Attwater trained at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts and went on to star in musicals such as Tonight’s the Night, 12 Tenors, 20th Century Boy, and Our Benny. He appeared as a dancer in Bollywood film Jhoom Barabar Jhoom and featured in four episodes of Hollyoaks in 2009, playing Ricky. In January 2010 he starred in the EastEnders spin-off EastEnders: E20 as Leon Small and went on to become a regular cast member in EastEnders, but was axed in May 2010, making his last on-screen appearance on 30 September 2010.

In December 2010 it was announced that Attwater would be competing in the sixth series of Dancing on Ice in 2011. Attwater was partnered by neon figure skater Brianne Delcourt. Attwater won the series on 27 March 2011, beating Laura Hamilton in the final. He then went on to perform alongside gold medal winning skaters Torvill and Dean, on the Dancing on Ice Live Tour 2011, touring around the UK performing at arenas such as the Birmingham NIA and Wembley Stadium.

Attwater’s debut EP, Breaking Boundaries, was released on 24 January 2011.

On 18 July 2011, Sam made his West End debut playing the character of “Norman” in hit West End musical “Dreamboats & Petticoats” at the Playhouse Theatre. He also performed “The Wanderer” a song from the musical, on ITV’s “This Morning” on 4 August 2011. He then also appeared on “The Alan Titchmarsh Show” performing with some of the cast of Dreamboats and Petticoats, on 13 October 2011.

Between September 2013 and February 2014, Sam has appeared as Adam Pontipee in a nationwide tour of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

Sam married Vicky Ogden in 2014, making them the first Dancing on Ice couple to marry. In 2016, Ogden gave birth to their two daughters.

In January 2020 to February 2020 Sam starred in a West End adaptation of Rags the Musical where he played “Micheal the moustache man”