Hi all! As a long time lurker and much lover of Strictly, I am the luckiest girl in the world because I've got tickets for tomorrow .

As I'm travelling down from the Midlands and want to drop off a bag at the hotel before getting to the BBC, I wondered if anyone who had been could tell me what time ideally I need to be there to guarantee a seat (the tickets say they are not a guarantee and having travelled, I don't want to be disappointed).

Any advice much appreciated as I am sooooo looking forward to it.

Thanks.

Hi Hunty. Congratulations. I was lucky enough to get a ticket a couple of weeks ago and we travelled up from Brighton really early, arriving at the Studios at about 9.30. We were 13th and 14th in the queue which meant we got front row seats - out of camera shot but that suited me. We were given our seat numbers at about 12.30 and by then the queue was quite long but other people did arrive later. I would definitelly aim to be there by then though.

The time in the queue goes really quickly as everyone is very chatty. We also had the pleasure of meeting Rory who walked down the length of the queue, chatting and having his photo taken. Such a lovely man.

Thanks Lavengro - 9:30 - that's a bit of a shocker! Looks like we'll be on the earlier train then! I reckon we'll be able to get in the queue for just after 12:30.

I hope we get to meet some of the celebs or dancers too! My OH is disappointed that Erin and Katya are out but they might be in some pro dances so he should be happy.

Before1pm should be fine and there's also a chance you may see some of the celebs and pros when you are queuing to go into the actual studio. We met Natalie but a few others were outside too.

Have fun.

Just to add my thoughts to Lav's messages above, I went (independently) same weekend and actually sat right by Lav but I got talking to two lots of couples... one couple had arrived about 12.30 and were just outside getting seats downstairs so were in the balcony. I also spoke to another couple who arrived just before 2.30 (ie when the doors open to let you on the BBC site) and they only just managed to be inside the "standby" stickers...

So 12.30 and you should be fine. Where are you staying? Is it local to the TVC or local to the train station?

Thanks Sara - we are staying at the Novotel in Hammersmith so not too far away, then back up to Derby on Sunday.

Yes its not far. Once you get to Hammersmith, you can get a bus up to Shepherds Bush (either the 295 or I think 414 bus and its about a 5 min walk. (or 3 stops on the pink tube (Hammersmith and City/Circle line) - get out at Wood Lane station (and just cross the road. TVC in front of you.

Correction:

Any of these buses will take you from Hammersmith (direction White City)
220 283 or 72
(Get out Wood Lane/TVC)

That's a great help, thanks Sara!

Have a great time, Hunty91! Look forward to reading all about your day.

Wow! You are lucky Am v jealous

Hope you get great seats and have a lovely time! be sure to tell all ...

There is a Pro Girls only dance this weekend (Aliona tweeted about it) so your OH should not only get to see Erin and Katya, but all the lovely female pro's on their own so I think he'll be happy

Sarav1308 did a really interesting diary of her day at strictly, I'm sure if you ask her, she'll give you the link.

So when you get your tickets at 12:30 - what then? Can you go off out somewhere?

Morning everyone, thanks for the good wishes - I'll let you all know about it afterwards and thanks for letting me know about the all girl pro dance - he will be happy. I'll be happy to see anything, just sooo excited! Have fun on the forums later. xx

Hi Hunty91,

We've got tickets for tonight's show as well and are hoping to get to the BBC by 10am (leaving the hotel very soon).

May see you in the queue!

Oh I would so love to go to Strictly..Hunty and Daz you are so lucky, hope you have a fabulous evening. Come back and tell us all the goss.

Two other DSers wil be queuing soon too.

I'm popping along later w coffee for them (Laura21x and Cassie_23x) so u might see them too.

Hunty suggest that if you can go to the audience queue on way from station you do so. And one of you stay whilst the other go to your hotel with your bags. ?

i have been to SCD a couple of times. Its an amazing day and evening. Once your checked in you are taken to a big room where there is a bar and snacks. You stay there till they are ready to take you across to studio. You must get at TVC at least by 12 as to get place in queue. There are breaks in between filming where the audience go out of studio, a tip go to the loo as you.l get to see the pros standing around in the corridors. First time we went we went outside in a break and were able to chat to them. Had photo with Brendan! Such a fab time you.l have.

Sooo jealous! Have a fabby time and tell us all about it!

When I left my DSers at the queue just before 1 they had their stickers and inside first 14 so get the front row.

I think the queue was over 250.

Hope everyone who got tickets above got in ok.

I hope you all have a great evening!

I'm very jealous, I have applied for tickets every year since the beginning and never been lucky yet

Oh my gosh, what a night! I've just got home and it was a-maz-ing! I've got to go and do my horse but will write a report later (sorry for delay, I can't get e-mail and internet on my phone).

We arrived at 1pm and got in the balcony, so were sitting to the right as you face the stage on the front row near the stairs.

Please tell me you weren't clapping and booing like a sheep every time someone breathed?

I've never seen a sheep clap!

BTW, I think part of the fun is to join in - if you're not going to join in, why make the effort to be there?
It would make weird television if no one (or sheep) clapped - or cheered. The booing I could do without, but I know it adds to the atmosphere.

Can't wait for your report, hunty!