'I was in the Strictly audience and saw every secret - Shirley's extra help to strict rules for all'

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The stars of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing and their professional partners have barely had time to rest following the excitement of last week’s Blackpool special .

But they delivered another spectacular show on Saturday night, as the remaining seven couples battled it out in the ballroom, hoping they will make it to the final next month and take home the iconic glitterball trophy. All the contestants, from Tom Dean, who went out in the first week, to favourites like Tasha Ghouri and Sarah Hadland , now know what many Strictly fans would die to find out – the behind the scenes tricks, rules and secrets surrounding the BBC show. Of course, some ‘secrets’ aren’t secrets at all – most fans know the results show, broadcast on Sunday night, is actually filmed straight after Saturday’s live show.



But there are some other things even the most devoted viewers don’t know about the famous dance competition. If you have been lucky enough to score a ticket to be an audience member on Strictly, you’ll know two important things about the show. The first is that filming takes a long time, since both the live show and results show are filmed together.

The good news is that snacks and water are provided, and there is a break between the two parts while votes are counted, so fans can dash to the toilets if they need to. Secondly, hardened fans know that it is well worth getting to the Strictly studios in Elstree, Hertfordshire as early as possible, and that means there is often a queue at 9am, though some devoted fans are there even earlier. This is, of course, so you can bag the best seats (though we would suggest avoiding the ones directly behind the judges’ desks, as your legs may be on national television).

However, it's also because there is an arrivals marquee with those much needed refreshments, as well as a merchandise booth, selling T-shirts, teddy bears and water bottles. Plus, the marquee is close to the VIP area where friends and family of the dancers congregate before the show, eating pizza and drinking champagne, so some celeb spotting is quite likely. Lots of things happen before the show starts too.

Megan Sutton was in the audience for Good Housekeeping in 2019, and reveals: "There is a warm up act who cracks jokes as soon as the audience files into the studio and generally oversees things when cameras aren’t rolling. They introduce Tess, Claudia and the judges and gives the audience housekeeping instructions, too, as well as playing games in quieter moments to keep everyone in high spirits." H osts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly also come out and chat to the audience before the show.

"Claudia entertains with gags about her Spanx being uncomfortable and generally self-deprecating humour. Both Claudia and Tess like to chat with members of the audience, complimenting people on their sparkly Strictly outfits," adds Megan. It’s also a great time for the audience to take a look around and spot things like the cushion Shirley Ballas sits on, so she is closer in height to her fellow judges including Craig Revel Horwood , who is even taller than he appears on TV.

There are some strict rules in place, too. It’s no surprise that phones and any recording devices are confiscated, which, if you get there early enough, means you could be parted from your favourite device for up to 10 hours. That also means audience members can’t vote in the public poll, and it isn’t the only important rule.

Those in the balcony seats are banned from standing up due to health and safety concerns, which explains why that section of the audience is always seated, even during standing ovations. There is also a dress code of sorts - “glamorous - no jeans!” according to a letter sent to all audience members. The letter also warns audience members to be on their best behaviour during the show.

"As part of our studio audience you'll make a major contribution to the show and you may be filmed or photographed,” it says. "It'll be your applause or laughter that you'll hear. To make sure everyone has a great time we'll ask people to leave if they interrupt or disrupt the show or behave in a way likely to cause damage, injury, nuisance or annoyance.

The BBC reserve the right to refuse admission.".