Atmosphere brilliant, such a moving show...but thoroughly enjoyed it. Just a little disappointed with the seats, got there 2.30am, 9th and 10th in line....but seating wasnt done what I would call fairly.
We sat behind the judges (Brunos side), in front of us 3/4 rows empty...but for Production.... wasnt happy at all....but
we had a lovely time, even down to the early morning start, met some lovely people had a good laugh which all added to the Strictly experience!
Just dont mention the weather

Seething with envy here!

Who impressed you in particular and does the show flow or do they do retakes?

The show runs really well, until lights fail....or one of them 'fluffs' their lines etc. Even dancers!!

Who impressed me the most.... well, the reaction to Ed Balls..... was amazing, cheering, stamping! I am a Judge Rinder fan, so it was nice to see him!
I loved seeing it all, but waiting at the end when it was elimination....very tense - wont say anymore on that!
Lovely at the break when the celebrities mingled with their family and friends.... Judge Rinder.... so sweet with his Grandparents, cuddling his grandfather...really touching.

Huge queue at the end for coats and phones.... I wasnt going to take a coat/phone, but the weather made me!!!

Was it possible to see anything behind Bruno's gestures!?

Can I ask you and anyone else who has been about the differences you find between being there and what the camera shows? A lot of us grumble about the too-close swirly camera. I feel it misses out some of the dance impact by being that close.

Or did you see any gossipy titbits?

Got there at 2:30am just to sit behind the judges?
I'd be fuming, too.

9th and 10th in line? That means eight other people were crazy enough to start queuing before 2:30am? Madness

Thanks Karen, always interesting to hear from those who've been to the live show . You must have had no sleep if you were there by 2.30am .

The seating for SCD is absolutely scandalous . 400 for the public and 400 for guests and friends . I mean 150 for guests and friends would be more then sufficient and fair .
I was thinking of you all having to queue in that rain for hours while those guests can just turn up within 2 hours to air and no queuing .

Do the judges go behind the scenes after the live show ?

Really? That's ridiculous.

Although you see it all live, and dont get me wrong...it is an amazing experience, but do feel you see more on the tv! Where we were sat, couldnt see the dancing all that well and relied on the tv above the dance floor.
By the time the elimination came, I was feeling a bit woozy...lack of sleep, hungry, thirsty all rolled into one.
Bruno was funny (as was Claudia) Bruno didnt miss a trick!
The swirly camera man... he was very quick

No titbits to share... sorry!

The lady who was first, got there 12.30am!! On her own, but there is a security guy there, and apparently he gave her his mobile number and said to call him if she was at all worried.

I will do a more detailed review of my experience sometime in the week, dont want to say too much in case I slip up!!!

I'd be interested to hear your impression of Louise and Kevin's dance. On TV it came across as slightly corny and cheesy, almost like a Charleston theme, rather than the sass and class that the AS and fabulous music offered. But the judges raved over it! Did it come across differently in the studio?

We didnt have any sleep... we travelled down Friday evening, checked out where we had to queue, and then went to the hotel
I actually asked how many tickets were available... but the lady wouldnt say, just stating that they didnt know how many were available for the show!

Once the live show finishes, the judges disappeared...not sure where they went, some of the celebrities chatted with family/friends... so touching to see

Hi Karen,

Apart from the big group dances, was any dance (or part of any dance) performed more than once?? (whilst you were there)

Many thanks

I often struggle to imagine how they can possibly be filmed only once each, due to the camera angles... There are times when it seems simply impossible to switch from one viewing angle to another, without the hand-held floor-cam getting caught in the shot...?

From what I could see.... I enjoyed it, can see where you are coming from commenting it was like a Charleston, but it was good.... if that makes sense!

I've always wondered if the pros have family or friends there every week? I understand the celebs do obviously.

In tonights show... they did have to dance a couple of times, first time Alijaz went wrong then the lights went out! third time lucky!

Not sure about pros...but Tess did say her inlaws were in the audience, so probably the pros also have family there.

I have no idea where I remember hearing this but I've heard the pros get two tickets each every week.

Eh?
Was this for the group dance?
I always assumed the couples danced live.

ok utterly dumb of me, but I thought it was live!!!!!!

It is!!! I am there and I am here!

Genuinely, thank you for sharing! Like Domestos, I am very jealous! I will be looking for you now on tonight's show, after Len's lens!

lol!!! think I should have taken 50p to put in the electric meter....its so dark!

That would depend on how many invited BBC people or other so-called "celebrities," had accepted the invitation to sit in the best seats. Or had phoned up at the lat minute and had to be accommodated in the front row, as one poster on here said. They were even moved from their front row seats to accommodate Anneka Rice and her daughter.

Glad you enjoyed the show. Best entertainment on TV on Saturday nights.

2.30 a.m.

Do they stop when something goes wrong or finish the dance?