Strictly Come Dancing announces major voting twist leaving stars ‘nervous’

Strictly Come Dancing has revealed a voting “twist” which will come into play for the 2025 series.

The 15 new celebrities, along with their professional dance partners, performed live in front of the judges for the first time this series (23) on Saturday (September 27).

Former England Lioness Karen Carney and her professional partner Carlos Gu, who performed the Jive to One Way Or Another by Blondie, topped the week one leaderboard with a score of 31.

While at the other end, Hollywood correspondent, author and broadcaster Ross King and his partner Jowita Przystal recorded the lowest score of 10.

All celebrities will make it through to next week, with no public vote this weekend.

Major voting “twist” announced for Strictly Come Dancing 2025

The Strictly Come Dancing results show will return next weekend for the first time this series.

For seven years, head judge Shirley Ballas has had the deciding vote as to who stays following a dance-off on a results show.

But that is about the change.

In 2025, the decision will be shared, with a different judge casting the deciding vote each week.

Meet the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 judges

This change was announced at the end of week one, and left the celebrities feeling a little “nervous”.

Actor Lewis Cope said: “That makes me a bit nervous.”

EastEnders star Balvinder Sopal added: “I was nervous, but this is another level.”

While YouTuber and podcast host George Clarke joked: “Is it too late to run away?”

Strictly Come Dancing full line-up 2025

How to vote on Strictly Come Dancing in 2025

Public voting has also changed this year.

While there is no public vote this week, viewers are being urged to note that voting will be “online only” in 2025, the BBC has confirmed.

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To vote, visit www.bbc.co.uk/strictly or scan the QR code which will appear during episodes of Strictly (which will take you directly to the voting page).

For more information, visit the BBC website (a link to which can be found above).

Strictly Come Dancing will return next Saturday (October 4) at 6.20pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.