lost his mother after she was afflicted by a life-threatening brain condition.
The 25-year-old content creator, who features amongst this year’s BBC Strictly performers, spoke candidly about his family’s trauma in 2015, detailing how his existence was completely overturned when his mum was rushed to intensive care.
George, who operates under the name George Clarkey on digital platforms, remembered how his mother had consistently been “kind and giving, making cards, cakes, and chocolate bars” for him and his sister.
However, everything transformed one day when she unexpectedly collapsed and was transported to hospital.
“I saw her being wheeled out, and she didn’t recognise me,” he said. “That summer was filled with hospital visits as she relearned who we were. She even called me ‘Fat Boy’ for a while!”, reports the Express.
Medical professionals diagnosed his mum with encephalitis – a serious brain inflammation George had never encountered previously.
He detailed how she was afforded merely a 20 per cent chance of survival.
George’s world was turned upside down when his mum was rushed into intensive care.(Image: TikTok)
“She lost long-term memories, her sense of taste and smell, and her sense of direction,” he added. “Despite it all, she apologised to us for what she put us through! I’m incredibly lucky to still hear her laugh.”
The television personality revealed his experience on World Encephalitis Day to promote understanding of the condition, emphasising: “It’s not a joke; it’s about recognising the challenges and showing support. Thanks for listening, and I hope this sheds light on #encephalitisawareness.”
Supporters inundated his post with encouragement, with one saying: “Proud of you, so hard to open up but it’s so important.”
Another commented: “That sounds awful, she’s such a fighter, thank you for raising awareness of this illness George.”
A third messaged him: “It must have taken a lot to share this. Thank you.”
Beyond the personal struggles, George wowing fans on Strictly with his pro partner, Alexis Warr.
The YouTube sensation, who boasts over 600,000 subscribers and 2.3 million TikTok followers through his comedic sketches, entered the ballroom during the pre-recorded launch on September 20.
During the opening episode of the 23rd series, it was announced that George would be partnered with Alexis Warr, a fresh professional joining the UK programme.
Alexis rose to prominence in America after claiming victory on So You Think You Can Dance in 2022, where she became the first female Ballroom and Latin expert to earn the title “America’s Favourite Dancer”.
She has subsequently toured across the US with Dancing With The Stars and featured as part of the professional ensemble before transitioning to Strictly.
George marked their partnership with a playful post, quipping: “What better way to reveal our secret than with a professional photo dressed as minions?”.
