Encephalitis International Wishes Ambassador George Clarke Good Luck for BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing!
George dedicated his latest dance number to his mother who was diagnosed with encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
Introduction
George Clarke, 25, is a social media content creator and podcast host from Bristol, UK. Having always loved creating videos and showing his comedic side, George decided to post his first TikTok in December 2019. This video received over five million views in the first two days(!) and became the catalyst for his career as a content creator.
In December 2022 he launched ‘The Useless Hotline’ with fellow TikTok star Max Balegde, which reached #1 on the UK charts in its first week. Since then, George has amassed over two million followers across his social media platforms.
The story
George’s wonderful mum Nicky was diagnosed with encephalitis when George was 16 years old. Just before heading out with his dad, Sean, for hockey practice, Sean had checked up on Nicky to find her having a seizure.
“Encephalitis is something that, I had no idea what it was,” George said, “And most people who do know what it is, it’s because it’s affected them in a horrible way.”
He revealed that his mum has recently also been diagnosed with cancer. “Nobody deserves what she’s gone through, but least of all her” said George “It feels like it’s taken up so much of her life now.”
Best foot forward
In 2025, George began participating as a contestant on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, the popular UK dance show in which celebrities partner with professional dancers to compete in mainly ballroom and Latin dance.
George used the opportunity to speak about his mum and her experience with encephalitis on the show to raise vital awareness of this serious condition and the impact it has on people’s lives.
The social media star and podcaster dedicated his rhumba number, Lily Allen’s piano version of Somewhere Only We Know with professional dance partner Alexis Warr, 25, to his mum whom he called “the most selfless person”.
“There’s not a lot I can do to help,” said George, “So to give her this is special.”
It was a poignant evening. Motsi Mabuse, one of the Strictly judges, said: “As a feeling, and the emotions behind the dance, this was really very, very beautiful.”
Encephalitis International is proud to call George its Ambassador and we wish him all the best. Keep going George!
If you would like to support George, don’t forget to vote on Strictly!
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