Sam Thompson remains one of Britain’s most recognisable reality TV stars and media personalities in 2025. His career has spanned from the high drama of Made in Chelsea to national triumph as “King of the Jungle,” and currently, he’s in the headlines due to the public aftermath of his breakup with Zara McDermott, a breakup followed by Zara’s new relationship with Louis Tomlinson. Here’s a comprehensive, SEO-friendly profile incorporating the most recent news and consistent FAQs.
Early Life and Family
Born Samuel Robert De Courcy Thompson on August 2, 1992, in London, Sam grew up in a comfortable, middle-class family that enjoyed the perks of life in West London. His mother, Karen Thompson, is known as a property manager, and his sister, Louise Thompson, is a fellow reality TV personality and entrepreneur. His father’s identity remains mostly private.
Despite the “posh boy” reputation earned through his years on Made in Chelsea, a 2025 TV genealogy reveal showed that Sam’s upper-crust surname was, in fact, a bit of family theatre his great-grandfather added “De Courcy” simply because it sounded aristocratic (a playful dig at Britain’s class fixations).
Key Details:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Estimated at £2.3 million (2025). Social media and TV/radio earnings: $297,500–$407,500 per year; monthly: $25K–$35K. |
| Family | – Mother: Karen Thompson (property developer) – Sister: Louise Thompson (TV personality, author) – Famous ancestor: Great-grandfather Charles added ‘De Courcy’ to their surname for social standing. |
| Career Highlights | – Debuted on Made in Chelsea (2013), stayed 16 seasons – Celebrity Big Brother (2017) – 3rd place – Multiple Celebs Go Dating and other reality TV shows – Winner of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! (2023) – Radio host for Hits Radio (since 2022) – Regular panellist and podcast host for Love Island: Aftersun – Cameo in Inside Out 2 (2024) |
The Rise: Made in Chelsea to TV Stardom
Sam enrolled at Bradfield College, a prestigious boarding school, before entering the E4 reality series Made in Chelsea in 2013 at the age of 20. His self-effacing humour, likeable nature, and the sibling camaraderie with Louise quickly made him a fan favourite. Sam’s time on the show gave audiences a window into his formative relationships, heartbreak, and friendships, notably with Jamie Laing.
After leaving for a period, Sam returned to the show several times, always finding new storylines and reasons to remain in the public eye.
Reality TV Universe
Since establishing himself on Made in Chelsea, Sam moved on to virtually every major British reality contest:
- Celebrity Big Brother (2017): Placed third, memorable for his lighthearted, relaxed style.
- Celebs Go Dating: The most recurring cast member, returning for three seasons between 2018 and 2020.
- Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins: Noted for resilience and humour under pressure.
- Celebrity Coach Trip (2019): Ventured on road trips with other celebs.
- The Celebrity Circle (2021): Came second alongside close friend Pete Wicks.
- I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! (2023): Achieved national fame by winning and being crowned “King of the Jungle”.
Sam’s embraced social media, particularly TikTok, pranks, and podcasting, becoming a digital influencer to millions.
Radio Career and Presenting in 2025
In 2022, Sam joined Hits Radio, hosting Sunday breakfast before moving to the weekday evening slot. By mid-2025, Sam presents both the Sunday Chart Show and the Saturday morning show, solidifying his credentials as an approachable, lighthearted radio presenter.
He frequently appears as a panellist on Love Island: Aftersun and co-hosts the popular podcast Love Island: The Morning After. Sam is also recognised for his cameo in the 2024 UK dubbing of Pixar’s Inside Out 2 and serves as a co-host or contributor to other high-profile entertainment programs.
Personal Challenges and Achievements
Winning “I’m a Celebrity” marked a peak; soon after, Sam completed the UNICEF Match Ball Mission, a gruelling challenge raising over £1.5 million for charity. The press celebrated his commitment to good causes and championing of mental health and neurodiversity.
Sam has been open with fans about recent diagnoses: first, revealing he has ADHD in his 2023 Channel 4 documentary and, more recently, discussing being diagnosed with autism at age 32. He channels his platform to advocate for ADHD and autism awareness, becoming an ambassador for ADHD UK, and expressing his wish to write a children’s book inspired by his experiences.
In 2024, Sam entered the Guinness Book of World Records for giving the most hugs by an individual in a minute, an “on-brand” feat for the famously friendly star.
Relationship History & Personal Life
Sam’s love life, always a tabloid favourite, includes highly publicised relationships with:
- Tiffany Watson (2014–2017): Made in Chelsea romance.
- Amelia Lily (2017): Brief Celebrity Big Brother fling.
- Sophie Habboo (2018): Short-term, MIC castmate.
- Zara McDermott (2019–2024): The most significant, spanning five tumultuous years, including cheating controversies, break-ups, and make-ups.
The Zara McDermott and Louis Tomlinson Saga (2025)
In December 2024, it was reported that Sam and Zara split after repeated attempts to move past old betrayals. Sam’s heartbreak hit headlines again in August 2025, when Zara made her romance with pop singer Louis Tomlinson public via an Instagram ‘hard launch’ posting a kissing selfie with a heart emoji. Sam described the experience as “painful,” admitting on his podcast Staying Relevant that the flood of friends checking in on him made the moment even more intense. Reflecting honestly, he compared watching your ex move on so publicly as an experience nobody would wish on their “worst enemy.”
Despite these episodes, Sam maintains cordial relations with ex-partners and, in recent interviews, underscores the importance of emotional maturity and privacy after public breakups.
Moving Forward
Like Zara, Sam is focusing on career growth and personal wellbeing. He’s pursuing more major hosting gigs, with aspirations to land a spot on flagship shows like This Morning and to publish an ADHD-themed book for children. Despite the heartbreak, Sam has proven resilient, redirecting his energy into creative and philanthropic avenues.
Net Worth (2025)
Sam’s net worth is estimated to be over £1 million, with cash assets reported at around £955,000 in 2024, and robust earnings from TV, radio, sponsorships, social media (approximately 2.7 million Instagram followers), and regular brand campaigns.
Annual income estimates range from $297,500 to $407,500 (£235,000–£322,000), with a significant portion of this income derived from digital platforms and broadcast work.
Public Image & Controversies
Throughout his career, Sam has balanced tabloid fodder (breakups, reality TV drama, “cheating scandals”) with genuine public goodwill. He’s quick to address missteps openly, whether it’s joking about past mistakes on podcasts, showing support for exes during public controversies, or discussing neurodivergence with candour.
Criticism occasionally arises, with some suggesting Sam’s podcast banter can approach unprofessional territor,y but these incidents are minor next to his reputation for honesty and approachability.
Interests, Trivia, and Personality
- Football fan: A devout Chelsea FC supporter.
- Physical traits: 5’10” height, light blue eyes, and distinctive platinum-blond hair.
- Hobbies: Fitness, charity runs, social media trends, and championing mental health.
- Tattoo: Sports a feather tattoo on his left arm.
- Diet: Prefers non-vegetarian fare, often enjoys British comfort food.
- Books & Advocacy: Ambitious about writing for children on neurodiversity.
FAQs about Sam Thompson
Who is Sam Thompson?
A multi-talented British TV personality, radio presenter, podcast host, and charity fundraiser, best known for winning “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!” and starring on “Made in Chelsea”.
How old is Sam Thompson?
He was born on August 2, 1992; as of 2025, he turns 33.
What happened between Sam Thompson and Zara McDermott?
After a high-profile, five-year relationship, the couple split in December 2024, partly due to unresolved trust issues. Zara subsequently debuted a new romance with singer Louis Tomlinson, which Sam has discussed openly (and with candour) on his podcast.
What does Sam Thompson do now?
Sam is an in-demand radio presenter for Hits Radio, a panellist for ITV’s Love Island: Aftersun, and a co-host for top podcasts. He’s moving toward bigger TV hosting roles and writing projects.
Has Sam Thompson been diagnosed with ADHD or autism?
Yes, Sam was diagnosed with ADHD in 2023 and revealed his autism diagnosis in 2025. He is now an ambassador for ADHD UK and an advocate for mental health and neurodiversity.
What is Sam Thompson’s net worth?
Estimates in 2025 indicate that his net worth exceeds £1 million, derived from television, radio, digital, and endorsement sources.
What are Sam Thompson’s biggest achievements?
Winning “I’m a Celebrity” (2023), breaking a Guinness World Record for hugs, raising large sums for UNICEF, and building a cross-platform presenting and influencing career.
Is Sam Thompson in a relationship now?
Following his split with Zara McDermott, Sam was rumoured to be seeing Love Island star Samie Elishi; he currently appears focused on his career and personal development.
What does Sam say about breakup pain?
Sam has discussed the emotional toll of seeing an ex move on so publicly, especially the experience of Zara’s “hard launch” with Louis Tomlinson. He has spoken candidly about the challenges and the healing process.
What are Sam’s future plans?
He aims to host more mainstream programmes, expand into children’s book writing on ADHD, continue his charity work, and grow his personal brand.