Sam Thompson: Get to know the presenter with our Q&A
We love Sam!
Last updated 1st Nov 2024
From reality TV to dominating the airwaves as part of the Hits Radio family, you may think you know everything there is to know about the wonderful Sam Thompson... But you'd be wrong! Join us as we get to know the presenter a little bit better, with the aid of our handy Q&A... Now King of the Jungle, don't you know!
From his favourite thing about having a radio show, to his most embarrassing moment on air, we've asked Sam everything you could want to know...
What can we expect from The Hits Radio Evening Show with Sam Thompson?
Sam exclaimed: "What can you expect from my show? You can expect great tunes as always, because I'm in command."
He also added: "You can definitely expect some nostalgia. We love a bit of nostalgia on our show, and just great energy, great vibes moving into your evening."
What's his favourite thing about presenting his show?
There are LOTS of things, Sam told us, with presenting his show still feeling like a "dream world". He also said: "I would say I'd say my favourite thing about the show is the family element to it. And I know it might sound a little bit cliché but nothing feels better than getting loads of texts in and calling the listener and having like a really nice moment with them."
Sam added: "Also, sometimes I get nice messages being like 'you've made my day better' - like, 'you've made me more happy' and that is probably the best compliment you can ever have.
"If you brighten someone's day up, or the music you're playing brightens someone's day up. It's probably more often than not the music, but yeah, the family element to it and the connection that you have with the people that are listening, to me, is just absolutely everything - it's why I wanted to get into radio."
What's his go-to song to listen to in the car?
"Well, if you've been listening to my show, you'll know that I'm a massive fan of Cian Ducrot, I call him The Man with the Golden Voice and he's just the loveliest bloke, so anything Cian Ducrot at the moment, probably for the last month actually, I've absolutely died for."
Who can blame him? Check out some of Cian Ducrot's biggest songs here, and the meanings behind the lyrics.
What is Sam's ultimate throwback song?
Simple - "Ultimate throwback song TLC ‘Waterfalls’ every time. Every time."
LISTEN: 'Waterfalls' by TLC:
What's the most embarrassing thing to happen on the show?
"Most embarrassing thing to happen on the show? That's a great question. There's been quite a few. I fell off my chair once, and had to get up sort of in the right time, and they caught it on camera. That was pretty embarrassing.
"Another one was when I choked on the mic muff. I literally got too close to the mic muff and choked on it. That was fun.
"And another one, actually, was I farted and I didn't realise that they could hear. It was only when my producer went, 'Did you just fart?' And I was like, 'Oh my God. I thought it was quiet'."
How different is being on radio compared to TV?
"Oh, radio by a mile is better. That was too quick, wasn't it? Anyone I work with on TV is going like 'What?'
"Yeah, radio for me is more intimate, it's the ultimate you. I don't think you can pretend to be anyone you're not on radio. And I think that's really, really nice. It's almost a bit vulnerable, and I really, really like it.
"As I said, I love the family element and stuff, and I don't think you quite get that on TV. It's all heavily production value - it's through the roof on TV. This is literally the mic and you, and I think that's really, really cool."
Who does he think is the best guest he's ever had on the show?
"The Jonas Brothers were pretty cool. I'm gonna be honest, I'm a massive fan, my girlfriend's a huge fan of the Jonas Brothers as well. I told them about my colonoscopy... That was probably one of my most embarrassing moments as well, but having superstars like them in the studio was absolutely awesome, to be fair...
"Talking to Kylie Minogue was pretty cool as well, 'cause she's just a living legend. My first ever film interview that we've done was with Brad Pitt, and I'll never forget that either. I said he had nice knees, don't know where that came from, but I did."
Which have been the best TV shows to be part of?
"Best TV shows to be part of... Love Island, just because I'm a huge super fan of that show. It's the biggest show in England, I believe. And yeah, so to be an actual part of the team that helped that like sort of work is pretty cool."
As fans will know, Sam hosts the Love Island podcast alongside former season eight islander Indiyah Polack.
He added: "And I would say probably one of the best shows I've ever done was Celebs Go Dating, because I got to meet my best friend Pete on it. And we've never looked back. We're the best relationship to ever come out of that show.
"And the one that I think meant the most to me is probably SAS Who Dares Wins. Learn a lot about yourself on that bad boy."
With Sam now announced as a co-host of the brand new ITV spin-off show I'm A Celeb: Unpacked, alongside Joel Dommett and Kemi Rodgers, he'll have a new one to add to his list!
Check out some of the most memorable shows Sam has been on below:
Made In Chelsea
Sam made his debut on E4 reality show in 2013, acting as Jamie Laing's intern at the time. Sam was later given more air time in the show and went on to become one of the most popular stars, appearing in over 160 episodes to date.
Despite briefly leaving the show in 2018, Sam returned to the cast just one year later.
Celebrity Big Brother
Sam was a fan favourite when he appeared on the 20th series of Celebrity Big Brother in 2013.
Sam made it all the way to the final, finishing in third place behind Amelia Lily and eventual winner Sarah Harding.
Celebs Go Dating
Sam has appeared on E4 reality show Celebs Go Dating not once, not twice, but THREE times, in 2018, 2019 and 2020.
Luckily, Sam managed to make up with his girlfriend Zara McDermott, so let's hope he won't be making any further appearance on the show to find love.
Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins
Sam was put through his paces by Ant Middleton and co in 2019, when he signed up for gruelling show Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins in order to raise money for Stand Up To Cancer.
Celebrity Coach Trip
Sam joined his friend James Dunmore to appear on Celebrity Coach Trip in 2019 for the special Road to Benidorm series.
Unfortunately, the pair were the first to be eliminated.
The Celebrity Circle
Sam took part in the celeb version of Channel 4 show The Circle in 2021, alongside his best mate, TOWIE star Pete Wicks.
The lads tried to catfish their fellow contestants into thinking they were actual Countdown presenter Rachel Riley.
Winter Love Island
Sam is hosting Love Island's official podcast, Love Island: The Morning After alongside former contestant Indiyah Pollock. He said of joining the show: "It feels like I'm with my family and we're all in it together and I really like it. We're all massive fans of the show and it's really, really nice." Sam will also appear as a regular panellist on Love Island: Aftersun.
Sam Thompson: Is This ADHD?
In a documentary which aired on E4 in 2023, we followed Sam as he made the decision to get tested for ADHD, and explored what a possible diagnosis might mean for him. For years, his girlfriend Zara, as well as friends and family, told him he exhibits signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), with Sam finally deciding to get tested as he approached his 30th birthday.
The documentary saw a rawer side of Sam, as his behaviour is placed 'under a microscope'. With him widely known for his larger-than-life and creative personality, we see him question whether medication could change the persona he's built his career on.
I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!
In November 2023 it was announced that Sam Thompson would be entering the jungle for the 2023 series of I'm A Celebrity along with 11 other celebrities. Sam WON the series, going up against boxing legend Tony Bellew and Nigel Farage in the final and winning the majority of votes to become the latest winner of the show.
Loose Women & Men
Sam made his debut on the Loose Women & Men panel on 16th February 2024, appearing alongside Strictly Come Dancing professional Johannes Radebe, and Loose Women Kaye Adams and Nadia Sawalha.
In addition to discussing the hottest topics of the day, Sam and Nadia will also open up about their experiences of living with ADHD.
Inside Out 2
Sam voiced a character in the UK version of popular Pixar film Inside Out 2! The film is a sequel to the 2015 animated flick, and following its release on 14th June 2024, was pegged the biggest movie of the year! Not only that, but it was announced in July of that year that it had become the highest-grossing animated film of all time GLOBALLY. Sam voiced Security Man Sam - a "character who finds himself on a chase with everyone's favourite emotions."
Of joining the cast, Sam said: "Having watched Pixar films since I was a kid, it's a dream come true to join the voice cast of Inside Out 2. The film nods to the rollercoaster of emotions growing up and what a wild ride your teenage years can be. I for one can't wait to see my family's reaction to hearing my voice on the big screen." Following the release, Sam spoke of how he was a fan of the original film, saying that taking part was a "no brainer", continuing: "It's such a bucket list thing, to be able to go in and do something that all of these amazing people (have done)".
As well as presenting, what is Sam Thompson up to now?
"So I've just finished doing the Love Island podcasts and Aftersun, which takes up a lot of your time. And I've just started two businesses as well, which I'm very much enjoying.
"And obviously my podcast with Peter Wicks - @stayingrelevant. We are in the Top 20 at the moment, which is pretty darn cool, and we're up for a Listeners Choice Award actually as well. So check us out on Instagram!"
Although Sam and Pete didn't pick up the award this time around, we're sure it won't be the last time they are nominated!
Where can we find Sam on social?
"You can find me @SamThompsonUK. Yeah, and just look for videos that I think are funny, but you probably don't. That'll be me."
When is Sam Thompson on Hits Radio:
You'll find Sam hosting The Hits Radio Evening Show with Sam Thompson every evening Monday - Thursday, from 7pm, and The Hits UK Chart every Sunday from 4pm.
Now read:
Get know know Fleur East: The Hits Radio presenter answers our Q&A
Get to know our Hits Radio presenter Tom Green
Get to know Hattie Pearson: Our Hits Radio presenter