He’s the cheeky TikTok sensation who’s waltzed his way into the nation’s hearts – but Strictly Come Dancing finalist George Clarke left viewers ‘sobbing’ as he broke down in tears just hours before the grand final, desperately hoping to lift the Glitterball Trophy for his brave mum Nicky who’s battling breast cancer.

The 26-year-old YouTube star, partnered with stunning pro Alexis Warr, was overcome with emotion during a heartfelt interview on It Takes Two, wiping away tears and apologising: ‘Sorry… this is awful of me’ after watching touching family messages praising his journey from ‘shy little boy’ to ballroom hero.

George, who’s become the people’s favourite with his humble charm and jaw-dropping progress, confessed he’s been trying not to think about the final to stay ‘present’ – but admitted the post-Strictly comedown could hit hard, while battling ‘imposter syndrome’ amid his meteoric rise.

Fans at home were in bits, flooding X with messages like: ‘I’m emotional for George – don’t cry, you’ll set me off!’ and ‘He is so loved – what a genuine guy.’

One gushed: ‘Not me sobbing watching George Clarke crying… he deserves the world.’

Another added: ‘George breaking down has me in floods – he’s doing this for his mum fighting cancer. Rooting for him!’

The Bristol-born influencer, with a whopping 2.4 million TikTok followers and nearly a million on Instagram and YouTube, has dedicated his Strictly journey to his adored mum Nicky, who was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year.

In a tear-jerking week eight Rumba – dubbed a ‘love letter’ to his family – George poured his heart out on the floor to Lily Allen’s Somewhere Only We Know, leaving judges and audience in tears.

He revealed Nicky’s devastating diagnosis, saying: ‘Nobody deserves what she has gone through, least of all her. It feels like it’s taking up so much of her life now.’

Tragedy struck the family before too – when George was 16, Nicky suffered a seizure from rare brain inflammation encephalitis, traumatising the teen.

Yet he calls her ‘selfless and strong’, even apologising to the family during her recovery.

Nicky’s been a regular in the studio audience, cheering her son on as he defied odds with no prior dance experience – his only moves were uni socials!

Strictly bosses are thrilled with George’s appeal to younger viewers, hoping his savvy online fame revitalises the show amid recent scandals.

Privately-educated George, whose dad Shaun works at Aardman Animations, studied Sports and Exercise Science at Exeter Uni – a grounded lad who’s chosen grit over glamour.

Cheering him on is gorgeous model girlfriend Yasmin Bennett, who George credits for believing in him ‘more than I did’.

In the glittering final on December 20, George and Alexis dazzled with a Showdance to Human by The Killers, Judges’ Choice Viennese Waltz to Queen’s Somebody to Love, and favourite Paso Doble to Ruelle’s Game of Survival.

Facing stiff competition from former Lioness Karen Carney (with Carlos Gu) and West End star Amber Davies (with Nikita Kuzmin), bookies had George trailing – but public love was overwhelming.

In the end, Karen lifted the trophy in an emotional night marking Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s final hosting gig.

George finished runner-up, later posting a heartfelt message: ‘The journey is done and that’s hard to come to terms with… I’ve learned so much.’

He thanked family, friends, Yasmin and fans, adding: ‘I hope I can continue dancing… my body on standby until 2026!’

Alexis replied: ‘Love you so much – thank you!’

Fans praised his grace: ‘George didn’t win but he’s a winner in our hearts – what a gentleman.’

His emotional Rumba resonated deeply, earning admiration for vulnerability amid rivals’ pro backgrounds – Amber faced backlash for stage experience, skipping the tour for Legally Blonde.

George’s breakout potential is huge – insiders tip mainstream TV gigs, ambassador roles (he’s already with Encephalitis International).

From shy podcaster to Strictly darling, George’s story of love, resilience and making mum proud has captivated millions.

As one fan said: ‘If anyone deserves the Glitterball, it’s George – for Nicky.’

Though Karen triumphed, George’s journey shone brightest – proof heart trumps scores every time.