Strictly’s biggest behind-the-scenes secrets ahead of the final from judge’s hidden button under desk to song choices
Plus the truth about when the professional group dances are performed
BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing is getting closer to the end of the 20th series, and these are some of the hidden details you might have missed.
This year we’re getting set to see the final few couples take to the dance floor for Strictly Come Dancing, all in their bid to lift the Glitter Ball Trophy.
Rehearsals are squeezed in
The VT videos before each couple takes to the floor might make it seem like they’ve spent every day that week in the studio learning and practising their dances, but that’s not always the case.
Instead the couples are expected to do at least 12 hours of training for a dance lasting two minutes, but often this can end up squeezed in around other commitments.
This can sometimes mean learning a dance in a single day ready for performing on Saturday night.
Speaking to in 2023, former professional dancer AJ Pritchard said: “When you consider Sunday is your day off because the results show airs on Sunday night, but in the week you would usually be doing promo, going on Lorraine in the week and talking about your experience to press, therefore you only get three and a half days in a studio to learn that dance.”
Song choices for the dances are chosen by the professionals
You may be left wondering how the dances are matched to songs, and whether show bosses decide or give out “easy” songs to stars on the show.
However the song choice is usually the decision of the dance professional who can choose from a pool of tracks, based on that week’s theme.
The professionals choose their song, confirm it to production and then get choreographing and rehearsing.
Meanwhile the Strictly orchestra and band have the week to perfect the vocals.
Scoring delays are down to production
On Saturday night there is always a delay from getting the judges comments to hearing their scores, and usually this is masked by chat in The Clauditorium.
The reason for the delay is down to judges needing to let the crew know what they will score each dance and what paddle they plan to hold up, so the production team can match up the scores on screen.
Judges are given a ‘first look’ of the dances
The celebrities performance on Saturday night during the live show isn’t the first time that the judges will see them dance.
Couples get a full rehearsal in the studio on Friday as well as dress rehearsal on the Saturday morning, with each judge allowed to watch it from their dressing room.
This allows them time to critique and prepare their comments, ready for the live show.
Saturday and Sunday shows are filmed together
You’d be forgiven for thinking the Saturday and Sunday night shows are filmed on different days, but actually it’s all one long day of filming on a Saturday.
Saturdays start off with dress rehearsals for the celebrities before it’s time for the live show on Saturday night.
Once the live show ends, the results show is filmed straight after but isn’t aired until Sunday night.
This allows the crew and production team enough time to iron out any issues or errors before the episode airs on Sunday night to viewers.
Group dances aren’t live on the night
The group dances featuring the professionals typically kick off shows, but they’re not performed live.
Instead they’re learnt months in advance and often filmed well before the shows air.
The reason behind this means the professionals aren’t put under any additional pressure during a live recording, and gives them enough time to focus on their dances with their celebrity partner.
