Strictly Come Dancing viewers are up in arms after noticing a key element missing from this season’s live shows. Fans have taken to social media to express their frustration, describing the absence as "a shame," "sad," and even comparing it to "a war".
The uproar centres on the show's live band, led by Dave Arch, which no longer features a full brass section in every episode. One disheartened fan remarked: “What has happened to the wonderful band? Only a few playing now, no brass at all, such a shame!” The band traditionally plays live music to accompany the contestants and their professional dance partners.
In a statement to OK!, the BBC confirmed the changes, revealing that the brass section had been cut from most episodes due to budget constraints.
A spokesperson for the network said: “We are proud to be one of the last remaining shows to still use a live band and singers and remain committed to doing so.
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"We have increased the use of the Strictly Come Dancing House Band’s brass section in the current series for three live shows covering themed weeks such as movies and musicals, and one other show to be confirmed – in addition to the annual visit to Blackpool – where classic song choices require more frequent use of these instruments.
“For editorial reasons, and to ensure the best value for money for audiences, we are unable to support a brass section for the entire series as we did pre-Covid.”
Despite this explanation, viewers have been vocal in their disappointment. One fan lamented: “The musicians appear to be playing with pre-recorded rhythm section, no brass players. Previous full band were amazing. At least the singers appear to be live. Sad demise. Not doing it for me this series.”
Others echoed similar sentiments, with one viewer admitting: “I noticed, not the same,” and another expressing concern: “Hope we don’t lose the band like the US version!”
Several fans speculated that the cutbacks were due to financial issues, with one writing, “It’s always a war between cost and budget,” adding, “perhaps they shouldn’t pay the celebs so much and keep an excellent band.”
Another fan, claiming to have insider information, shared: “They haven’t had a full band since before the pandemic. It was promised that it would return but due to budget cuts that hasn’t happened. They will have a full band for the theme nights, Blackpool, and the final (I think). The music is recorded in advance by the band though and played as a backing track.”
The BBC confirmed that 2019 was the last time the show featured a brass section throughout the entire series but emphasized that a 12-piece live band is still present in the studio every week.
