Exclusive: Strictly’s shock budget cut confirmed by BBC as fans complain over ‘secret’ axe of one key thing

Strictly Come Dancing fans have been moaning that an entire part of the live shows has been secretly scrapped – and the BBC has now confirmed exactly what has happened

Fans have all had the same complaint about the Strictly live shows (
Image: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing enthusiasts are up in arms, having spotted a crucial element missing during the live broadcasts, labelling it “a shame”, “sad” and suggesting it’s part of “a war.” The viewers aired their grievances on social media earlier this week concerning the absence of the brass section from the regular Strictly band led by Dave Arch. One disgruntled fan posted: “What has happened to the wonderful band? Only a few playing now, no brass at all, such a shame!” The band sets the tone for the contestants and their professional dance partners throughout their performances.

The BBC has now revealed to OK! that due to financial constraints, the brass section will be less frequently heard in the shows. A spokesperson for the BBC explained: “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. 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.”

Dave Arch leads the Strictly band ( 
Image:
BBC/Guy Levy)

Devoted fans of Strictly are far from dazzled by the show’s recent changes, with one viewer expressing their disappointment: “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.” Agreement wasn’t far behind as another chimed in: “I noticed, not the same,” and yet another lamented: “hope we don’t lose the band like the US version!”

The speculation among the audience is that the reduced band size could be a result of tight purse strings. A forthright fan speculated about the financial aspects of the show’s production: “It’s always a war between cost and budget,” mentioning, “perhaps they shouldn’t pay the celebs so much and keep an excellent band.” Meanwhile, another viewer claimed to have the inside scoop: “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 2024 Strictly Come Dancing dancers

In response to the concerns, a BBC spokesperson confirmed the background on the band adjustments: The last full series of Strictly to feature a brass section throughout was indeed back in 2019, however, every week there is still a fully live 12-piece band gracing the studio.

The next live episode of Strictly is set for Saturday, marking the first themed night of the series, Movie Night, complete with a full live band in the studio. The dance routines have been unveiled and include Toyah Willcox and partner Neil Jones performing the Samba to Poor Unfortunate Souls from The Little Mermaid, Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell rocking out to the theme from Wayne’s World, and Pete Wicks and Jowitza Przystal also showcasing the Samba, to the George of the Jungle theme.

Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk won’t be performing during Movie Week as Nick has been injured ( 
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In addition, Paul Merson and Karen Hauer will be Cha Cha Cha-ing to The Magnificent Seven theme, Wynne Evans and Katya Jones will be grooving to Mrs Doubtfire’s Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag, and there will be Viennese Waltzes from Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola to Hedwig’s Theme from the Harry Potter films, and Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu to the melody of If I Can Dream from Elvis.

Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe are set to Tango to One Night Only from Dreamgirls, while Punam Krishan and Gorka Marquez will be dancing the couples’ choice to Bole Chudiyan from Bollywood blockbuster Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. Meanwhile, Sam Quek and Nikita Kuzmin will be performing the Paso Doble to Elevation from Tomb Raider, with Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz Skorjanec taking on the Rumba to What Was I Made For from Barbie.

Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas are quickstepping to I’m Still Standing from the Elton John biopic Rocketman, and JB Gill and Amy Dowden will be dancing the American Smooth to Pure Imagination from Wonka. Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtick were scheduled to dance the Charleston to Rain on the Roof from Paddington 2, but due to an injury, Nick will be absent from the competition this week.