Strictly Come Dancing contestant George Clarke has revealed he was secretly battling an injury last weekend.

The YouTube star, who has been partnered with new professional dancer Alexis Warr, admitted he visited a physiotherapist last week after a stunt went wrong and he injured his back.

In a new episode of his podcast The Useless Hotline, George was joined by Alexis as they reflected on week two of the BBC competition - and he explained why he kept the injury under wraps.

"I didn't want it to be a thing on the night," the 25-year-old star admitted. "That's why they asked in the VT, they were like, 'Do you want to mention your back?' and I said, 'I don't want it to be a thing.'"

He continued, "I had a pinched nerve all week in my back. I had acupuncture halfway through the week. I went to physio four times."

George revealed the injury interrupted his rehearsals for the Paso Doble and he was regularly forced to take a break and sit down because of the pain.

Despite the setback, George and Alexis scored an impressive 30 points for their routine, with head judge Shirley Ballas describing the YouTube star as "outstanding" and a potential "front runner" in this year's series.

Recalling how the injury happened, George explained he had suggested "throwing in a handstand" during the routine.

"I like doing a handstand, if I keep my legs together, I'd probably be better at it, but it doesn't feel fun when you do it that way," he continued. "I did that and got up and went, 'My back hurts a little bit, actually. Ah s**t, I've got a little twinge in there somehow. I'll try to carry on.'"