Strictly's George Clarke distressing health update amid 'awful' experience

Strictly Come Dancing's George Clarke has opened up about the heart-wrenching time he nearly lost his mum to a severe brain condition.

The 25-year-old content creator, who is part of this year's Strictly line-up on the BBC, spoke openly about the family ordeal in 2015, describing how his life was turned upside down when his mum was rushed into intensive care.

George, known as George Clarkey online, recalled how his mother had always been "kind and giving, making cards, cakes, and chocolate bars" for him and his sister.

But everything changed one day when she suddenly collapsed and was taken 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 Wales Online.

Doctors diagnosed his mum with encephalitis - a serious brain inflammation that George had never heard of before.

He revealed she was given 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 added. "Despite it all, she apologised to us for what she put us through! I'm incredibly lucky to still hear her laugh."

The TV star opened up about his experience on World Encephalitis Day to raise awareness of the condition, stressing: "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."

Fans flooded his post with messages of encouragement, with one writing: "Proud of you, so hard to open up but it's so important."

Another added: "That sounds awful, she's such a fighter, thank you for raising awareness of this illness George."

A third sent him: "It must have taken a lot to share this. Thank you."

Away from the personal battles, George has been impressing viewers on Strictly alongside his professional partner, Alexis Warr.

The online content creator, who has amassed more than 600,000 subscribers and 2.3 million TikTok followers with his comedy videos, stepped into the ballroom during the pre-recorded launch on September 20.

In the opening show of the 23rd series, it was revealed that George would be paired with Alexis Warr, a new professional dancer joining the UK show.

Alexis shot to fame in America after winning So You Think You Can Dance in 2022, where she made history as the first female Ballroom and Latin specialist to secure the title "America's Favourite Dancer".

She has since performed across the US with Dancing With The Stars and appeared as part of the professional troupe before making the switch to Strictly. George celebrated their collaboration with a humorous post, joking: "What better way to reveal our secret than with a professional photo dressed as minions?".