Overview

• Voting across BBC entertainment shows now takes place online only, with this year’s Eurovision in Basel the last major broadcast to use phone lines.
• Strictly viewers will cast ballots via the programme’s website using a BBC account, with clear on‑air guidance promised when voting opens.
• The BBC says an overwhelming majority of votes in last year’s Strictly were already online, calling the phone system outdated and expensive to run.
• BT’s decision to stop providing premium‑rate services in 2025 prompted the operational end of phone voting for BBC programmes.
• Age UK and Silver Voices warn the change could exclude older viewers who are not online, while police investigations into alleged drug use by two Strictly figures remain active ahead of the 20 September launch.