Strictly Come Dancing (often referred to as Strictly) is one of the most beloved television shows in the UK, captivating millions of viewers with its glittering costumes, electrifying dances, and emotional moments. One of the most important elements of the show that makes it unique and engaging is the public vote. The Strictly vote gives viewers the power to influence the competition by voting for their favorite couples each week.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into how the Strictly vote works, its impact on the competition, the ways to vote, and some frequently asked questions. This will provide both new fans and long-time viewers with a comprehensive understanding of this crucial aspect of the show.
What is the Strictly Vote?
The Strictly vote is a public voting system that allows viewers to have a say in who stays and who goes home on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. After the professional dancers and celebrity contestants perform their routines each week, viewers are invited to cast their votes, which are then combined with the judges’ scores to determine the results of that week’s elimination.
The voting process plays a key role in the outcome of the show. While the judges’ scores are important, it is ultimately the public vote that can make the biggest difference, especially in cases where the judges’ opinions are split or controversial. The public vote often reflects viewers’ emotional connection with the contestants, making it an essential element that keeps the show dynamic and engaging.
How Does the Strictly Vote Work?
The Voting Process
Each week, the contestants perform their dance routines, and the judges—consisting of experts like Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke—give them scores out of 10 based on their performance. These scores are crucial in determining which couples will face the risk of elimination. However, the public vote adds another layer of unpredictability to the show.
After the performances, the voting lines open, and viewers are given the chance to vote for their favorite couples. The votes are usually open for a few hours, and during this time, fans can cast their votes by calling in, texting, or using the BBC’s Red Button service or the Strictly Come Dancing app. The voting lines typically close before the results show, which airs the following evening.
How are Votes Combined with Judges’ Scores?
Once the public voting ends, the results are revealed. The combined total of the judges’ scores and the public vote determines the ranking of the couples for that week.
Judges’ Scores: Each judge gives a score from 1 to 10, with a maximum possible score of 40 points for the couple’s performance.
Public Vote: Each viewer’s vote is weighted, and the couple with the most votes generally earns the highest standing in the competition for that week.
In most cases, the couple with the lowest combined total score (from the judges and the public vote) will be eliminated. However, if there is a tie, the judges may have the final say, with one couple being chosen to leave the competition.
Ways to Vote on Strictly Come Dancing
As with many talent shows, Strictly Come Dancing provides several ways for fans to cast their votes, making it easier for everyone to get involved. The most common voting methods include:
Text Voting
Viewers can vote by sending a text message to a specific number that corresponds to the celebrity or couple they wish to vote for. Each couple has a unique number, and you can vote multiple times, although only one vote per text message is allowed. Text voting is often one of the most popular methods, as it’s quick and convenient.
Phone Voting
Another common way to vote is by calling a dedicated phone line. Like text voting, each couple has a unique phone number, and you can vote for your favorite couple by calling that number. Keep in mind that phone calls are often chargeable, depending on the country and the type of phone number provided.
BBC Red Button
For viewers who are watching Strictly on TV, the BBC Red Button service allows them to vote via their television set. This is a simple and direct way to cast a vote while watching the show live.
The Strictly Come Dancing App
The official Strictly Come Dancing app allows fans to vote directly from their smartphone. This method is user-friendly and allows for quick participation without the need for a physical phone or text message. Additionally, the app provides fans with extra content, including backstage footage and more about the contestants.
Online Voting
Some viewers may also have the option to vote via the BBC website, depending on regional rules and broadcasting guidelines.
Why is the Strictly Vote So Important?
It Determines the Eliminations
Perhaps the most significant aspect of the Strictly vote is its direct influence on eliminations. While the judges’ scores provide a baseline assessment of each couple’s performance, the public vote determines whether the couple’s performance resonates with the audience. If a celebrity or couple receives low public votes, they may face elimination, even if their dance score is high.
For example, in past seasons, we’ve seen couples who performed well in the judges’ eyes but were eliminated due to a low public vote, and vice versa. This creates a fascinating dynamic between the judges and the public, where being a popular personality or showing an emotional connection with the audience can sometimes outweigh technical dancing ability.
It Creates Drama and Suspense
One of the reasons that Strictly Come Dancing is so captivating is the constant uncertainty surrounding eliminations. Since the public vote has such a big impact, viewers never know for sure which couples will stay safe and which will be at risk, making for a thrilling watch each week. This sense of unpredictability, mixed with moments of surprise eliminations, adds to the drama and excitement of the competition.
It Reflects Public Opinion
The public vote is a reflection of what the audience enjoys, values, and connects with most. Sometimes, this can be based on the contestants’ dancing ability, but it is often tied to factors like charisma, storytelling, and emotional connection. Fans tend to support couples that resonate with them on a personal level, whether it’s due to the celebrity’s background, personality, or progress on the show.
It Gives Fans a Voice
Strictly Come Dancing has a dedicated and passionate fanbase, and the voting system gives viewers the opportunity to actively participate in the outcome of the show. The power to help a couple stay in the competition can be empowering for fans, creating a sense of involvement that deepens their engagement with the show.
FAQs
What is the Strictly Vote?
The Strictly vote is the voting system used by viewers to help determine which celebrity dancers stay and which are eliminated from the competition. After the contestants perform their routines each week, the audience is invited to vote for their favorite couples. The combined total of the judges’ scores and the public vote determines the results. The couple with the lowest combined score may be eliminated, though the judges have the final say if there’s a tie.
How Does the Strictly Vote Work?
After the contestants perform, the judges give their scores, usually ranging from 1 to 10. The public then casts their votes for their favorite performances. These votes are collected via phone lines, text messages, or the Strictly Come Dancing app. The scores from both the judges and the public are combined, and the couple with the lowest total risk elimination. However, if there’s a tie between couples, the judges decide who stays.
How Can I Vote for My Favorite Couple on Strictly?
There are several ways you can vote for your favorite couples:
Phone voting: Call the special phone number provided for each couple.
Text voting: Send a text to the number linked to your chosen couple.
The Strictly App: Use the official app to vote directly from your phone.
BBC Red Button: If watching live on TV, you can vote using the BBC Red Button service.
Each method of voting has specific guidelines, such as the number of votes you can cast and any charges associated with phone or text voting.
Is Voting Free?
The cost of voting depends on the method you choose. Voting via the Strictly app or Red Button is typically free, while phone and text voting may incur charges. Be sure to check the terms for each voting option to avoid unexpected costs.
When Do the Voting Lines Open and Close?
Voting lines usually open after all the performances for the week have finished and close shortly before the results show airs. Typically, you’ll have a few hours to cast your votes, so be sure to get your votes in before the deadline.
In Summary
The Strictly vote is one of the most exciting and interactive components of Strictly Come Dancing, allowing viewers to actively shape the competition and influence which couples stay in the running. Whether you vote via text, phone, or the app, the public vote gives fans a unique opportunity to connect with the show and its contestants on a deeper level.
The power of the Strictly vote lies not only in its impact on eliminations but also in the way it reflects the public’s favorite couples. A couple’s success is not only dependent on their dancing abilities but also on their ability to resonate with the audience, creating a fun and unpredictable dynamic. The combination of judges’ scores and the public vote adds an exciting element of drama, as fans get to see how their votes stack up against the judges’ opinions.
From supporting your favorite celebrity to seeing an underdog couple rise through the ranks, the Strictly vote helps keep the show engaging and thrilling. For Strictly Come Dancing fans, voting is not just a way to show support for their favorites, but also a way to feel personally involved in the excitement and suspense of the competition.
So next time you’re watching Strictly Come Dancing, remember that your vote could help a couple stay in the race for the coveted Glitterball Trophy. Keep an eye on the voting lines and make sure to get your votes in before they close—it’s all part of the magic of Strictly!
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