STRICTLY Come Dancing runner-up George Clarke penned an emotional message after Saturday’s finale.

The YouTuber danced his way into the hearts of the nation with pro dancer Alexis Warr, but it wasn’t enough to lift the Glitter Ball trophy.

George Clarke and Alexis Warr were runners-up in this year’s Strictly Come DancingCredit: BBC

Karen Carney and Carlos Gu lifted the Glitter Ball trophyCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk

Amber Davies (L) and Nikita Kuzmin also competed in the finalCredit: BBC
Instead that honour went to former Lioness Karen Carney and her partner Carlos Gu, who won the public vote in an emotional final.

On Sunday, George, 26, took to Instagram to share his thoughts written over a photo of him and Alexis dancing on Strictly.

“Firstly, I’d like to thank my family, my friends, my girlfriend, all my internet pals and anyone who showed any ounce of support,” he began.

“I’ve realised I’ve got quite the support network and for that I will be forever grateful.”

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George continued: “Strictly has been a hell of an experience for me and I feel like I’ve learned so so much.

“For someone who’s made a career from sitting in front of a camera I really am not comfortable being the centre of attention so immediately I knew Strictly would be a challenge.”

The content creator admitted when he first started Strictly “every week felt like such an alien movement and no part of me believed I could create as good a dance as the other people in the competition.”

He then went on to thank Alexis and described how the “[dance] pro is 99 per cent of your process.”

“She helped me discover some belief in myself, something that has really helped shape me as a person not just as a dancer,” George wrote.

“I think it was evident early on she was an incredible dancer and choreographer but something I got to discover is that she’s also a wonderful person.”

George described they became “good” and “trusting friends,” and how in awe he was of her talent.

He described “the whole world of Strictly” as “so uplifting and positive,” and said it was a “pleasure to be a part of Tess and Claudia’s last season,”

Of Karen’s big win, George wrote: “Everyone has had their own personal journeys and many would’ve been worthy of winning but I’m happy to say that a particularly impressive woman on and off the dance floor has had the privilege of walking away as champ.”

“I hope that I can continue dancing in some capacity because in many ways I don’t feel like I’m done… my body however will be on standby until 2026,” George concluded.

George penned an emotional tribute to Alexis after finaleCredit: BBC

He added his confidence grew over the time he was on StrictlyCredit: BBC