What It’s Really Like in the Audience at Strictly Come Dancing 2025 (Elstree Studios)

What It’s Really Like in the Audience at Strictly Come Dancing 2025 (Elstree Studios)

Movie Week. Glitter everywhere. A live band thundering through iconic soundtracks. And you — in the room where it happens. I was lucky enough to be in the audience for Strictly Come Dancing at Elstree Studios on 11 October 2025, and here’s exactly what the day felt like, plus the practical bits I wish I’d known.

The Vibe (and why it’s worth it)

From the moment you step through security you can feel the fizz — sequins, hairspray, and a hundred whispered “oohs” as set pieces glide past. The floor looks smaller in person, which makes everything more intense: footwork is sharper, lifts feel higher, and the judges’ reactions land with real theatre-audience energy. You’ll clap… a lot. You’ll grin even more.

Tickets & Arrival (2025 update)

  • Enter the ballot early: the ballots for each live show typically closes in late August, so apply early!
  • You’re guaranteed entry. Unlike the old days, there’s no “turn up at 5am and hope” panic. If you have a confirmed audience ticket for 2025, you’re getting in.
  • Follow your arrival instructions. Your email sets out when to arrive and where to go at Elstree. There is no advantage to turning up hours early — stick to the guidance and save your feet.
  • ID & security. Bring photo ID and your ticket (printed or available as instructed). Security is friendly but thorough.

What to wear

  • Dress code = glam. Think smart / sparkly rather than black-tie. Although it did seem like anything goes! I opted for a black sequin short dress, and felt like I’d made a suitable effort.
  • Comfort matters. You’ll be seated for long stretches and up on your feet for applause — choose shoes you can live in for hours. A light layer helps for outdoor bits or air-con chills.

Food & drink (be clever about this)

  • Bring your own sandwiches. It’s a long day and adrenaline is not a meal. A simple packed sarnie + a snack bar will save you. You can also bring in your reusable water bottle (there are plenty of water fountains to fill up).
  • There’s a bar. Fancy a glass of fizz before the show gets underway? You’re in luck! There is a bar serving wine, beer, fizz and soft drinks too. When we went, there was also a selection of delicious looking sausage rolls and muffins too.
  • The nice touch: after the live show, the production gives out free water and biscuits. It’s a small thing – and absolutely delightful when you’re flagging.

Phones & photos

  • Expect clear instructions about when phones must be away and no photography/filming during recording. Respect it — it keeps the magic intact and the day running smoothly.

The flow of the day (how it actually feels)

  1. Check-in & settle. Follow the arrival window on your email, clear security, and get shown to the holding area. Buzzing chat, sequins everywhere, and that “we’re really here!” feeling.
  2. Pre-show warm-up. A brilliant floor team gets you clapping in time (and smiling like you mean it).
  3. Live show. Music swells, Tess and Claudia sweep in, and suddenly you’re part of the broadcast. Between VTs, you’ll see the crew pull off lightning-fast set changes — mesmerising to watch.
  4. Break. Stretch, grab the water and biscuits, compare favourite dances.
  5. Results recording. Same energy, fresh outfits, proper drama. You’ll feel the tension more in-room than you ever do at home.

How long is the day?

Plan for most of the afternoon into late evening. The time genuinely flies, but your stomach won’t — hence the sandwiches tip. Our show over-ran by 20 minutes, so it was around 11:20pm by the time we got in.

Handy, human tips

  • Don’t overpack. Small bag with essentials wins the day.
  • Pre-book your way home. Late finish = grateful future you (Elstree and Borehamwood station is about a 20 minute walk away)
  • Clap like you mean it. The audience makes the show’s atmosphere. Go all-in — it’s part of the fun. Boos are encouraged when the scores/feedback are low. I loved the panto aspect of it all.
  • Be kind to future fans. Keep spoilers to yourself until the results air.

Was it worth it?

Completely. Seeing those routines explode just metres away is electric — you catch details TV can’t capture: the breath before a lift, the grin after a nailed landing, the judges’ micro-reactions. It’s glitter, graft and genuine joy, and you feel part of it.


TL;DR (for the skimmers)

  • Entry is guaranteed with a confirmed 2025 ticket — no need to queue at dawn.
  • Follow the arrival time in your ticket email.
  • Bring sandwiches — you’ll thank yourself later.
  • You’ll get free water + biscuits after the live show (lovely touch).
  • Dress glam but comfy, keep phones away when told, and clap your heart out.

If you’re heading to Elstree this year, soak up every second — and pack that sandwich.