George Clarke's seemingly unstoppable march towards the Strictly Come Dancing Glitterball trophy has hit a major stumbling block. The social media star, who has been the bookies' favourite since week one, now faces a genuine fight for survival in the musical-themed quarter-final this weekend.
From Front-Runner to Fighting for Survival
For 11 weeks, Clarke has captivated the British public with his sincere charm and determined performances, despite not being the most technically proficient dancer. His loyal fanbase has kept him safe from the dreaded dance-off, even when judges' scores placed him at the bottom of the leaderboard, such as during Icons Week where his Harry Styles-inspired Jive scored just 27.
However, the dynamics of the competition have shifted dramatically. The remaining five celebrities – George Clarke, Lewis Cope, Balvinder Sopal, Karen Carney, and Amber Davies – all present a compelling case for the final. With Lewis, Amber, and Karen already having achieved perfect 40s, the pressure is mounting.
A Crowded Field of Potential Winners
Analysts suggest that Karen, Lewis, and Amber are near-certainties for the final three, leaving just one semi-final spot for George and Balvinder Sopal to contest. This creates a perilous situation for Clarke, whose public vote has previously seemed bulletproof.
Karen Carney's journey is particularly resonant. The former England footballer has shown remarkable growth, overcoming early self-doubt to deliver stunning routines like her Couple's Choice to Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way'. This classic underdog narrative is now overshadowing George's own story, with bookmakers installing Karen as the new favourite to win, ahead of both Clarke and the previous champion, Chris McCausland.
The Quarter-Final Showdown
Tonight's musical week quarter-final on Saturday, December 6, 2025, promises high tension. Amber Davies, with her West End dance background, is set to perform a Guys and Dolls-themed Charleston, while Clarke must outshine his competitors to avoid the bottom two.
The danger for George is clear: if he lands in the dance-off against any of the other front-runners, especially the 'dance-off record-holder' Balvinder Sopal, his journey could end in a historic upset. Sopal proved her mettle by correcting mistakes in a previous Jive to triumph over Alex Kingston, demonstrating a fighting spirit Clarke has yet to face.
For the first time in this series, George Clarke's place in the competition is no longer guaranteed. The public vote, which has been a mystery throughout, will now be tested as never before. One thing is certain: the race for the Glitterball is now wide open.
