Strictly’s Sam Quek reveals why he signed up for the BBC dance show | Celebrity News | Show and television

Sam Quek has opened up about why he decided to sign up for Strictly Come Dancing this year. The former Olympic hockey player is partnered with Nikita Kuzmin and has impressed the judges with her routines so far.

Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Sam explained why she wanted to take on the BBC dance competition. She previously appeared on I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! in 2016.

The mum-of-two admitted that many of her friends asked her if she would ever consider Strictly, to which she said: “I always told them it would be the only other type of reality show that would be right, a talent show, that I’d like to get really stuck.

“Because of the opportunity to learn how to dance properly from some of the best dancers in the world and then also the opportunity to touch base a little bit from my younger days.

“I think since having kids it’s really easy to get into leggings and a hoodie. So to be able to come on this show and then go back to that glamorous side like I used to do with the girls, that was really appealing as well.”

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The hockey star has also opened up about the grueling workouts and the toll they have taken on his body.

“I’ve never been active for so many hours a day, and when you think about it, even though sometimes it’s the easier parts of dancing and you can walk,” Sam shared.

“But yes, my body is stiff. I’m using different parts of my body, which is generally used in everyday life. I was an Olympian for eight years and I had two C-sections – two children – I sit on the couch, probably work out twice a week just to stay in shape and to keep my mind fresh.

“So, like my fitness is far from probably where people think it is. It’s nothing like I’ve ever experienced.”

Despite the long hours in the rehearsal studio, Sam admitted he would do more training if allowed.

“I do more if I could,” he added. “I love it. I’m a bit of a perfectionist. I’m competitive with myself. I want everything to be A1.

“Even with hockey, I would train every day to get better in sessions, but then I have to manage myself and Nikita is managing me.”

Strictly Come Dancing can be seen on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.