The BBC has spoken out after viewers experienced difficulties voting in this year’s live Strictly Come Dancing final.

On Saturday night, finalists Emma Barton, Karim Zeroual and Kelvin Fletcher all performed for the last time, each delivering three routines, including a Showdance intended to show off all of the skills they’d learned over the course of the series.

After each of the three couples had performed for the first time, special guest Tom Allen announced that the votes were now open for the public to name their winner, either over the phone or via the show’s website.

However, soon after the vote was opened, some fans on social media revealed that they had difficulties using the website.

Speaking out shortly after the vote was opened, a representative for the show revealed on the official Strictly Twitter page that the issue had arisen because of a “high number of votes”.

“We are experiencing a very high volume of votes this evening,” they explained. “If you are having any difficulties voting online remember you can vote by phone, the numbers are all on [the Strictly website].”

Presenter Claudia Winkleman also urged viewers experiencing difficulties to vote over the phone during the live broadcast.

Saturday’s live final marked Anton Du Beke’s second time in the final after 17 series, while his fellow professionals Amy Dowden and Oti Mabuse were both there for the first time.

The live show also featured one last group number, which reunited the year’s cast of celebrities and professionals, as well as a special performance from pop superstar Taylor Swift.