Strictly Come Dancing star Sam Quek reveals 'tough' challenge she faced on BBC series

Olympian has opened up about the personal journey she endured during her time on . The star found fame playing but last year, she challenged herself in new ways while appearing on the dancing competition.

Since retiring from professional sports, the 36-year-old has made a name for herself in the broadcasting industry and often appears on various shows – as well as turning her hand to reality telly, including ITV's and BBC's

Growing up in a sports loving household with her brothers, Sam is no stranger to intense training which followed her through her Olympic career but while on Strictly, she admits she learnt a lot more about herself.

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"My Strictly experience was amazing, it was so hard – but in a good way," Sam exclusively told the . The Liverpudlian star went on to say: "It was one of the toughest but most rewarding and enjoyable challenges that I've ever done. But I did find out a lot about myself.

"That competitive side that fighting spirit of me is still there, especially having kids, I think you can get quite stuck in the same routine, just wearing leggings and hoodies, so getting glammed back up, realising that I do still like getting my hair done, my make-up done it was such an amazing experience."

Sam went on to joke: "I thought I could dance but it goes to show that maybe I need a few wines beforehand. It was such an amazing experience but I also realised I'm not very elegant and I'm probably more suited tt being out there for Soccer Aid, where you need pace, power, explosiveness.

"Putting in big tackles, pushing people off the ball. But Strictly was fab and I definitely learnt a lot about myself." This year, Sam is returning to Soccer Aid for the second time and will be playing alongside , Tom Grennan, Sir Mo Farah and on the England team.

"I can't wait for Soccer Aid this year," she excitedly revealed at Manchester's Hotel – overlooking the pitch at Old Trafford. She added: "Last year was my first year and I was blown away. I think now it's come up north, although I'm a Liverpool FC fan, and it's at Old Trafford, I still think it's going to be one of the most amazing experiences. I can't wait."

Football is nothing new to Sam though. Before pursuing a career in hockey, she was signed to Tranmere Rovers F.C as a junior and at the age of 16, made a decision to put football on the back burner to focus on hockey. "Growing up, I didn't have many female sporting role models that I knew about or could see.

She added: "I grew up wanting to be Steve McManaman, my twin brother was Robbie Fowler and we used to play football all the time in the garden. So to be going out there at Old Trafford, almost living out a childhood dream is amazing. Sam the footballer is definitely still alive."

Although she was signed to Tranmere, Sam never got to play at Prenton Park "we didn't see any of that," she said. But heading out onto the pitch at Old Trafford, home to , one of the world's biggest footballing clubs "besides Liverpool," is "just going to be a special moment," she gushed.

Taking part in Soccer Aid is a cause close to Sam's heart. As a mum to daughter Molly, four, and son Isaac, three. "Soccer Aid for UNICEF is amazing for us to experience going out there to massive stadiums, playing with some of the worlds best footballers," she said.

Sam continued: "Ultimately, underline it all – it's the money raised for UNICEF, I think being a mum, you want your child to thrive, to give them the best start, to be health and to be happy. I think if anything comes in the way of that then any help, any money, any vaccinations and any support that you can get is the greatest thing in the .

"To be out there playing is one thing, but to raise money, I think that's just so important." But while Sam is both excited and nervous for the match on June 15, she cannot wait to play alongside Paul Scholes and – "it's proper bucket list stuff," she said.m "Scholsey is one of the best midfielders that England has ever had."

"Rooney as well, one of the best strikers, I just can't wait," she exclaimed.

The match takes place on Sunday 15th of June at Old Trafford, Manchester, with adult tickets priced at £20 and juniors from £10. Tickets are available now on the

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