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Social Media Star George Clarke Emerges as Early Contender on Strictly Come Dancing Internet personality George Clarke has rapidly established himself as a prominent figure in the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing, with impressive early scores positioning him as a potential front runner for the coveted Glitterball trophy. The 25-year-old content creator, known to millions online as "Clarkey," was announced as a celebrity contestant for the 23rd series of the long-running BBC flagship show, joining a diverse line-up that includes actors, sports stars, and fellow digital personalities. His progression in the competition has drawn considerable attention, not only for his unexpected dance prowess but also for the way his casting signals the BBC’s continued strategy to engage younger, online-focused audiences. Clarke, a popular YouTuber and co-host of The Useless Hotline podcast, was partnered with new professional dancer Alexis Warr, a pairing that has immediately resonated with both the judging panel and the viewing public. In the second week of live competition, the duo delivered a powerful Paso Doble, achieving an impressive score of 30, placing them near the top of the leaderboard and prompting high praise from the judges. Addressing the Digital Divide While the celebrity line-up of Strictly Come Dancing traditionally draws heavily from mainstream BBC and ITV programming, the inclusion of digital-first talent like Clarke has become a hallmark of recent series. This inclusion is designed to bridge the gap between traditional television viewership and the vast, engaged audiences commanded by social media stars.
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Mr Clarke himself acknowledged this dynamic when his participation was announced, noting: “I feel like a lot of people will be like 'who'?” However, any initial skepticism from long-time viewers has been largely drowned out by the enthusiasm of his 2. 3 million TikTok and hundreds of thousands of YouTube followers, who represent a powerful new voting block for the show. “The inclusion of figures like George Clarke demonstrates the BBC's concerted effort to capture a younger, digitally native demographic,” suggests Eleanor Vance, a London-based television industry analyst. “His established online fan base, coupled with genuine dance promise, makes him an exceptionally strong contender for the public vote, potentially overriding traditional viewer favourites. ” It is important to note that Mr Clarke is the internet personality, a distinction from the well-known architect and television presenter, also named George Clarke, who hosts property and design programmes. Judges' Praise and Technical Strength The judges’ comments have focused heavily on the technical aspects and performance quality of the partnership. After his Week 2 Paso Doble, head judge Shirley Ballas described Clarke as a "front runner" for the title.
“I think what I appreciate is the fact you're in control of every movement that you do,” Ms Ballas commented. “The narrative was strong between the two of you, and I loved that small breath you took—that was outstanding. ” His dance partner, Alexis Warr, an American professional dancer known for winning So You Think You Can Dance, is also making a significant debut. Their combination of a popular, high-energy celebrity and a fresh, technically accomplished professional has created a strong narrative for the series. Pre-Show Revelations and the 'Strictly Curse' The increased scrutiny brought on by the high-profile show has already spilled into Mr Clarke’s private life. Just before the series began, he publicly confirmed his relationship with model Yasmin Amelia, a move he later explained was prompted by the desire to control the narrative surrounding the 'Strictly Curse'—the media term used to describe relationships that begin or end during the intense training schedule. Speaking about the timing of the announcement, Mr Clarke said he preferred to have "full control over how it comes out," rather than having speculation driven by external media sources.
This transparency appears to have been well-received by his loyal fan base. As the competition enters its third week, the focus shifts to the anticipated ‘Movie Week’ theme. The pair have been assigned a high-energy routine to "Soda Pop" from the animated feature K-Pop Demon Hunters, a song choice that has already generated debate on social media platforms, with some fans expressing concern that it could negatively affect their momentum. Regardless of the theme, Mr Clarke's journey reflects the changing face of televised entertainment, proving that digital stardom can translate rapidly into mainstream television success. You can watch George Clarke and Alexis Warr perform their American Smooth to 'Stargazing' from the opening week of the show. George Clarke and Alexis Warr American Smooth to Stargazing by Myles Smith BBC Strictly 2025.
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