She’s used to performing in world-leading arenas in front of millions, but despite being a professional athlete and an Olympic gold medallist, hockey player Sam Quek reveals she’s wracked with jitters while taking to the Strictly Come Dancing dance floor.
As the Strictly 2024 star speaks to us on our photo shoot, Sam, 36, tells us, ‘When the light’s go down, that’s the most nerve-wracking bit, you feel your heart going, you tense up, and all of a sudden you think, “I’ve forgotten my dance!” You’re in a bubble all week rehearsing, so as you approach the dance floor, you go, “Oh my god, there’s so and so in the crowd” you panic – and everything goes out the window!’
Luckily for Sam, she’s achieved consistent scores and impressed audiences, despite no previous dance experience. And the star, who is mum to Holly, three, and Zac, two, with husband Tom, says her pro-partner Nikita Kumzin is on hand for reassurance. ‘When I get nervous, Nikita says, “Let’s stay in our bubble and forget anyone else is there.” We have a pre-ritual where we hold hands, take three deep breaths together before walking on!’
She adds, ‘I was buzzing when I found out he was my partner, there are no awkward silences and we genuinely get on. You have to be vulnerable in front of each other, it is stressful at times. When you can’t do something, you get frustrated, you’re out of your comfort zone, it’s long hours and you’re tired, so having a good relationship is important.’
And Sam’s children adore the Ukrainian professional too. She says, ‘Molly and Zac love Nikita, he’s been round to ours, had dinner and bought the kids presents, so straight away he was in their good books! The kids have little watch parties at home – the other week, Molly told everyone, “Shhh mum’s on TV!”’
She adds, ‘I suffer massively with mum guilt. Before I head down to London on Thursday mornings, I’ll go to Tesco to make sure the fridge is full, do all the washing and put their outfits out for Friday and Saturday. Tom will say, “Sam they’re not going to starve!” but I’m doing it for me because I feel bad and want to feel like I’m contributing. Tom reminds me that we always pick up the slack for each other and that this period won’t last forever.’
While she’s making strides in her dance ability, Sam admits she’s come on leaps and bounds with her inner confidence. She readily admits she’s ‘never been a girly-girl’ but she is fully embracing the sequins, glitter and glamour. ‘One of the things I look forward to is being “Strictly-fied”. Every Friday I get told what my look is, and my initial response is, “I’m going to look terrible”, but it always comes together, and I feel amazing. A classic outfit for me on a night out is jeans and a blouse, and I only wear a dress for a red carpet, and even then, I get really stressed! When you have kids, it turns to what you’re comfy in. Now I’m touching back to being in my twenties when I used to go out with the girls, those few hours of getting done up and feeling glam, and it feels incredible.’
Despite being stereotypically labelled as a tomboy, Sam is seeing her body in a whole new light too. ‘I’ve rediscovered myself, for the first time I’m getting into leather. I’ve never been “sexy” and now I’m learning to love my body. Even to be putting my hands over my body and celebrating my curves is something I’ve never done. I still feel awkward doing it when Nikita tells me, it makes me cringe, but I do know it looks good! As women, we need to celebrate our shapes. Before, I considered my body as a bit of a machine, it had to be strong and robust, but now I actually stop and see my curves.’
The star has even let go of insecurities she once held around being smaller-chested. ‘I’ve never had massive boobs in the first place, then after having two kids and expressing for three years, there’s not a lot left of them! I’m not embarrassed to talk about it. Even in the jungle, I felt the pressure of people saying, “Do you want to put chicken fillets in your bikini for that iconic shower shoot?” And I started to think, “Oh god, yeah, because people will take the p*** for being flat-chested!” Now I’ve realised that you’ve got to celebrate you. Naturally I am conscious, and I wear padded bras because I do want some shape, but I let go and just think it is what it is!’
And as she continues to grow throughout the competition, Sam admits she’s been bowled over by her fellow contestants. ‘We’ve got a massive WhatsApp group where we all touch base. I say to Tasha [Ghouri] every week that I don’t think she could get prettier and better at dancing, Sarah [Hadland] is a powerhouse and Montell [Douglas], is strong and powerful… and that girl can move! I am competitive but I am a realist, for the most part I’m here to have a brilliant time, and to learn how to dance!’