Sam Thompson is taking part in ITV’s DNA Journey with Marvin Humes

The celebrity line-up has been announced

Author: Alex RossPublished 29th Apr 2024

As well as entertaining listeners on Hits Radio, fans are going to see a lot more of Sam Thompson, as he's taking part in the upcoming celebrity series of ITV's DNA Journey!

31-year-old Sam will take part in the special show alongside I'm A Celeb bestie Marvin Humes, where the pair will set off in pursuit of where they come from and unearth secrets from their past.

During the show, Sam and Marvin will go on a life-changing and emotional voyage of discovery that takes viewers from Canada to London, and France to Jamaica.

Which other celebs are taking part?

As well as Sam and Marvin, the fifth series will also feature Ricky Tomlinson and Sue Johnston, Jo Brand and Julian Clary, Fay Ripley and Hermione Norris, Sarah Parish and Jimmy Nesbitt, plus John Simm and Philip Glenister.

When is it on TV?

No date has been given for the series just yet, but we suspect it will air in the coming months.

What channel is it on?

DNA Journey will air on ITV and ITVX.

What will happen?

ITV say of the series: 'Using advanced DNA technology and genealogy, the duos will unlock hidden secrets from their family trees as they discover amazing revelations about their descendants, fascinating stories of unknown ancestors and meetings with living relatives that spark deep connections to the past and present.'

Louise Major, Commissioning Editor, ITV said: “DNA Journey is an extraordinary series that offers a unique glimpse into the lives of so many brilliant celebrities. It is a privilege to be granted intimate access to their personal journeys and to share their experiences with the audience. This series is packed with life-changing revelations and gratifying discoveries that are sure to touch everyone’s hearts.”

Kathleen Larkin, Executive Producer at Voltage TV added: “This gripping, revelatory series never fails at delivering the best of British talent; national treasures, acting royalty and comedy icons… bringing a side of them that nobody has ever seen before. You are guaranteed to laugh and cry all within the same episode… sometimes simultaneously.”

Check out all of the TV shows you've seen Sam Thompson on:

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)".

How can I listen to Sam Thompson on Hits Radio?

You can listen to The Hits Radio Evening Show with Sam Thompson every Monday - Thursday, from 7pm.

You can also hear Sam every Sunday from 4pm with The Hits UK Chart.

Now read:

Everything you need to know about our radio presenter Sam Thompson

The Hits Radio Evening Show with Sam Thompson

Perrie reveals her thoughts on a solo tour

How to listen to Hits Radio:

Turn it up with Hits Radio! Home of Fleur East, Sam Thompson and Gemma Atkinson playing the biggest hits and the biggest throwbacks, alongside the biggest laughs and life-changing competitions. Tune in on FM, DAB, online, ask your Smart Speaker to 'Play Hits Radio' and download the Rayo app.