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YouTuber George Clarke was yesterday announced as the sixth celebrity contestant for Strictly Come Dancing 2025.
But his showbiz roots go deeper than his online personality, because his dad is the studio boss at an iconic British production company.
George’s dad is Sean Clarke, the managing director of Aardman Animations – the studio behind British institution Wallace And Gromit.
Fans were shocked to discover his nepo baby status, writing on social media: ‘This is blowing my mind!’
Starting out at the company in 1998, George’s dad Sean worked his way up, co-producing Early Man and the two Shaun The Sheep movies – and in 2019 was announced as the new boss of the whole operation.
Usually kids look to their parents for inspiration, but Sean has previously admitted his son’s YouTube success inspired him to make changes at Aardman.
Speaking to The Times in June, Sean shared his desire to lead the animation company into the world of TikTok ahead of its 50th anniversary next year.
He said: ‘Over the last three years I’ve seen George’s success as a YouTuber and it’s been interesting to see the power of nurturing your community and understanding your brand.
‘In the future we launch characters on TikTok and we don’t have to overthink the backstory.
‘They’re just funny characters that people want to share organically and then once I can go to the market and say, “20 million people love these characters, now we want to tell some stories,” it turns this thing on its head.’
Before working at Aardman, Sean was working for Disney as their UK Licensing Director.
In a nod to his father’s role, George owned a white hamster called Gromit – who he previously revealed his family had to buy after he dropped him at the pet shop.
Discovering his father’s job, fans wrote: ‘HES A NEPO BABY!?’; ‘I can’t believe this it’s blowing my mind.’
‘HANG ONNNNNNN…. George’s dad owns the company that made Wallace and Grommit? Is this all well known?! I had zero idea!’; ‘Not his dad being in charge of wallace and gromit.’
YouTuber and podcaster George will enter the famous ballroom when Strictly returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this September.
George Clarke, also known as George Clarkey, is a British YouTuber, podcaster and social media star known to millions online.
Born and raised in the UK, George began experimenting with video content as a teenager, quickly discovering the power of humour and honesty to connect with people around the world.
Since then he has built a thriving digital career with millions of followers across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, drawn to his authenticity and sharp comedic voice.
He also co-hosts The Useless Hotline Podcast, which has proven so popular it has led to a series of live shows across the UK.
On joining Strictly Come Dancing, George 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.’
The news was revealed on BBC Radio 1’s Going Home Drivetime Show this afternoon.
George has built up a huge following on TikTok with an impressive 152million fans and has 679 thousand on Instagram.
He is also often seen teaming up with TikToker Max Balegde as the pair host their podcast together.
STRICTLY LINEUP 2025
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey
Age: 36
Profession: Olympic Sprinter and Gladiator
Harry says: ‘I’ll be bringing tons of energy to light up the dance floor. Let’s hope I’m as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track.’
Alex Kingston
Age: 62
Profession: Doctor Who actress
The actress teases: ‘My hips don’t lie’
Balvinder Sopal
Age: 46
Profession: EastEnders actress
Balvinder says: ‘I’m far too excited to put into words how I feel but I’m incredibly excited at the prospect of dancing across the ballroom.’
La Voix
Age: 45
Profession: Drag performer
She says: ‘Strictly is a national institution and I can’t wait to get started. All that’s left to say is: good luck to my partner! Here’s hoping they can help me go from La Voix into La Danse.’
Thomas Skinner
Age: 34
Profession: Reality star and entrepreneur
He says: ‘Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!’
Dani Dyer
Age: 29
Profession: Reality star, 2018 Love Island winner
Dani says: ‘Getting the opportunity to be on Strictly is the second most amazing thing I’ve done this year! feel very very blessed and cannot wait to get my dancing shoes on.’
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Age: 53
Profession: Former Chelsea and Netherlands striker and ex-England coach.
He says: ‘Swapping the pitch for the ballroom is certainly not something I’ve done before but I’m looking forward to tackling a fun challenge! Bring on a new type of footwork, with hopefully no own goals.’
Ellie Goldstein
Age: 23
Profession: Model, influencer and disability ambassador
She says: ‘It’s a show I’ve loved watching for so long, and the chance to now be part of it feels like a dream’.
Chris Robshaw
Age: 39
Profession: Rugby player
He says: ‘This is about as far out of my comfort zone as it gets! I’m hoping to take my dad dancing to a whole new level, and my mum can’t wait to drag me along to her Zumba class’.
Stefan Dennis
Age: 66
Profession: Actor
He says: ‘Looking forward to the sparkle and reaching for the sky.’
Vicky Pattison
Age: 37
Profession: Reality TV star
She says: ‘I’m absolutely buzzing to be part of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up… but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t terrified’
