BBC Strictly musical director Dave Arch's wife and Claudia Winkleman romance rumours

Dave Arch, the musical director of Strictly Come Dancing, is the mastermind behind the enchanting music that graces the show every week. The 61-year-old pianist, composer and conductor has been a part of the BBC show since 2006, leading the in-house orchestra and creating the soundtracks for the performances in the iconic ballroom.

His career took off after studying at the esteemed Guildhall School of Music and Drama, later joining the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. He showcases his jazz piano skills at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club alongside vocalist Madeline Bell.

His film credits as a pianist include The Imitation Game, Gravity, The Grand Budapest Hotel and Harry Potter.

In 2016, he launched his debut album, Coming Home, and has recorded with superstar artists such as Tina Turner, Elton John and Paul McCartney. Besides Strictly, Dave serves as the musical director for recent productions of the Royal Variety Performance and shows like Stepping Out and pop star to Operastar.

According to the Daily Mail, Dave had a net worth of £2.5 million in 2016, with estimated annual earnings of £300,000, reports

Off-screen, Dave maintains a low profile when it comes to his private life. It is known that he is married and has two sons and a daughter with his wife, residing in Hertfordshire.

Despite being happily married, there was once speculation among Strictly fans that he was romantically involved with co-host Claudia Winkleman. However, the pair have confirmed they are just good friends and have been for many years.

Affectionately praising the show's musical director, Claudia called him "wonderful" during a live broadcast. She expressed her admiration saying: "Our wonderful Dave Arch was honoured this week with a honorary degree from The Prestigious Skills Hall, which is absolutely extraordinary. So I think we should have a round of applause. We love him. Congratulations to Dave."

The Strictly host raised a laugh when she and Dave unexpectedly donned bride and groom outfits during one show. Married to Kris Thykier since 2000, Claudia didn't miss a beat to inject her signature humour regarding her "fantasy" dance concept, suggesting a rather unconventional samba.

Speaking about her dream sequence on the dance floor, Claudia shared: "An Argentine tango with Vincent Simone. But my main fantasy dance is a three-way samba with Tess and Dave Arch. I'm talking big feathered dresses and three of us doing samba rolls in unison. I'll leave that image with you. Sorry if you feel nauseous."

Strictly Come Dancing is on BBC One Saturdays and Sundays and BBC iPlayer