BRITAIN’S Got Talent champ George Sampson revealed that he nearly had to stop dancing after suffering a horrific back injury.
The 26-year-old dancer, who won the 2008 series of the show, made the revelation as he returned to the stage tonight for Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions.
Speaking in his video trailer before performing, George reflected on his glittering career since his victory on the second series of the show, which saw him embark on an arena tour and even join Emmerdale in 2016.
However, his dance career was almost over as soon as it began, with the star explaining: “Around a year after winning Britain’s Got Talent I sustained a really bad back injury, and doctors told me I might not ever be able to dance again.
“To be told bluntly, ‘no’, was devastating. I’m stubborn. There was no chance I was going to stop dancing. It’s been a long road to recovery but I’ve worked hard and I’m back.”
He then gave a sensational performance that made reference to his injury, with part of the routine seeing George lay on his back in the middle of the stage as he is told that he may never dance again.
He then defiantly jumped up to his feet to continue the energetic routine – with rain falling down in touching tribute to his winning performance 11 years ago.
George was given a standing ovation from all four judges, and hosts Ant and Dec wore bright yellow wellies when they joined him on stage to combat all of the rain.
Gushing over his routine, Amanda Holden said: “George you are the comeback kid. You literally are a fighter.
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“A fantastic nod back to your first audition and the final you won. So lovely to see you all grown up, happy and successful.”
George commented: “I wouldn’t change it for anything. It’s been the most amazing time in my life. I owe it all to this show.”
Unfortunately, George didn’t make it through to the live final, with Simon Cowell pressing his Golden Buzzer for Stavros Flatley, and US comic Preacher Lawson winning the studio audience vote.
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