BGT's George Sampson's heartbreaking confession about injury that almost ended career
George Sampson stormed to victory in the 2008 series of Britain's Got Talent but just a year later he suffered a devastating injury and was told he would never dance again
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George Sampson stole the hearts of the nation when he appeared on Britain's Got Talent aged just 14.
The talented dancer had been honing his skills for years and was crowned winner of the series back in 2008.
It led to huge opporunities for the schoolboy, who went on to appear in a West End hip hop show, Into The Hoods, and the tracked he'd perfomed to, Mint Royales Singin' In The Rain, shot to number one in the charts.
George was riding high on his success - despite admitting he'd returned to school and his normal life the Monday after his big win - and it seemed nothing could halt his rise to the top.
A raft of public appearances followed and he even starred in a film, Street Dance 3D, alongside fellow Britain's Got Talent alumni, Diversity.
George was determined to use his fame for good and the year after his big win became a patron of Dance Aid, which raises money for children suffering difficulties in both Europe and Africa.
He also appeared in a CBBC Newsround special, where he spoke about his harrowing experiences of being bullied when he was younger.
There seemed to be no end to the teenager's talents when he embarked on an acting career, with starring roles in the BBC drama, Waterloo Road and Emmerdale.
George also returned to BGT the year after his victory for a performance and has been no stranger to reality TV following his first appearance on the hit ITV show.
But the young dancer was hiding a devastating injury that could have ended his career almost before it had begun.
Just a year after winning the talent show, George hurt his back and was told he would never dance again.
He revealed his ordeal when he returned to the Britain's Got Talent stage last year to perform in the Champions competition.
Speaking ahead of his performance, George said: "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.
"This is another two minutes of my life that can change everything so I’ve given everything and you’ll see everything."
In an emotional routine, a clip is played of George being told he would never dance again as he lay on the floor.
To show his determination that the diagnosis wouldn't define his life, the dancer jumped up and carried on dancing energetically in the rain.
Judges Amanda, David and Alesha were moved by the star's brave admission.
Alesha Dixon admitted she was feeling emotional and told George she felt his passion and thought he was "dancing for his life".
Amanda Holden added: "George you are the comeback kid. You literally are a fighter. 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 didn't go on to win the competition, with dance duo Twist and Pulse walking away with the trophy.
But Simon Cowell had some final words for the dancer who he had helped make so famous.
He said: "You’ve come back as a man, a champion, a great guy."
And for George he insisted everything he had been through was worth it.
He said: "I wouldn’t change it for anything. It's been the most amazing time in my life. I owe it all to this show."
- Britain's Got Talent is on ITV at 8pm tonight.
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