'I was in the Strictly audience and star of the show doesn't get enough credit'

The Strictly Come Dancing live shows came back with a bang on Saturday September 27 and I was lucky enough to be in the audience. While there is no denying the pro dancers and their celebrity partners are all fantastic, the people who stood out the most were playing music rather than dancing. Strictly Come Dancing is the only version of the show worldwide which uses a live band and it really makes such a difference to the experience.

Since the show began back in 2004 The Dave Arch Orchestra has been responsible for accompanying the dancers and each week they perform up to 15 songs from different eras and genres. Their work has even been recognised with a BAFTA Craft Award. The 20 piece band is comprised of musicians and singers and on the night I attended they had mastered songs as diverse as Push It by Salt n Pepa to One Way or Another by Blondie to Chappell Roan's Pink Pony Club.

I have attended recordings of Dancing With the Stars - the brand Strictly is known as worldwide - in Ireland and like every other version they use original recordings rather than live music.

Having experienced both I can affirm that live music really does add a different dynamic to the show. It brings an amazing energy to the performances.

Hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman always give the band recognition but when you watch at home it is difficult to comprehend just what a good job they do.

They are only seen at the back of the studio as they perform, happy to let the celebrities and pros take the spotlight. But the reality is that without them it would be a very different show.

I attend a lot of gigs and shows and these are among some of the best musicians I have ever witnessed. They are so good there were moments where I found myself focusing on them rather than the dancing.

It would be great if they were allowed the spotlight on occasion as I don't feel they get fully appreciated. Learning that many songs so quickly is a mammoth task.

They also have no margin for error. One bum note or missed beat could completely throw a celebrity off their dance game and cost them valuable marks from the judges. So the pressure is immense.

Other versions of the show could benefit hugely from adopting a live band. There was (quite rightly) furore last year when the number of live musicians in the band was cut to just seven with the BBC accused of cutting corners. This is one of the best bands I have ever seen and if the BBC were ever to get rid of them it would be a huge mistake.