They do!

And my particular irritant is when they start to clap at the start of a dance then continue on even if the mood has changed or it is no longer appropriate. But no, still banging on like seals on a fishy promise.

Oh, you are encouraged to clap along to the music and laugh at Bruce's jokes.... He gets very peeved off if he doesn't get enough laughs. It all seems to be the audiences fault too, it couldn't possibly be his jokes

[quote=Cressida;69559794]I'm sure no floor manager weids a whip to make sure anyone who doesn't want to stands up.

Have you never been to the theatre or a pantomime or ever been part of an audience geting involved with what's happening on stage?[/QUOTE]

Of course I have. But a pantomime is generally for children, so any adults there generally enter into the spirit of things. If the kids are bored, they aren't so easily manipulated and will quickly show their feelings.
I've also been to the theatre when acts have "died" on stage, or when the large sections of the audience have just walked out.
All I'm saying is that it spoils it a bit for viewers if we know that the audience are continually encouraged to laugh or stand up ang give a standing ovation "on cue".
The X-Factor audience will scream and shout at anything, I just thought Strictly should be a little above that sort of thing.

[quote=RichmondBlue;69560346]
Strictly is a live show made for television. If all the audience were struck dumb and didn't become involved there'd be no atmosphere and that would make a very dull and sanitised programme for the audience at home. If an audience at the live show wants to show appreciation encouraged or not they will.