I've got tickets to strictly advice please

[Kbop82]

I have been lucky enough to be allocated tickets for strictly in the next few weeks.
I'm planning on taking my mum. It says to be there for 3pm. We are both v excited, we've never been before and are looking for advice on what time is best to arrive, how seats are allocated etc.

KR Emma

I went 6 years ago, it was an absolutely brilliant experience!

But I would recommend you read the information they send you very carefully. If the process is the same as it used to be, what you have been allocated is not a ticket yet, but the chance to queue for a ticket. People start queuing very very early - when we went, we joined the queue at 4.15 AM, and there was already 25 people ahead of us. They came to the studio gates at about 9am ish as I recall? and then they validate you. Only then are you guaranteed a seat. Then you can safely leave and you are given a time to return by.
I do remember that there were people who turned up in the afternoon, and then just had to wait and see if there were any free seats after all validated public, friends, family and other production guests were in. Some got in for sure, and I was inside by then so no idea how many if any didn't,

So just check your info, and maybe consider queuing a bit earlier than 3pm! Have fun, it's great 😊.

I think they’ve changed it now so everyone allocated a ticket definitely gets in.

Hi that's good because we are not travelling down all the way from where we live unless we are actually guaranteed we can get in xx

I agree, go very very early. It is double booked, so half the people invited to come and queue wont get in, which most people know, but if you don't read the details you are stuffed. We went many hours early and were the last to be allowed to enter. Lost of people dont actually turn up, so it isn't actually the situation that half of people who come are actually turned away at the door, but certainly lots were. Although some of the ones who couldn't actually get in were invited into a hospitality room and given a big screen and refreshments, and were available to fill seats if anyone left during the filming

Ooh exciting, I went pre covid, and a few weeks ago. Process has changed, there's no need to queue up in the early hours of the morning anymore! Like you, we were told to get there for 3, we probably got there about 1.30 in the afternoon and we were 4th in the queue.

Your ID is checked whilst in the queue – make sure that you both have photo ID. Then you are given a sticker with a number on and you go through security, hand your bag and phone in and go to a large marquee where there is a bar. When it's time to go into the studio you are lined up in the order of your sticker.

Have a great time, I loved it!

O good, that's a relief I cannot leave newmarket until 11.00am due to my daughters theatre group performance in the morning. I think we can get there for about 1.30 from there too( traffic etc) xx thankyou xx

i went to the recording of the opening show. Your ticket is guaranteed entry now. So just turn up from
the time they say. It was 3pm for us it’s was a fabulous experience and a late finish

Can I ask how you got the tickets please? Have a great time xx

Ah, the process has definitely changed then since covid by the sounds of it; that's good to know if I ever get lucky again! (Although, to be fair, the 4am queue was actually quite fun and memorable, great camaraderie and everyone in good spirits). Still, the new process sounds much less stressful 😂. Have a brilliant evening!

Can I ask how you got the tickets please?

Tickets were offered thru lottery here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours/

As PPs have said, on most occasions more tickets are allocated than there are seats so you have to get there early to be in the queue. For Strictly, if you have been allocated a seat you definitely have a place.

Thank you

We went in August to prerecorded Pros dances. Got there at 3pm, 210th in the queue and eventually were sat in the 7th (back) row - good view though. We were queuing outside for a couple of hours. (So be prepared to be standing outside, no shelter for that time). Filming was delayed as they had to build some steps for the singer. We took bottled water, but it was fizzy so not allowed in! Saw 3 dances, with a couple that were repeated, and were the first out just after 10pm.

@Daffyyellow So the pro dances on a Sunday aren't in front of the same audience as the actual Saturday show? I suppose it makes sense. Which dances did you get to see?

I do know that the Sat and Sun shows are recorded on Saturday, I'm not dense lol. I hadn't considered though that they would get a whole audience in, in August, just to film the pro dances.

We were the third (or maybe fourth?) day of prerecords. We saw the Tina Turner tribute with Beverly Knight and Fleur East, the Walt Disney dance and the African one that Johannes was the lead and Oti choreographed - which was my favourite and I though was better in the studio than on TV! Oti was there, it was just after she’d announced her pregnancy. Amy Dowden was there too and a got a long standing ovation. All very special.

Awww that sounds wonderful!

It was very lovely. Slightly frustrating that no phones and cameras are allowed in - would have loved a photo ‘on set’ to remember it!

Oh lucky you! My sister went during covid and was therefore guaranteed a seat. She said was an amazing experience.