Strictly Come Dancing star George Clarke has opened up about the moment he nearly lost his mother to a life-threatening brain condition, as he shared a heartbreaking post
Strictly Come Dancing’s George Clarke has opened up about the terrifying time his mum nearly died from a serious brain condition.
The 25 year old internet sensation, who is currently appearing on the BBC’s Strictly dance floor, shared the harrowing family ordeal that unfolded in 2015 when his mum was suddenly taken to intensive care. Known to his online followers as George Clarkey, he reminisced about his mum’s nurturing nature, always crafting cards, baking cakes, and whipping up chocolate bars for him and his sister.
But their world was turned upside down when she collapsed out of the blue and was rushed to hospital. “I saw her being wheeled out, and she didn’t recognise me,” he revealed. “That summer was filled with hospital visits as she relearned who we were. She even called me ‘Fat Boy’ for a while!” he told the Express.
His mum was diagnosed with encephalitis – a severe inflammation of the brain that was completely new to George. He recounted the chilling moment doctors gave her just a 20 per cent chance of survival.
“She lost long-term memories, her sense of taste and smell, and her sense of direction,” he continued. “Despite it all, she apologised to us for what she put us through! I’m incredibly lucky to still hear her laugh”, reports Wales Online.
The TV star chose World Encephalitis Day to share his personal story, aiming to raise awareness about the condition. He emphasised: “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 swarmed his post with encouraging messages, one of them penned: “Proud of you, so hard to open up but it’s so important.”
Another chimed in: “That sounds awful, she’s such a fighter, thank you for raising awareness of this illness George.”
A third fan expressed: “It must have taken a lot to share this. Thank you.”
Aside from personal struggles, George has been wowing audiences on Strictly, dancing alongside his professional partner, Alexis Warr.
The YouTube sensation, who boasts over 600,000 subscribers and 2.3 million TikTok followers through his comedic content, made his first appearance on the ballroom floor during the pre-recorded launch on 20 September.
In the inaugural episode of the 23rd series, it was unveiled that George would be twirling around the dance floor with Alexis Warr, a fresh face in the UK show’s professional roster.
Alexis earned her stripes in the United States after clinching the title of So You Think You Can Dance in 2022, becoming the first female Ballroom and Latin specialist to nab the “America’s Favourite Dancer” title.
She has since showcased her moves across America with Dancing With The Stars and featured as part of the professional ensemble before transitioning to Strictly. George marked their partnership with a humorous post, quipping: “What better way to reveal our secret than with a professional photo dressed as minions?”
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