Who is Sam Quek? Biography, Husband & Net Worth

Samantha Quek MBE, the Liverpudlian dynamo who swapped hockey sticks for television scripts, has carved a unique path from Olympic glory to broadcasting prominence. Born on October 18, 1988, in Liverpool and raised on the Wirral Peninsula, Quek’s journey epitomizes resilience and reinvention.

Early Days & Hockey Ascendancy

A product of Birkenhead High School and Calday Grange Grammar School, Quek’s athletic prowess emerged early. She honed her skills while studying Sport & Exercise Science at Leeds Metropolitan University, eventually debuting for England’s national hockey team in 2008. Known for her gritty defending under squad number 13, she became a linchpin in England’s silver-medal campaigns at the 2013 Euros and 2014 Commonwealth Games. Her crowning moment arrived at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she anchored Great Britain’s historic gold medal-winning squad.

Pivot to Broadcasting

Retiring from hockey at 28, Quek seamlessly transitioned to television, leveraging her tactical acumen and natural charisma. She cut her teeth covering American football (BBC), rugby union (Channel 5), and hockey (BT Sport), before landing high-profile gigs with Channel 4 and LFC TV. In 2021, she broke barriers as the first permanent female team captain on BBC’s long-running A Question of Sport, a role that cemented her status as a versatile sports pundit.

Her screen presence extends beyond analytics. A fourth-place finish on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! (2016) showcased her relatable persona, while her 2024 stint on Strictly Come Dancing revealed unexpected rhythm—though she jokes, “My footwork’s better suited to penalty corners than cha-cha-chas.”

Controversy & New Horizons

In March 2025, ITV sparked debate by appointing Quek as co-host of its Grand National “Social Stable” segment alongside racing presenter Oli Bell. While critics questioned her horseracing credentials, supporters lauded her infectious enthusiasm. “Sport transcends disciplines,” Quek retorted in an interview. “It’s about storytelling—and I’ve lived enough chapters to tell a few.”

Off-Screen: Family & Legacy

Married to property entrepreneur Tom Mairs—known for his 2010 Secret Millionaire appearance—the couple welcomed daughter Molly in 2021 and son Isaac in 2022. Quek’s 2018 memoir, Hope and a Hockey Stick, peeled back the curtain on elite athletics, while her MBE (awarded in 2017) solidified her standing as a trailblazer.

Net Worth

Though her net worth remains undisclosed, industry insiders estimate it comfortably surpasses her reported 2016 valuation of £4 million, buoyed by media deals and endorsements.