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Ex-Olympian Sam Quek sticks up for Giovanni Pernice in bullying spat, urging scandals should not 'take the shine' off 'fantastic' programme as she prepares for debut next week By Grant Tucker Entertainment Editor Published: 19:02 EDT, 7 September 2024 | Updated: 19:04 EDT, 7 September 2024 e-mail View comments Sam Quek says the recent scandals which have rocked Strictly should not 'take the shine' off what she describes as a 'fantastic programme'. The former Olympian-turned-presenter was the 15th and final contestant confirmed for the new series last month. And she gave the show her backing in the face of claims by previous contestant Amanda Abbington that she suffered mistreatment during rehearsals last year.
The hockey star, 35, also appeared to support Giovanni Pernice , who was Strictly's longest-serving male professional dancer until he was accused of bullying by Ms Abbington. The Sicilian dancer has strongly denied any wrongdoing and a BBC investigation is ongoing. Ex-Olympian Sam Quek (Pictured celebrating at the Women's hockey Gold medal Match in 2016) has said Strictly's recent scandals shouldn't 'take shine off' the 'fantastic' show One of Strictly's newest contestant also appeared gave her backing to dancer Giovanni Pernice Giovanni, was Strictly's longest-serving male professional dancer until he was accused of bullying by actress Amanda Abbington (Giovanni and Amanda Abington pictured in October 2023) Ms Quek said: 'Everyone has a different experience and I don't know what their experience was.
There's two sides to the truth. Read More EXCLUSIVE Giovanni Pernice makes Strictly comeback: Dance star signs for Italian version of the show 'Sometimes in life there is always a negative experience and, yes, let's deal with that, but that doesn't take away the positives. 'It shouldn't take the shine off Strictly.
It's a fantastic programme. Everyone loves it for the energy. [On] Saturday night it brings people together.
' Ms Quek, who won 125 caps playing hockey for the England and Great Britain teams, admits she is already taking Strictly seriously. She said: 'I'm competitive. Of course you want to win.
Why wouldn't you want to win the glitterball trophy? But wanting to win and can you win, for me, are two completely different questions.' The BBC presenter added: 'I've no dance experience. I'm here for the glow-up.
Here to have a good time. I'm here to learn to dance. The full Strictly Come Dancing 2024 cast of contestants, including Tasha Ghouri and former JLS boyband member JB Gill TV presenter Nick Knowles has also joined the cast for this year 'It's amazing to be in this situation, to be taught how to dance by a pro, world champions, and to be around a great show.
' Strictly fans have questioned the inclusion in this year's line-up of Tasha Ghouri – a former Love Islander – and former JLS boyband member JB Gill. Both already have professional dance experience, having trained in commercial street style, potentially giving them an advantage. But the pair say they haven't had training in Latin or ballroom dancing.
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