Strictly Come Dancing has confirmed that the sixth celebrity taking to the dancefloor this year will be YouTuber and podcaster George Clarke.
25-year-old Clarke — better known online as George Clarkey — first began making videos as a teenager, blending comedy and candour to build a devoted online following.
He has since amassed millions of fans across YouTube, TikTok and Instagram, drawn to his quick wit and relatable humour.
Clarke also co-hosts The Useless Hotline Podcast alongside Max Balegde, which has become such a hit that it has spawned a string of sell-out live shows across the UK.
His joining the hit BBC One dance competition was announced on BBC Radio 1’s Going Home Drivetime Show on Monday.
Sharing his excitement with his fans, Clarke said: “Never thought I’d say this… but I’m doing Strictly! Honestly, I’ve got no idea what I’m doing but I’m excited to get stuck in… and potentially fall over a fair bit.”
He joins a growing celebrity cast for this year’s series, which so far includes EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal and Love Island winner Dani Dyer.
Former Chelsea and Netherlands footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, ER and Doctor Who star Alex Kingston, and Olympic sprinter-turned-Gladiators competitor Harry Aikines-Aryeetey have also been confirmed to be taking part.
Last month, the BBC also confirmed that two new professional dancers will join the cast: US-born Alexis Warr, who has previously starred on Dancing with the Stars, and Australian Julian Caillon.
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will once again take the helm as presenters, while Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and head judge Shirley Ballas return to the judging panel.
Now entering its 22nd series, Strictly Come Dancing remains one of the BBC’s most-watched shows, famous for pairing celebrities with professional dancers to perform ballroom and Latin routines in front of millions each week.
The glitterball trophy is currently held by comedian Chris McCausland, 48, who was partnered with professional dancer Dianne Buswell, 36, and made Strictly history when he became the show’s first blind contestant.
Strictly will return to its prime time Saturday night slot on BBC One and run from September until December, with a number of this year’s contestants expected to join the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour in the new year.
