As a former Team GB hockey player and Olympic medallist, Sam Quek knows a thing or two about going for gold. But this autumn, the A Question of Sport star will be aiming for a different kind of sparkling prize. Sam, who became the sports quiz’s first-ever female team captain in 2021, and now appears on Morning Live, has joined the cast of Strictly Come Dancing. The 35 year old will be learning to dance in the show’s 20th anniversary year, when Strictly is bringing out all the stops to celebrate. Cheering her on from home will be Sam’s husband Tom Mairs, and their two children, Molly, three, and Isaac, two. heat caught up with Sam to talk dancing, presenting, and gaming…
How are you feeling about stepping into the Strictly ballroom?
It’ll be a great challenge. I believe I can thrash around on the dance floor, but I’m going to need some sort of structure and rhythm.
You’re already loved by the public thanks to A Question of Sport. That must be such a dream job…
I remember, after the 2016 Olympics, I spoke to my agent and he asked, ‘Is there anything you want to do?’ And I thought, A Question of Sport, because I watched it growing up. I always thought that, as a successful sports star, you’d either made it when you got on to A Question of Sport or a Panini sticker. I have yet to be on a Panini sticker, but at least I have A Question of Sport! To get the go-ahead to be a captain has been unbelievable. But when I joined, I felt like I had all this pressure.
Presenting seems to come so naturally to you…
I love broadcasting and sports. I think stepping into Morning Live has been a massive learning curve and a new experience, and I love every minute of it.
You waited to announce your second pregnancy – why was that?
My first pregnancy happened during lockdown because I was less stressed. But with Zac, I came through a period where I wasn’t quite ready to be pregnant yet , because of my broadcasting career. I was doing some of the biggest things I’d done so far – the Olympics and The One Show. So, I probably wasn’t emotionally prepared for my second. Mindset- wise, I had two different pregnancies, but they were both blessings.
You’ve publicly called for an end to ‘mum guilt’. Is it something you still experience?
I get a lot of mum guilt. They’re only young for so long, and I can’t remember the first two months of Zac’s life because I went back to work eight weeks after giving birth to him. I look at their photos and think, ‘I can’t believe I missed that’. It still exists. I’ll say, ‘OK, I’m going for a drink with some colleagues this afternoon. But I won’t have too many, because I want to be on top form for the kids.’
How do you counteract those negative thoughts?
I’ve always maintained that when I am taking the opportunities, I’m being me. I’m working and I’m the best mum and the best wife that I can be. I know it’s chicken and egg – having that balance also makes me the most effective presenter.
You married your husband Tom in 2018. How does he help you relax?
My husband is fantastic, but I am a nightmare. I’m a bit of a busybody and I like to be up even when I’m sick. My husband’s like, ‘Have a lie-in this morning!’
What does date night look like for you two?
Dinner is the standard. I’m also a bit of a geek, so I’m into gaming quite a bit. We play Call Of Duty together on the multiplayer online. I got into it during lockdown – we both just recently got a new PlayStation.
We bet you’re super-competitive…
I am, but when we play, we’re both on the same team.
