George Sampson makes a heartbreaking confession ahead of his emotional Britain's Got Talent: The Champions routine tonight.
The incredible 26-year-old dancer, who won the second series of the show back in 2008, is back on the BGT stage.
But George admits that he very nearly didn't make it after being told he might never be able to dance again.
Opening up on his ordeal, George explains that he sustained a horrific back injury just one year after being crowned as champion.
And the gut-wrenching moment is referenced during his emotional routine in front of the BGT judges.
Speaking ahead of his performance, George says: "Around a year after winning Britain’s Got Talent I sustained a really bad back injury, and doctors told me I might not ever be able to dance again.
"To be told bluntly, 'no', was devastating. I’m stubborn. There was no chance I was going to stop dancing. It’s been a long road to recovery but I’ve worked hard and I’m back.
"This is another two minutes of my life that can change everything so I’ve given everything and you’ll see everything."
In the middle of his sensational routine, George is seen lying on the stage while a voice clip plays revealing the news he may never be able to dance again.
Defiant George then jumps up and carries on dancing energetically in the rain.
At the end of the performance, presenters Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly walk on with an umbrella and bright yellow wellies.
Giving his feedback, judge David Walliams jokes he was still in primary school when George won the show and calls him a "real-life Billy Elliot"
Alesha Dixon admits she is feeling emotional and tells George she felt his passion and thought he was "dancig for his life".
Amanda Holden says: "George you are the comeback kid. You literally are a fighter. A fantastic nod back to your first audition and the final you won. So lovely to see you all grown up, happy and successful."
Then Simon Cowell tells the dancer that his original performance is still the most iconic.
He adds: "You’ve come back as a man, a champion, a great guy. I’m absolutely thrilled you’re here.
After catching his breath, emotional George says: "I wouldn’t change it for anything. It's been the most amazing time in my life. I owe it all to this show."
Will George get through to the BGT: The Champions final?
*Britain's Got Talent airs tonight on ITV at 8.30pm
