“Strictly’s George Clarke Fights Back Tears as He Reveals Mum’s Devastating Health Battle: ‘She’s Losing Her Memory and Hearing’”
In an emotional moment on This Morning, George Clarke, the popular Strictly Come Dancing star, opened up about his mother Nicky’s ongoing health struggles, which have been exacerbated by cancer and encephalitis. Fighting back tears, George shared the toll these conditions have taken on his mum, who is battling severe memory loss and a range of physical and mental health issues.
Visibly emotional, George explained the devastating impact these health challenges have had on Nicky’s daily life. “She’s losing her memory, and she’s also lost her sense of taste and smell,” George said, struggling to hold back tears. “She has to deal with a lot every day.”
A Brave Battle Against the Odds
Nicky’s health issues began years ago when she was diagnosed with encephalitis, a serious brain inflammation that can result in long-term effects. George recalled, “She was in hospital for three or four months at first and was put into an induced coma. The doctors gave her just a 20% chance of survival, but she defied the odds and pulled through.”
Despite her remarkable recovery, life has been far from easy. George spoke of Nicky’s struggles with her sleep patterns and her extreme sensitivity to noise. “Her sleeping pattern is really hard to deal with,” he shared. “She wakes up at 4 am and can’t really sleep properly. If someone sneezes next to her, her heart rate increases, and she has to calm herself down.”
Cancer Diagnosis Compounds the Struggles
In 2025, Nicky was diagnosed with cancer, further complicating her already fragile health. “Even with all that she’s going through, you wouldn’t have a clue she’s battling cancer,” George said. “Anyone who meets her says she is incredible.”
George also reflected on the moment that changed everything for his family—when, at the age of 16, he discovered that his mum had suffered a seizure. “I was about to leave for hockey practice, and my dad went upstairs to check on mum. That’s when he found her having a seizure,” George recalled. This marked the beginning of Nicky’s ongoing health battles.
Living With Encephalitis
Encephalitis causes inflammation in the brain and can lead to symptoms like confusion, disorientation, and seizures. For Nicky, the condition has left her with severe memory loss and an extreme sensitivity to sound, making day-to-day life a constant challenge. Yet, despite the hardships, George expressed immense admiration for his mother’s courage. “She’s not letting anything stop her. You would never know she’s going through cancer treatment if you met her,” he said.
A Family’s Strength
George’s unwavering support for his mother is clear. His devotion has been evident throughout his Strictly journey, and he even dedicated his Rumba routine to her. This deeply personal conversation not only revealed the challenges of Nicky’s health battle but also highlighted the strength and resilience of both mother and son.
In a world full of difficulties, George Clarke’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of family, love, and perseverance through even the toughest of times.
A Heartfelt Tribute
As George continues to face these heart-wrenching challenges, his vulnerability and strength serve as an inspiration to viewers across the UK. His emotional story underscores the importance of cherishing our loved ones and facing adversity with grace and courage.
