“Strictly Come Dancing Voting” (often abbreviated to “Strictly”) is a popular British television dance competition in which celebrities partner with professional dancers to compete in a ballroom and Latin dance contest.
The show has garnered a massive following, and the voting process is a crucial part of its success.
Voting Mechanism
Voting on “Strictly Come Dancing” is a combination of judges’ scores and public votes. Here’s how it works:
- Judges’ Scores: Each week, the couples perform their routines and are scored by a panel of judges. These scores contribute to half of the final result.
- Public Votes: Viewers can vote for their favorite couples. This public vote accounts for the other half of the result.
Voting Methods
There are several ways for viewers to cast their votes:
- Phone Voting: Viewers can vote by calling or texting the numbers provided during the show. Standard call and text rates apply.
- Online Voting: Free online voting is available through the BBC website. Viewers need to register for a BBC account to vote online.
- BBC iPlayer App: Votes can also be cast through the BBC iPlayer app on mobile devices.
Scoring System
After the judges’ scores and public votes are tallied, the couples are ranked from highest to lowest.
The couple with the highest combined score receives the maximum points, and the couple with the lowest combined score receives the least points. These points determine the overall ranking for that week.
Elimination Process
The two couples with the lowest combined scores (judges’ scores and public votes) enter the “dance-off,” where they perform their routine again. The judges then decide which couple stays in the competition and which one is eliminated.
Special Weeks
Throughout the series, there are themed weeks (e.g., Movie Week, Halloween Week) and special episodes like “Blackpool Week.” Voting procedures generally remain the same, but the excitement and stakes can be higher.
Controversies and Criticisms
“Strictly Come Dancing” has faced various controversies related to its voting process:
- Bias Allegations: There have been claims of bias in the judges’ scoring or manipulation of public votes.
- Technical Issues: Occasionally, technical glitches have affected the online voting process, leading to frustration among viewers.
- Celebrity Popularity: Sometimes, more popular celebrities stay in the competition despite lower dance abilities, while better dancers are eliminated due to fewer public votes.
Importance of Voting
Voting is essential to the “Strictly Come Dancing” experience. It allows fans to participate in the show and support their favorite couples actively. This engagement helps maintain the show’s popularity and ensures a broad fan base.
The voting process on “Strictly Come Dancing” is a blend of professional judgment and public opinion, creating a dynamic and engaging competition.
While not without its criticisms, the voting system plays a vital role in the show’s structure, keeping viewers invested and the competition fair.
Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a new viewer, understanding the voting process enhances the overall enjoyment of this beloved dance show.