The iconic dance competition, Strictly Come Dancing, is implementing one of its most significant changes in two decades on air. For its 2025 series, the show has completely overhauled how viewers participate, moving away from the traditional phone-in system that has been a staple since its inception.
The End of an Era: Phone Voting is Officially Over
The BBC has confirmed a major shift in its audience interaction policy. Strictly Come Dancing will no longer feature premium-rate phone voting for series 23. This decision marks the end of an era for the beloved show and aligns with a broader revamp of voting procedures across the broadcaster's programmes.
A spokesperson for the BBC explained the reasoning behind this pivotal change. They stated that the premium-rate phone system is now considered an outdated model that is expensive to operate. The spokesperson highlighted that the overwhelming majority of votes in the last series were already cast online, signalling a natural shift in viewer behaviour. The final nail in the coffin for phone voting came when BT, the company providing these services for the BBC, announced it would stop offering them in early 2025.
How to Cast Your Vote in Week 7 and Beyond
With the competition heating up in week seven, knowing how to vote is crucial to keep your favourite couple in the running for the glitterball trophy. The process is now exclusively digital, but remains straightforward.
Firstly, it is essential to know that voting does not open until every couple has performed their routine during the live show on Saturday, November 8. Presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will explicitly announce when the lines are officially open and specify the time window you have to submit your vote. The results of the public vote, combined with the judges' scores, will then be revealed during the results show on Sunday, November 9.
To participate, you must vote online via the Strictly Come Dancing website. If you already have a BBC account, you are all set and ready to go. During the voting window, you will be directed to the show's website where a clear voting link will be displayed.
For those without an account, signing up is a simple and free process. The BBC encourages viewers to create an account, as it not only enables voting but also offers benefits such as a more personalised iPlayer experience, the ability to pick up shows across different devices, and local weather updates.
What This Means for Strictly Viewers
This transition to a fully online system represents a modernisation of the Strictly experience. The BBC has acknowledged that this is a significant change for some of its audience and has pledged to provide clear, step-by-step instructions during the live broadcasts to guide viewers through the new process.
The move follows the precedent set by Eurovision 2025, which was the last major BBC event to offer premium-rate phone voting. This change ensures consistency across the broadcaster's major entertainment offerings, including BBC Sports Personality of the Year, which will also adopt the online-only model.
While the method has changed, the power still remains with the public. Your votes continue to be vital in deciding which professional and celebrity pair will be saved each week and which will face the dreaded dance-off.
