Few reality TV breakups played out as publicly as Scandoval, and that is exactly why so many people now search for Ariana Madix’s boyfriend. After her nine-year relationship with Tom Sandoval ended in early March 2023 over his affair with castmate Rachel “Raquel” Leviss, Ariana moved on in a way nobody predicted. Her new boyfriend, Daniel Wai, is a 40-something fitness trainer from New York with no reality TV background. More than three years later, the two are still going strong. They have stepped out at the Wuthering Heights premiere at the TCL Chinese Theatre and the iHeartRadio Music Awards, and they keep showing public support for each other online.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Daniel Wai |
| Age | Around 42 (as of 2026) |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession/Occupation | Certified personal trainer, online fitness coach, business consultant, bartender |
| Education | Virginia Tech (Computer Science, minor in Math; graduated 2005) |
| Certification | National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) |
| Business | Daniel Wai Fitness (DW Fitness) |
| Residence | New York City |
| Partner | Ariana Madix (since 2023) |
| Dating/Relationship Status | In a relationship |
| Children | None |
| Social Media | Instagram: @thestrongwai (around 56,000 followers) |
Who Is Ariana Madix’s Boyfriend Now?
Ariana Madix’s boyfriend now is Daniel Wai, a New York-based personal trainer and fitness coach. The couple started dating in spring 2023, just weeks after her split from Tom Sandoval. They are still together in 2026, and nothing in their recent public appearances suggests otherwise.
If you were looking up Ariana Madix’s boyfriend in 2025, the answer was the same. That year, the couple shared a romantic getaway in Turks & Caicos and kept posting about each other on Instagram. They also handled the long distance between Los Angeles and New York better than many fans expected.
In 2026, the relationship looks more settled than ever. Their joint red carpet moments, including the Wuthering Heights premiere in Hollywood, show a couple comfortable being seen together. I have followed Vanderpump Rules couples for years, and few have kept their romance this steady and drama-free.
Who Is Daniel Wai?
Daniel Wai is a fitness influencer and certified personal trainer who runs his own coaching business in New York City. He is not a celebrity in the usual sense, which is a big part of his appeal to Ariana. Before 2023, he was known mainly to his clients and Instagram followers.
His fitness journey began early. Daniel has said he started working out around age 13 because he felt insecure about his size. That teenage effort to build strength became a lifelong habit and, eventually, a full-time career.
On Instagram, where he posts as @thestrongwai, he has around 56,000 followers. His feed mixes workouts, meals and the occasional smoldering gym selfie. Fans often describe him as tall and ripped, though his captions lean more toward practical fitness advice than showing off.
Daniel also has an academic side that surprises many people. He studied computer science at Virginia Tech, picked up a minor in math as a secondary area, and graduated in 2005. His LinkedIn history reflects a background in business before he moved into fitness.
How Old Is Ariana Madix’s Boyfriend?
Daniel Wai was widely reported as 41 in early 2025, which makes him around 42 in 2026. Ariana Madix was born on June 24, 1985, so she turned 41 in June 2026. That puts Ariana Madix’s boyfriend’s age roughly a year or so above hers.
The small age gap rarely comes up among fans, and the couple do not treat it as a talking point. What stands out more is that both met at a similar stage in life. Each had established careers and a clear sense of what they wanted from a partner.
That maturity shows in how they talk about each other. There is little of the public back-and-forth that defined Ariana’s earlier relationship. Both seem focused on stability rather than storylines.
What Does Daniel Wai Do for a Living?
Daniel Wai works as a certified personal trainer and online fitness coach. He earned his certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) after passing its exam. His business, Daniel Wai Fitness (also called DW Fitness), offers online coaching and nutritional accountability for clients.
He did not start out in fitness. Daniel spent years in a 9-to-5 job and did business consulting, working with Fortune 500 companies. Switching careers to full-time training was a deliberate move to turn his passion into his work.
His client base leans toward busy professionals, including doctors and other high-pressure workers. He has also trained people connected to reality TV, including Lindsay Hubbard of Summer House, who once shared an Instagram video of a session with him.
For a while, Daniel balanced two jobs. He trained clients in the mornings and bartended at night in NYC’s hospitality scene. That mix of discipline and social ease may explain why he fit so easily into Ariana’s circle of friends.
How Did Ariana Madix and Daniel Wai Meet?
Ariana Madix and Daniel Wai first crossed paths at a mutual friend’s wedding in Oaxaca, Mexico. The trip came about 10 days after the cheating news broke in March 2023. At the time, Ariana was still processing the scandal and was not expecting anything romantic.
Interestingly, the two never connected at the wedding. They were in the same place with shared friends, but nothing happened there. Ariana later explained on Today that romance was the last thing on her mind during that trip.
They met up again at Coachella in April 2023. This time, things clicked. Ariana has called Daniel a breath of fresh air, and their friendship quickly turned into something more.
By May 2023, the two were officially an item. The timeline was fast, but people close to Ariana said it made sense. Daniel offered calm and kindness at a moment when her personal life had become national news.
When Did Ariana and Daniel Start Dating and Go Public?
Ariana and Daniel started dating casually right after Coachella in April 2023. A source said the romance began low-key, with no pressure on either side. Within about a month, the relationship became public.
They went public in May 2023 when Ariana posted photos of the two together. The images came from a group outing that included friends like Scheana Shay, Brock Davies and comedian Dayna Kathan. Fans were quick to notice the new face in Ariana’s posts.
They were first spotted together in New York, where Daniel lives. Those early sightings confirmed what the photos suggested. This was not a rebound fling but a real relationship taking shape.
Within months, Ariana was speaking openly about falling in love. Her friends were supportive from the start, which mattered a lot after how publicly her trust had been broken.
Is Daniel Wai on Vanderpump Rules?
Daniel Wai is not an official cast member of Vanderpump Rules. He appears briefly in season 11, filming only once or twice. His screen time is limited, and the show never made him a major storyline.
He was hesitant to film at first. With no reality TV experience, the cameras and the attention felt foreign to him. Ariana and the production team eventually convinced him to join a few scenes.
His most notable appearance came during a cast trip in September 2023. He joined Ariana and the group in San Francisco and was, by most accounts, a good sport about it.
Many fans respected that he kept his distance from the reality-TV world. In my view, that choice helped protect the relationship. It kept their romance from becoming another plot point.
Ariana and Daniel’s Long-Distance Relationship
Ariana and Daniel have been long-distance from the start. She is based in Los Angeles, while he lives and works in New York City. Both have said the distance gave them space to get to know each other slowly.
Ariana has said the setup suited her emotionally and mentally after the breakup. It allowed her to focus on herself while still building something new. She did not want to rush into living with someone again.
The distance shrank for a while in 2024. Ariana made her Broadway debut playing Roxie Hart in Chicago, which kept her in New York for her run. That gave the couple more time together than ever before.
Back in Los Angeles, Ariana bought her own home in the Hollywood Hills, a fresh start after her old shared house. Daniel visits often, and the couple continue to split time between both coasts.
Ariana and Daniel’s Relationship Highlights
Some of the couple’s best moments have been small, everyday gestures that fans caught on social media. Here is a quick look at their key milestones.
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| March 2023 | Both attend a friend’s wedding in Oaxaca but don’t connect |
| April 2023 | Reconnect at Coachella |
| May 2023 | Go public with photos |
| June 2023 | Daniel celebrates Ariana’s 38th birthday |
| September 2023 | Daniel joins the Vanderpump Rules cast trip |
| Fall 2023 | Daniel supports Ariana on Dancing With the Stars |
| Early 2024 | Ariana stars in Chicago on Broadway |
| December 2024 | Engagement rumors begin |
| 2025 | Turks & Caicos getaway |
| 2026 | Red carpet appearances together |
Daniel’s Support During Dancing With the Stars
When Ariana competed on Dancing With the Stars in fall 2023, Daniel showed up in a big way. He flew in from New York every week to watch her compete. Many of those trips were red-eyes so he could get back to work.
He also took care of the little things. While she rehearsed for long hours, Daniel kept her fridge stocked and kept her place clean. Ariana has spoken about how much that quiet support meant to her.
She finished third in the competition. Fans who watched closely noticed Daniel in the audience week after week, cheering without stealing any spotlight.
Ariana and Daniel’s Chicago Trip
One of the couple’s most-liked posts came from a Chicago trip. The pair posed in front of The Bean at Millennium Park, despite the rain.
They wore matching Nike shoes in the photo, a detail fans loved. Ariana captioned the post with a joke about beans, which matched the playful tone of the relationship.
It was a simple moment, but it showed how relaxed they are together. There was no staged glamour, just two people enjoying a trip.
Ariana’s 38th Birthday Celebrations
Ariana turned 38 on June 24, 2023, and Daniel made sure the day felt special. He cooked a feast for her and shared an Instagram tribute calling her the kindest and most generous woman.
The birthday celebrations stretched across several days. Friends threw an early surprise, and the group gathered for dinner and a night out in NYC. Her brother Jeremy joined, along with Katie Maloney, Scheana Shay, Brock Davies and Dayna Kathan.
The weekend also included Governors Ball, with plenty of cake and laughter. It was one of the first times fans saw Daniel blended into Ariana’s close circle.
Turks & Caicos Romantic Getaway
In 2025, Ariana and Daniel went on a romantic getaway to Turks & Caicos. They stayed at the Villa Paradiso Del Mar resort.
Photos showed the couple kissing in a cabana by the water. Katie Maloney and her boyfriend Nick Martin also vacationed with them, making it part couples’ trip, part friends’ trip.
The getaway reassured fans who wondered about the state of things in 2025. Two years in, the romance still looked easy and affectionate.
How Ariana Says Daniel Is Different From Past Relationships
Ariana has been clear that Daniel is nothing like her past relationships. The biggest difference, she says, is how he treats her. He praises her rather than picking at her.
She has noted that Daniel doesn’t see her flaws the way she sometimes sees them herself. In her past relationship, she felt criticized often. With Daniel, she feels accepted as she is.
These traits matter a lot to someone rebuilding trust. Ariana has said that being with Daniel taught her what a supportive partner actually looks like.
From the outside, that comes through in how they talk about each other. Their posts focus on encouragement, not jokes at each other’s expense.
Marriage Plans and Engagement Rumors
Ariana and Daniel are not engaged, as far as anyone has confirmed. Still, marriage plans have become a frequent topic since late 2024.
Engagement rumors began in December 2024 when fans spotted what looked like a possible engagement ring on Ariana’s ring finger. The photo appeared on her Instagram account. Speculation grew again after a January 29 post, but neither confirmed anything.
Ariana has long said she wasn’t interested in marriage. With Daniel, she now says she is no longer fully opposed to it. When asked if he is the one, she has answered, “I think so.”
On children, Ariana has stayed private and noncommittal. For now, the couple seem happy with things as they are, and any wedding news would likely come from them directly.
What Happened Between Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix?
Tom Sandoval and Ariana Madix split in March 2023 after she discovered his affair with Raquel Leviss. The affair had begun around August 2022. Ariana found the truth through a screen recording on Tom’s phone.
The couple had been together nine years and shared a home. They had also built business ventures together, including a cocktail book released together. The breakup instantly became national news and gave the show a wider spotlight.
The fallout dominated the season 10 finale and reunion. Ariana gained huge public support, which led to brand deals, merch sales and new career opportunities. Tom, a bar co-owner, faced intense backlash.
The former couple kept limited contact afterward. Their long fight over the shared home eventually ended with the house being sold, closing that chapter for good.
Tom Sandoval’s Reaction to Daniel Wai
Tom Sandoval has kept his comments about Daniel Wai brief. He has said he doesn’t really know Daniel but that he seems nice.
He has also acknowledged that Ariana looks happy with her new boyfriend. That neutral reaction surprised some fans, given how bitter the split was.
Ariana has not engaged much with his comments. She tends to keep Daniel out of any conversation involving Tom.
Ariana Refusing to Film With Sandoval
During season 11, Ariana refused to film one-on-one with Tom Sandoval. A source said she wanted to avoid him as much as the show allowed.
In July 2023, she was skipping group outings when Tom was expected to attend. She only appeared in scenes where filming with him was unavoidable.
The choice made season 11 tense to watch. But it showed she was setting firm boundaries, both for herself and for her new relationship.
Ariana Madix’s Career Today
Ariana Madix’s career has grown far beyond Vanderpump Rules since the breakup. She became a full-time cast member in season six and stayed through season 11, the last season with the original cast before Bravo rebooted the show.
Her biggest new role is hosting Love Island USA. She started hosting in 2024 and became a central part of the show’s huge popularity. The role gave her a mainstream audience outside Bravo.
She also took on Broadway in Chicago and competed on Dancing With the Stars. Each project built her profile as a television personality who can carry her own shows.
Her success also shapes her relationship. Daniel has his own career in New York, so neither depends on the other’s spotlight. That balance seems to suit them both.
Ariana Madix and Daniel Wai Net Worth
Ariana Madix’s net worth is estimated at around $3 million in 2026, though estimates vary. Most of it comes from television, hosting, Broadway, books and brand deals.
| Income Source | Details |
|---|---|
| Television | Vanderpump Rules, Love Island USA hosting |
| Stage | Roxie Hart in Chicago on Broadway |
| Competition | Dancing With the Stars |
| Books | Cocktail book co-written with Tom Sandoval |
| Endorsements | Brand deals and merch after Scandoval |
Daniel Wai’s net worth has not been publicly verified. His income comes from personal training, online coaching through Daniel Wai Fitness, and earlier consulting work. Any exact figure you see online should be treated as a guess.
FAQs
Is Ariana Madix Still Dating Daniel Wai in 2026?
Yes, Ariana Madix and Daniel Wai are still together in 2026. They have appeared at public events together this year, including the Wuthering Heights premiere and the iHeartRadio Music Awards.
How Long Have Ariana Madix and Daniel Wai Been Together?
They have been dating since spring 2023, so more than three years. They went public in May 2023, a few weeks after reconnecting at Coachella.
Does Daniel Wai Live With Ariana Madix?
No, they do not live together full-time. Daniel is based in New York City, while Ariana lives in Los Angeles, and they split time between both cities.
Are Ariana Madix and Daniel Wai Engaged?
No engagement has been confirmed. Rumors started after a ring sighting in December 2024, but neither has announced plans to marry.
How Old Is Daniel Wai Compared to Ariana Madix?
Daniel Wai is around 42 in 2026, while Ariana is 41. The age gap between Ariana Madix and her boyfriend is small, roughly a year.
Where Can I Follow Daniel Wai?
Daniel Wai is active on Instagram under @thestrongwai. He shares workouts, meal ideas and occasional moments with Ariana.
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