Who is Dave Arch? Meet the Strictly Come Dancing icon and Royal Variety Performance conductor playing alongside Britain's Got Talent winner Sydnie Christmas liennhi

Dave Arch is a musician, composer, conductor and arranger.

He is best known for appearing on the beloved BBC show Strictly Come Dancing where he is the musical director. 

Every week he is joined on the glitzy ballroom by a team of talented singers who include Tommy Blaize, Andrea Grant, Lance Ellington and Hayley Sanderson.

With a love of all things music, Friday night will see him conduct at the Royal Variety Performance 2024.

But who is he? How long has he been on Strictly? And what else does he do?

Read on to find out all that and more.

Dave Arch is a musician, composer, conductor and arranger who is best known for appearing on Strictly Come Dancing where he is the musical director

For 13 years, Dave also been the Musical Director for ITV's Royal Variety Performances and on Friday night he will support Britain's Got Talent's Sydnie Christmas (pictured)

Who is Dave Arch? 

The composer has had an incredible career which includes being the musical director of Strictly Come Dancing, where he is currently taking part in his 18th series.

He took over the role in 2006 and won a collective special BAFTA Craft award along with the production team.

For 13 years he has also been the Musical Director for ITV's Royal Variety Performances, including it’s hundredth anniversary at the Albert Hall.

He was also the music consultant for King Charles’ Coronation at Westminster Abbey in May 2023.

Dave has also contributed to the music in Interstellar, The Grand Budapest Hotel and five Harry Potter films. 

The composer has had an incredible career which includes being the musical director of Strictly Come Dancing

He took over the role in 2006 and is currently working on his 18th series alongside a team of talented singers and musicians (pictured:  Strictly Come Dancing 2024 Launch Show)

What else has he done?

Dave released his own album in 2016 entitled Coming Home.

The 80-track collection featured original compositions featuring 80 of the UK's finest musicians.

He wrote the theme music for the long running GMTV (broadcasted between 1993 and 2010) and arranged the theme music for Emmerdale (broadcast between 1998 and 2011) as well as a whole host of other credible TV shows.

Dave's impressive career includes being the music consultant for King Charles’ Coronation at and contribute to some of the biggest films including Interstellar and five Harry Potter films

Has he worked with celebs? 

In a word. Yes. He has played with the late Freddie Mercury and Meatloaf; Annie Lennox, Tony Bennett, Rod Stewart and many more. 

Dave has also worked live with Paul McCartney, promoting his ‘Memory Almost Full’ album in America in 2007. 

He has played with the late Freddie Mercury and Meatloaf; Annie Lennox (pictured), Tony Bennett, Rod Stewart and many more

Dave has also worked live with Paul McCartney, promoting his ‘Memory Almost Full’ album in America in 2007 (pictured in November 2024)

What's happening at The Royal Variety Performance?

Sydnie appeared on this years series of Britain's Got Talent where she sang a her version of 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow'

Dave will be supporting Sydnie Christmas when she performs at the 2024 show on Friday night.

Sydnie appeared on this years series of Britain's Got Talent where she sang a her version of 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow'.

Her performance saw Amanda Holden press the gold buzzer and the fan-favourite went on to win the competition.

Every year, the winner of BGT performs in front of a star studded crowd, which includes His Majesty the King.

Despite the show taking place on Friday night, it will be televised in December for all to see.