Strictly Come Dancing fans hit out at Hydro 'disgrace'

Ticket holders were informed that doors would be open from 12.30pm, but fans – including the elderly, disabled and young – waited almost two hours in the wet and windy weather before they were told the show would not go on.

The SSE Hydro confirmed the cancellation was due to a leak in the riverside venue’s roof.

Standing outside the arena 45 minutes after the show was due to start, Ellie Henderson from Glasgow told The Glasgow Times: “When we arrived we got told just to join any of the queues and so we stood there in the pouring rain. Nobody was really explaining anything to us.”

Many fans had travelled from all across Scotland to see the show and some even forked out on hotels to stay at over the weekend.

Andrew McDonald from Aberdeen said: “I got my wife the tickets for her Christmas and we made a weekend of it by coming down on the Friday and staying in a hotel.

“After being left in the pouring rain without a clue what’s going on I think it’s fair to say we are quite disappointed.”

Saffron Baker and AJ Pritchard were among the Strictly stars due to appear

Eight-year-old Sarah McMillan from Edinburgh was left upset after being gifted the tickets for Christmas.

She said: “I’m a bit upset because I got my tickets from Santa. I hope that the show reschedules so we get to see the dancers.”

Those outside the venue said a lack of communication meant they did not know why it was cancelled.

Mary MacIntyre said: “It’s awful, we’ve been waiting in the cold and wet for nearly two hours! Children are crying and the elderly and even disabled have been left to stand outside.

“Someone told us it was production issues but another said it was due to a leak – so we don’t even know what the problem is.”

Despite the event being cancelled, fans were ensured that their tickets would either be refunded or rescheduled to a later show.

Sylvia White from Hamilton said: “We are a bit disappointed obviously but we’ve been informed that they’re going to reschedule and the same tickets will do if you’re able to go on the rescheduled date and if not we can get a refund.”

The SSE Hydro has since issued a statement confirming a water leak had affected the stage but the cause of the leak remains unknown.

The statement said: “We are sorry to say that due to a water leak which affected the stage area, today’s matinee has had to be cancelled.

“The team worked hard to resolve the problem which became apparent shortly before doors opened. The cause of which is unknown.

“Refunds are being offered to the disappointed Strictly lovers.

“We are liaising with the promoter of the event to reschedule the show, however, refunds are available from point of purchase and we sincerely apologise to those affected.”

Dozens of ticket holders also took to social media to share their disappointment over the cancelled show.

One user said: “So very disappointed in the SSE HYDRO. Stood for over an hour out in the cold, waiting to get in to see the Strictly Come Dancing show, for them to tell it was cancelled with very little information.”

Another added: “Stood in the rain outside the Hydro for over an hour!

“No information given then told Strictly show is cancelled with no explanation! Kids, people in wheelchairs, elderly, all exposed in that weather! These things happen but Hydro were a disgrace in the way it was dealt with!”

SSE Hydro bosses were also forced to cancel the evening’s show after the water leak remained unresolved.

In a Tweet, the venue said: “We are sorry to announce that this evening’s performance will not go ahead as planned.

“Our venue team has worked hard to resolve the water leak issue and to determine the cause, which has still to be established.

“We further apologise to our customers at today’s matinee performance who had to wait outside the venue in the rain. The safety of our staff, customers and performers is paramount.

“We ask that customers please contact their point of purchase for a refund.”

Stars of the show were due to perform, including Saffron Baker, AJ Pritchard, Emma Barton and others.