Strictly Come Dancing, one of the UK’s most popular and beloved television shows, has captivated audiences with its spectacular dance performances, star-studded cast, and, of course, the audience voting element. But, with each season, many fans are left wondering: when do the voting lines open? What is the voting process? And how do I make sure my vote counts? This article aims to provide you with everything you need to know about Strictly Come Dancing voting opening times, based on the latest information available.
What Is the Voting System for Strictly Come Dancing?
Before delving into the specifics of voting opening times, it’s important to understand how the Strictly Come Dancing voting system works. Every week, after the celebrities perform with their professional dance partners, viewers are encouraged to vote for their favorite couple. The votes, combined with the judges’ scores, determine who stays and who is eliminated from the competition.
The voting process is one of the main ways that fans can influence the outcome of the show. Each week, the live audience at home can vote via phone, the BBC Strictly app, or online. The voting opens once the live show begins, giving fans the opportunity to show their support for their favorite celebrities.
When Do the Voting Lines Open?
The big question that many fans have every season is: when do the voting lines open the opening times for voting are generally consistent from week to week but may vary slightly depending on the structure of the show. Let’s break it down:
Voting Opens During the Live Show: For most episodes of Strictly Come Dancing, voting opens shortly after the first celebrity performance of the night. This typically happens around 7:00 PM UK time when the show kicks off, or immediately after the performance of the first contestant.
Time of Voting: Voting lines generally remain open until around 10:00 PM to 10:15 PM UK time, depending on the night’s schedule. However, the exact time may differ slightly based on the length of the episode or any special segments included.
Extended Voting Times: On weeks with a double elimination or other special events, the voting period may be extended, sometimes closing closer to 10:30 PM.
How Can You Vote for Strictly Come Dancing?
There are several methods for voting in Strictly Come Dancing, and understanding these options ensures you don’t miss out on the chance to support your favorite celebrity contestant.
Voting by Phone: You can call the voting number provided during the live show. Each contestant is assigned a unique phone number, and you can vote for them by dialing the corresponding number. Voting by phone typically costs £1.50 per vote from a landline or mobile device.
BBC Strictly App: The BBC Strictly app is another popular method of voting. It’s free to download and provides an easy way to vote without incurring any charges. Simply choose the contestant you want to vote for within the app.
Online Voting: You can also vote online via the BBC’s official website. This allows you to vote for your favorite couple at no cost, but it’s important to note that online votes may be limited depending on the week.
What Happens After Voting Closes?
Once the voting window closes, the results are counted, and the judges’ scores are combined with the public vote. A Strictly Come Dancing episode typically ends with the results show, where the contestant with the lowest combined score (judges’ scores and public votes) is eliminated from the competition. The public vote has a huge impact on who stays in the competition, so your votes can truly make a difference. The judges’ scores are important too, but ultimately, the public’s voice determines who gets to continue dancing for another week.
Do Voting Times Change for Different Rounds?
While voting times remain relatively consistent throughout most of the competition, there are a few instances where they might change. These changes are usually tied to special events in the show’s schedule. For example:
Halloween Week: The Strictly Come Dancing Halloween special usually includes a longer voting window due to additional performances, so fans can expect voting to close slightly later.
Blackpool Week: During Strictly’s iconic Blackpool week, the voting window may also be extended, especially since this is one of the most anticipated and popular events of the season.
Double Eliminations: If there’s a double elimination, the voting window could be extended for a little longer to give viewers more time to cast their votes.
How Can I Make Sure My Vote Counts?
Voting in Strictly Come Dancing can be a bit tricky for first-timers, so it’s important to know how to make sure your vote counts. Here are some tips:
Make Sure You Vote Before the Deadline: The voting lines close promptly at 10:00 PM (or slightly later), and no votes will be counted after the deadline. It’s important to vote early and not leave it until the last minute to avoid disappointment.
Use Multiple Voting Methods: To increase the chances of your vote being counted, consider voting via different platforms. You can call the phone line, use the app, and vote online to ensure that your support for a contestant is counted multiple times.
Check Your Voting Confirmation: If voting via the BBC Strictly app or online, look for confirmation that your vote has been accepted. If you don’t receive a confirmation, your vote might not have gone through.
Why Is Voting So Important in Strictly Come Dancing?
The voting system is at the heart of Strictly Come Dancing’s format. Without it, the show would lack the interactive element that has made it so beloved by fans. Voting not only allows viewers to participate in the outcome but also adds a level of excitement and engagement that draws in millions of viewers every week. The balance between the judges’ feedback and the audience’s votes ensures that no single factor can solely determine a contestant’s fate. This keeps the competition dynamic and exciting, as each couple’s performance on the night has the potential to sway public opinion, even if they have previously struggled.
How to Stay Updated on Voting Times and Changes
The voting opening times for Strictly Come Dancing are usually announced during the live broadcast, but it’s important to stay updated throughout the season. Here’s how to do so:
Follow the BBC’s Official Social Media Accounts: The Strictly Come Dancing Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts regularly post updates, including voting information, timings, and special announcements.
Watch the Live Shows: Every Saturday night’s live episode will provide viewers with all the necessary voting details, including when the lines open and close. The host(s) will remind viewers throughout the episode.
Check the Official Website: The BBC website also provides official voting times for each episode, ensuring you never miss the chance to vote.
FAQs
What time do the voting lines close on Strictly Come Dancing?
Voting lines close shortly after the live show concludes. Typically, the voting window closes about 15-30 minutes after the last performance. Keep an eye on the screen for any official announcements about the voting deadline during the live broadcast, as it may change slightly based on the show’s flow.
Can I vote online for Strictly Come Dancing?
Yes! You can vote for your favorite celebrity contestants online. Voting for Strictly Come Dancing is available through the official BBC website or the BBC iPlayer app. You will need to sign in or register for an account to cast your vote online.
When do voting results get announced on Strictly Come Dancing?
Voting results are announced on Sunday evenings during the live results show. The results are revealed after the judges’ scores and viewer votes are combined. If a couple falls into the bottom two, they must perform again in the “dance-off” to secure their place in the competition.
How do I vote by phone on Strictly Come Dancing?
To vote by phone, simply dial the number shown on the screen during the live show. Each contestant will have their unique phone number, so make sure you dial the correct one for your favorite celebrity. Phone votes are only accepted during the live voting window, so ensure you’re voting at the right time.
In Summary
The Strictly Come Dancing voting process is a crucial element of the show, allowing fans to actively participate in the competition. By understanding when the voting lines open, how to vote, and how to ensure your vote is counted, you can be part of the action and have a direct influence on who stays in the competition. Keep an eye on official announcements, and be sure to cast your vote during the voting window to support your favorite celebrities.
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