Dancing with the Stars winner Samantha Hayes says she "never" expected to win the reality TV competition, which she describes as a "hugely positive experience".
"I had no prior dance experience, I didn't even know what a Paso Doble was, or really any of the different dance styles," says Hayes. "I was just hoping I wasn't going to be the first person voted out. (I) definitely didn't think we were going to win it."
Hayes said she had reservations before entering the show – as well as friends discouraging her from the decision – but a nudge from an old friend helped her take the leap.
![Sam Hayes says lots of her friends told her not to take part in the reality competition.](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/2ULRDNUMAXOIA6A6QRBNNKZMEI.jpg?auth=3537e2f000219292f2c484a34fb58d5c7400b72b3443eab886d4e85ef4b1d7cf&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
"Lots of my friends told me not to do it. Even my mum said don't do it," she says. "I get migraines… and they can last for three days at a time, so I was worried that this would create a perfect storm where I'd be tired, not getting enough sleep, working at all hours of the day, and putting a lot of stress on top of my normal, busy life.