Inside Strictly musical director Dave Arch's life from family to Claudia Winkleman romance rumours

Dave Arch has been the musical director of Strictly Come Dancing since 2006 and has become a firm favourite with viewers - here's a look at his life away from the show

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

His career began after studying at the esteemed Guildhall School of Music and Drama, before becoming a member of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra.

He's known for playing jazz piano at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club alongside vocalist Madeline Bell, and as a pianist, he's contributed to films such as The Imitation Game, Gravity, The Grand Budapest Hotel and Harry Potter.

In 2016, Dave released his debut album, Coming Home, and has recorded with superstar artists like 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 was worth £2.5 million in 2016, with estimated yearly earnings of £300,000.

Off-screen, Dave keeps his private life under wraps. However, it's known that he's married and shares two sons and one daughter with his wife, residing in Hertfordshire, reports OK!

Despite being happily married, there were once rumours among Strictly fans that he was in a relationship with co-host Claudia Winkleman, but the pair are simply friends and have been for many years.

Claudia often shouts out her appreciation for the live band's maestro during Strictly live shows, and has previously referred to him as "wonderful". She said: "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."

During one of the episodes, the fun duo was seen dressed in wedding attire, causing much amusement among the viewers. Claudia, aged 52 and married to film producer Kris Thykier since 2000, also teased that in her ideal world, she'd be part of a "three-way" samba on Strictly with none other than Dave and her fellow presenter Tess Daly.

In an interview, she laid out her ultimate dance fantasy. Regarding her dream dances, she 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 on BBC iPlayer