George Clarke had his fellow stars on Strictly Come Dancing rallying around after he made a heartfelt confession ahead of the next live show. The social-media personality is one of the famous faces taking part in this year’s glitzy BBC One series. Partnered with professional dancer Alexis Warr, the duo have become firm favourites so far—yet George admitted the pressure this weekend’s performance carries is considerable.

George Clarke on the pressure ahead of his next Strictly dance

On last week’s show, George and Alexis earned their highest score yet: 34 points for a Viennese Waltz to Somebody to Love by Queen. According to Radio Times, their journey has shown notable improvement in technique and presence. (Source: Radio Times)

This coming weekend they are set to take to the dance floor again, performing a Rumba to the Lily Allen version of Somewhere Only We Know (originally by Keane). During their interview on the show It Takes Two, host Janette Manrara asked George: “This was the one song you wanted to dance on Strictly. So how special will it be?”

George replied candidly: “It definitely will be. Especially considering the past few weeks have been much, much more ‘okay I can do the steps but can I perform?’” He admitted that while the technical steps matter, this particular song carries deeper meaning for him and his family: “The steps are very important but the performance is everything to me because it’s a song that means a lot to me and my family. And yeah it is hard this week to not put the pressure on myself because it is a dance that I want to get right even more so.”

Janette offered support: “You have got to let that go so you can enjoy it, because it is about enjoyment. Like we were this past week.”

What is the special meaning behind the song?

George revealed the touching reason behind choosing Somewhere Only We Know. He shared: “My sister sang the song ‘Somewhere Only We Know’ at my grandad’s funeral and it’s a song that means a lot to my whole family. My mum has had a lot of trouble in the last 10 years so I thought it’d be nice to use this platform to devote something to her and the rest of the family. Hopefully they’ll be less on the edge of their seat wondering if it’s going to go wrong.”

That explanation adds emotional weight to their dance this weekend—what might have merely been another competitive performance instead becomes a meaningful tribute.

Who left Strictly last weekend?

Last week, George safely progressed to the next round of the competition. Meanwhile, it was La Voix and Harry Aikines‑Aryeetey who found themselves in the dance-off. After both performances, judges Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke voted to save La Voix—meaning Harry was eliminated from the competition. The voting outcome sparked fan outrage, with one viewer writing on X: “Correct bottom two, but tbh La Voix should’ve left over Harry based on both tonight and the competition overall.”

Added context: Who is George Clarke & how is he faring?

George Clarke is a social-media personality, YouTuber and podcast host who has built a strong following online. Radio Times reports that he was revealed as a contestant on Strictly during the show’s 2025 season announcement. (Source: Radio Times)
According to The Guardian, he was ranked among the contest’s more intriguing entrants, owing to his large digital reach and relative lack of dance background. (Source: The Guardian)

Given that background, his candid admission of anxiety and his focus on the performance component show a maturity and self-awareness not always seen in celebrity contestants. While many face the spotlight, not all choose to attach such personal significance to their song and performance.

Why this week could be a turning point

This particular performance has the potential to be pivotal for George and Alexis. It is not only about mastering the steps but emotionally connecting with the audience and judges alike. The choice of song—deeply personal and family-rooted—raises the stakes beyond the competition. If executed well, it could mark a moment of transformation for George on the dance floor. Conversely, the pressure he admitted may become a challenge if nerves hold him back.

Final thoughts

George Clarke’s journey on Strictly is evolving from fun celebrity participation to a personal mission. His willingness to share the emotional context behind his choice, to acknowledge his pressure, and to commit to a performance that means something for his family resonates with viewers. When he and Alexis take to the floor this coming weekend, it won’t just be about technique—it will also be about heart.