WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2016 ECHO 27facebook.com/theliverpoolecho

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I’m a Celebrity’s sam Quek has revealed her biggest fears for her time in the jungle – and admit- ted they will even make her cry.

the Olympic hockey gold medallist, from Wirral, who landed in brisbane earlier this week, has been confirmed as part of the latest line-up to take part in the itV show.

Despite being excited to be a contestant, sam seemingly has absolutely no idea what she’s signed up for after revealing her biggest fears is creepy crawlies.

in an interview before entering the show, the 28-year-old revealed she’s terrified of spiders,

cockroaches and other small bugs.she said: “i will give it a go, don’t get me wrong, but i absolutely hate cockroaches, spiders and anything small, to the point i will cry.

“i am girly emotionally and my reaction is to just panic when i see them. For me, to go in the jungle is a huge opportunity to get over that fear.”

those hoping to see sam hook up in the jungle will be disappointed, as she is currently dating long-term boyfriend tom mairs, who has been trying to help her conquer her fears.

she added: “my boyfriend came up to me the other day with a spider

in his hand and i said ‘no, get it away!’

“He told me that i really needed to practise, but i will deal with it when i am in the situation.”

sam, who is also an experienced swimwear model, describes herself as a free spirit – but says she’ll get frustrated by anyone who doesn’t try in the infamous bush tucker trials.

“i’ll try and initiate games for everyone to have fun, but at the same time i will speak my mind if i do disagree with someone. if they don’t try on a trial, i will get frustrated.

“i’m really looking forward to the challenge, but, gosh, going in the jungle is way tougher than playing in that penalty shoot-out in the final of the Olympics.

“i am the most confident when i’m on the hockey pitch. you are trained and grilled for every scenario and for what is going to happen. i know what to do if i get myself in a difficult position, but this is brand new.

“i’ve watched the show at home and thought ‘OmG, i can’t do that.’ yet now i am going in, i am stubborn and i have to do this for myself.”

Les gears up for his Street exitCoronation Street actor Les Dennis first stepped on the cobbles of Weatherfield as a house burglar in 2014, and is set to exit Coronation Street next week.

it seemed as though things were looking up for Michael rodwell, Les’ on-screen character, when his on-screen partner, Gail, recently accepted his proposal to renew their vows.

However, Michael has made an enemy on the street and the ongoing feud with conniving Phelan – played by toxteth actor Connor Mcintyre – is about to come to a head.

Is this how Liverpool comedian Les will leave the Street?

Les says: “Michael is really happy to be part of the Platt family again. He cares a lot for everyone in the family and he feels he is back where he belongs. He does love

Gail and life is looking great.” But Michael finds evidence that Phelan is fleecing people on the Street.

Les says: “Michael knows he has the evidence and he is very confident as he tells Phelan that he finally has him bang to rights. But, as Phelan reacts, Michael realises that he has just landed himself in very dangerous territory.”

Was it exciting to film such an intense scene with Connor?

Les says: “Working with Connor is always fantastic – the intensity he brings to this sort of scene is brilliant. We are great mates off screen, but once i am squaring up to him as Phelan it is a different story. i can’t go into the detail of what happens in the scene, but it is very dramatic.

Does Michael think that Pat is going to kill him?

Les says: “He knows now that Phelan is capable of anything, but is murder a

possibility? He knows he wants rid of him and that he knows too much. Does Michael fear for his life? Yes, probably, but you must wait and see what happens.”

Is Les sad to be leaving Michael and Coronation Street behind?

“Yes, i have had an amazing time working on the show. it was a difficult decision to make to leave, as i have made some fantastic friends, people who will be friends for life.

“Sue Cleaver [Eileen Grimshaw] invited me round for dinner after my last scene and when i got there it was a surprise leaving do, which was so lovely of her. We even ended up playing the board game of Family Fortunes, with me as the host!

“But i am delighted with my exit storyline. it is fantastic to be at the heart of such a big storyline for the programme and to work with Connor, who is a brilliant villain. i will be keeping in touch with everyone and i will watch Michael’s exit.”

By Chantelle heeds

Les Dennis, left, and Connor Mcintyre, in Coronation Street

Jungle creepy crawlies will make me cry, screams Sam

HOCKEY HEROINE QUEK LIFTS LID ON HER BIGGEST FEARS AHEAD OF I’M A CELEBRITY

■age: 28 ■Date of Birth: october 18, 1988 ■Phobias: Cockroaches, spiders

and anything small ■Missing any special occasions?

no, my coach has given me some time off after the olympics until February, 2017

■Biggest misconception you want to dispel in the jungle: that i’m not a hard, emotionless athlete. i do have emotions.

■role in the camp: the fun games initiator, a team player

■Miss most: Contact with the outside world and not being able to speak to my boyfriend and family

■Dream camper: nicole Scherzinger

■relationship status: Dating

Fact file

Sam Quek – going into the jungle is much tougher than playing in that penalty shoot-out in the Rio Olympics hockey final