Tips for those going if you get tickets!

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VikkiKaplinsky2

29-09-2013

Originally Posted by Ninetypee:
“Well done for getting in 5 times. Wow!! I'm totally with you, everything goes on hold to get there! Hope you manage to go again. To be honest I found the TVC experience a little more exciting but only because it's such a famous venue. Elstree is easier access and there are several budget hotels all within easy walking or 5 mins in car. Lots of facilities too. I grew up in Barnet just down the road so am very familiar with the area but all those who'd come from afar seemed to find it easy enough.

I'm not sure how the reserve numbering worked as we were so close to the front of the queue and made sure that as soon as they started to call the numbers we were near the door to get out of the holding area. That whole part did seem to run more smoothly at TVC but then I suppose it was all more or less under one roof there whereas here it was more spread out and the holding area was more makeshift and less comfy can't remember if at TVC they checked your ticket numbers on the way though the doors out to the studio or not. Would be good if they did that really. It takes so long to fill the studio anyway what difference would a few more minutes make?”

Thanks for that. Yes, Elstree is a little bit harder form me to get to than TVC as I am on the directly opposite side of the M25. So yes, hotel would be the way forward. On my most recent studio experience (2009) I just stood in the queue without a ticket (because I wanted to meet Chris Hollins) and got talking to the lady in front of me who's husband couldn't make it so she gave me the ticket. I was overwhelmed and cried and she said "I can see it would be appreciated!" I love of the fellow SCD fan, eh?

It sounds like they are having a few teething problems but these problems are only made apparent if you've got a higher number. I'll definitely remember to leave my phone in the car if I'm successful. I remember the horror of the phone queue well.

Ninetypee

29-09-2013

Originally Posted by VikkiKaplinsky2:
“Thanks for that. Yes, Elstree is a little bit harder form me to get to than TVC as I am on the directly opposite side of the M25. So yes, hotel would be the way forward. On my most recent studio experience (2009) I just stood in the queue without a ticket (because I wanted to meet Chris Hollins) and got talking to the lady in front of me who's husband couldn't make it so she gave me the ticket. I was overwhelmed and cried and she said "I can see it would be appreciated!" I love of the fellow SCD fan, eh?

It sounds like they are having a few teething problems but these problems are only made apparent if you've got a higher number. I'll definitely remember to leave my phone in the car if I'm successful. I remember the horror of the phone queue well.”

What a lovely story! Strictly fans are splendid!

Jules..

29-09-2013

When I went to see the programme last October the ticket numbering was strictly (!) adhered to, and we were called forward in batches of 50. There was no problem with anyone pushing in.

ff999

29-09-2013

Originally Posted by Jules..:
“When I went to see the programme last October the ticket numbering was strictly (!) adhered to, and we were called forward in batches of 50. There was no problem with anyone pushing in.”

Unfortunately that definitely wasn't the case on Friday. They could only possibly check what colour sticker you had, as the separate blocks of numbers were called so close together to make it meaningless. That's an area I really hope improves for people going in future weeks.

Heavenly

30-09-2013

Thank you so much for this thread, it's so helpful.

I am going this Saturday, first timer, cannot wait!!!

Ninetypee

30-09-2013

Originally Posted by Heavenly:
“Thank you so much for this thread, it's so helpful. I am going this Saturday, first timer, cannot wait!!! ”

My pleasure!! You'll have an absolute blast. Blow Len a kiss from me ; x

Ninetypee

30-09-2013

Originally Posted by ff999:
“Unfortunately that definitely wasn't the case on Friday. They could only possibly check what colour sticker you had, as the separate blocks of numbers were called so close together to make it meaningless. That's an area I really hope improves for people going in future weeks.”

I just got sent an email asking for feedback from Friday so I mentioned this and also that they would have an audience of drowned rats if they don't sort some undercover outside waiting!

FM Lover

30-09-2013

Originally Posted by Ninetypee:
“Just a few quickie after being in the audience at Elstree on Friday (and at TV centre a few series ago).

Get there early as you can... I arrived at 9.30am and was validated with number stickers 68 & 69 in the queue. You need 2 people present to get both tickets validated but as my friend was travelling from Bristol, my mum queued with me as my extra body! I parked in Tesco, 30 yards from queue for 3 hours free and was validated by 12.20 so no need to pay! Take something to sit on, Tesco right next door for loos and Tea. Other queuers were lovely and friendly so time flies!

Once validated you can leave. Went to Mum's, who handily lives nearby, for lunch and to get glam! Returned about 4.45 to long queue but it doesn't matter as it's only to get into the holding area where there are portaloos and a small bar. Not enough seats for everyone so if your wearing silly shoes girls, take some flats! Cloakroom for coats and bags but take a scarf into the studio for under your seat as when you come out after you have to queue for your phones and coats outside and it was chilly!

Get glam! We made an effort and got picked out of the bar queue to do an interview to camera for Monday nights ITT! Don't know if it will be broadcast but fingers crossed (although chances are we'll look demented as slightly overexcited!).

The send you into the studio in number order so the earlier you arrived in the day the earlier you get into the studio BUT stand your ground and get out of the door as soon as they call your number is called as people unfairly push in!!

Smile!! They definitely clock how excited and how glam you are and seat you accordingly. We were lucky to be seated between the judges and the stairs with fabulous views and a good spot for cameras. Great interaction with the dancers and Also had little natter with judges which was beyond exciting!! Love Len!!

Up until 15 mins before it goes live you can nip out to the loo. You can take a handbag, scarf and bottle of water in and you'll need it with all the whooping and cheering! We sat for ages once the show was over so got to watch all the little extra interviews they do for ITT!

Obviously there was no results show being recorded this time but when I went before we had about an hours break for a cheeky glass of wine before being called back in.

Whilst queuing for your phones look out for celebs coming out of the dressing rooms and for passing golf buggies, we chatted to Ben Cohen and Hairy Dave and got waves from Craig, Artem, Robin, Antony, Debra and Rachel on their way past. Brilliant!!

If your starving after all the excitement there is a McDonalds right opposite for a late night burger!

You'll have an incredibly fabulous night and it's worth every second of the standing around and achey feet! Have fun! Xx”

What a thoroughly helpful & gorgeous post, thank you. Although the queuing & waiting around has put me off applying for tickets this year (never been lucky yet) it looks like you had a fantastic night, I will defo watch ITT tonight to see if I can spot you.

Brilliant show on Friday, I hope you were up on your feet, especially for Mark as I thought his tango was so entertaining.

john176bramley

30-09-2013

Just wondering why people queue to hand in and pick up their phones, can't you just switch them off and say you haven't got one?

Or are you strip searched?

Heavenly

30-09-2013

Originally Posted by john176bramley:
“Just wondering why people queue to hand in and pick up their phones, can't you just switch them off and say you haven't got one?

Or are you strip searched? ”

Oh I do hope so if it's Pasha doing it.

Ninetypee

30-09-2013

Originally Posted by FM Lover:
“What a thoroughly helpful & gorgeous post, thank you. Although the queuing & waiting around has put me off applying for tickets this year (never been lucky yet) it looks like you had a fantastic night, I will defo watch ITT tonight to see if I can spot you.

Brilliant show on Friday, I hope you were up on your feet, especially for Mark as I thought his tango was so entertaining.”

You're welcome! You should definitely apply next year! We were indeed on our feet. It was so obvious how nervous the celebs were so it was nice to show our appreciation! God knows what bit they might show on ITT, if any. We were so over excited will come across as completely demented!!

There's an airport security type thing. You have to walk through a beepy doorway and your bags get passed through an x-ray machine.

Originally Posted by Heavenly:
“Oh I do hope so if it's Pasha doing it. ”

Blimey, I'd pay good money for that!

Heavenly

30-09-2013

Originally Posted by Ninetypee:
“I just got sent an email asking for feedback from Friday so I mentioned this and also that they would have an audience of drowned rats if they don't sort some undercover outside waiting!”

I will bring a brolly! Haven't checked the weather forecast yet!

Ninetypee

30-09-2013

Originally Posted by Heavenly:
“I will bring a brolly! Haven't checked the weather forecast yet!”

Good thinking. Wish we'd had the foresight to fill our plastic 'water' bottles with G&T...

ff999

30-09-2013

Ooh well done 90p. It needed saying.
Off to see if I've got an email for feedback.

Force Ten

30-09-2013

That's exactly what I said on the feedback form!

And also that they need more people to hand back phones at the end of the evening as the queue was ridiculous.

ff999

30-09-2013

I didn't get anything asking for feedback. They must have known I'd have a rant.

Ninetypee

30-09-2013

Originally Posted by Force Ten:
“That's exactly what I said on the feedback form! And also that they need more people to hand back phones at the end of the evening as the queue was ridiculous.”

Well done, lets hope it helps, eh?

Force Ten

30-09-2013

Originally Posted by ff999:
“I didn't get anything asking for feedback. They must have known I'd have a rant.”

It's an email headed "Further information about your attendance at a BBC Show". Hope you get one - the more feedback they get about the poor organisation the better.

SaraV1308

30-09-2013

I've got tickets for Sat 12th. (Well actually it's my mum but don't think she can come).

ff999

30-09-2013

Originally Posted by Force Ten:
“It's an email headed "Further information about your attendance at a BBC Show". Hope you get one - the more feedback they get about the poor organisation the better.”

Cheers, it was there all along. (Flexes fingers and gets started on the feedback).

Duckfeet

30-09-2013

May I ask - was there anyone in a wheelchair there on Friday or Saturday, and if so, how did they get on? Were they waiting in the holding pen (er..holding bar) with everyone else, or were they whisked away earlier in the process?
Thanks.

Ninetypee

01-10-2013

Originally Posted by Duckfeet:
“May I ask - was there anyone in a wheelchair there on Friday or Saturday, and if so, how did they get on? Were they waiting in the holding pen (er..holding bar) with everyone else, or were they whisked away earlier in the process?
Thanks.”

Hi, I didn't see anyone in a wheelchair on Friday. They would have to make special arrangements for anyone needing access though as the hill between the holding area and studio was steep and bumpy. Tricky enough in heels let alone in a chair! X

Alli-F

01-10-2013

It's very unglamorous now, isn't it? I watched ITT last night and it used to be so iconic as they pulled up at the studios in London in their cars, now they're pulling up to an ugly industrial estate with portacabins and lots of mud.

Chrisdy34

01-10-2013

I'm one of the lucky ones with a ticket, via a friend, for this Saturday - so excited!!! Can anyone tell me how much time we are likely to have between the ticket being validated after 12 (I do hope we get that far...) and coming back to join the queue again to go in?
I has been so useful to read all the posting so far - thank you everyone who has taken the time to post - I will add my experience - hopefully we will get 'vailidated' and see the show - afterwards.I'm sure it will be an amazing experience whatever happens.

nancy1975

01-10-2013

Originally Posted by Alli-F:
“It's very unglamorous now, isn't it? I watched ITT last night and it used to be so iconic as they pulled up at the studios in London in their cars, now they're pulling up to an ugly industrial estate with portacabins and lots of mud. ”

I agree Alli and I don't think we'll get much in the way of the funny little dance clips they used to do in the car park either.

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