BBC cleared over 'Strictly' controversy

Ofcom has ruled that the BBC acted in the appropriate way over last year's Strictly Come Dancing result.

During the 2008 semi-final, a tie between Rachel Stevens and Lisa Snowdon meant that votes cast to save Holby City's Tom Chambers were effectively irrelevant.

Almost 1,800 viewers complained to the BBC, resulting in the network offering unhappy fans a refund. Ofcom received around 297 complaints.

However, the regulator has decided that the BBC was "open and transparent with viewers about the mistake it made and the solution adopted".

An official statement read: "Ofcom was satisfied that appropriate steps were taken by the BBC and the disadvantage to viewers minimised."

Despite the controversy, Chambers went on to win last year's contest.