A major mystery is unfolding behind the glittering scenes of Strictly Come Dancing, as the results of the elimination are being leaked to the public while the Sunday results show is still being filmed.
How The Strictly Spoiler System Works
Every weekend, the Strictly main show airs live on Saturday evenings. However, the results show that reveals the eliminated couple is pre-recorded immediately after the live broadcast concludes, using the same studio audience.
This means the audience members know the outcome almost a full day before the show is broadcast to the nation on Sunday. To prevent this information from spreading, the BBC enforces a strict policy where audience members must hand their mobile phones over to security upon entry and can only collect them when they leave the studio.
The Source of the Live Leaks
Despite these stringent measures, spoilers detailing which celebrity has been sent home have consistently appeared online. Intriguingly, this series has seen a new development: leaks are now occurring while the filming of the results show is still underway.
A source told The Sun that spoilers have long “plagued” the show, but this is the first year they are emerging in real-time during taping. The leaks appear to be fuelling the TikTok account of a user named Shirleigh Humphreys, who goes by the handle @shirleighshirlz.
Shirleigh consistently streams her live reactions to the elimination news around 10:30 pm on Saturdays, a time when filming at the BBC studio often has not yet finished. In one video, she reportedly revealed her inside track, stating, “I have my own moles and this particular mole was fantastic for giving us live coverage of the Strictly Results while it was taping.”
Recent Eliminations and The Road to Blackpool
The mystery comes after last week's results, which saw athlete Harry Aikines-Aryeetey find himself in the dance-off against drag performer La Voix. The judges ultimately decided to save La Voix, sending Harry home.
With the competition heating up, there is growing speculation about which celebrity will be eliminated next, as making it through this week is crucial. The contestants who survive will earn a coveted spot in next week’s episode, which features one of the series' most iconic events: the spectacular show at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
