Sam Thompson describes 'pinch me moment' at The King's Trust Awards
Despite making a small royal faux pas ðŸ¤
Last updated 27th Jun 2025
Hits Radio presenter Sam Thompson has described the moment he met The King, during a special awards ceremony for The King's Trust this week. He told listeners during Hits Radio Breakfast with Fleur East, Will Best and James Barr, that it was "absolutely nuts" and that King Charles was "a lovely guy".
Sam attended the ceremony at Buckingham Palace to present The King's Trust Tesco Education Award to Taylor from Northern Ireland, for his commitment to the trust's Achievement Programme — but the moment wasn't without a slight slip-up, with Sam shaking the monarch's hand and accidentally calling him "mate".
Thankfully King Charles laughed and told the I'm A Celebrity 2023 winner not to worry, before asking him what he was doing. Hilariously, Sam questioned if he meant "in life" in general, before realising he was referring to The King's Trust.
After explaining he was there to present the award to Taylor, Sam was then treated to a slice of vanilla cake, which he called "delicious", before being directed towards the entrance at the end of the event. He told Fleur, Will and James: "When they want you to leave, the head of whatever comes over and goes 'if anyone can make their way to the cloakroom please', it's basically a really posh, polite way of saying get out."
In a post on Instagram, Sam described the day as a 'complete honour', despite the 'mortifying' royal faux pas. He called Taylor an 'incredibly special human', saying 'his story is one that I think will resonate with a long of young men his age and I know this is only the beginning for him.'
Taylor's award was announced on Hits Radio ahead of the ceremony. He received the commendation for working hard to turn his life around through enrolling on The King's Trust Achievement Programme.
Sam's had a busy few months, after recently completing a 260-mile charity challenge to deliver the Soccer Aid for UNICEF Match Ball. He raised more than £2 million for the cause, by walking, running and cycling the whole way from Stamford Bridge, in London, to Old Trafford, in Manchester.
You can watch Sam's mission back on ITVX and STV Player, after his journey aired on TV screens earlier this month.
How can I listen to Sam on Hits Radio?
You can catch Sam on Hits Radio on Saturday mornings from 9am-12pm, playing the biggest throwbacks and featuring some special guests. Sam also presents The Hits UK Chart on Sundays from 4pm-7pm.
Read our Ultimate Hits Radio Listening guide here.
Now check out all the TV shows Sam has appeared in:
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)".
I'm A Celebrity: Unpacked
Sam joined Joel Dommett and Kemi Rodgers to present a brand new I'm A Celeb spin-off show in 2024, called I'm A Celebrity: Unpacked. The show aired on ITV2 every night after the main show. Although Sam won't return to present the show in 2025, he will be a guest on the show.
Celebrity Deal or No Deal
Sam was a contestant on a celebrity edition of Deal or No Deal in December 2024, where he played the game during an I'm A Celeb special.
Soccer Aid
Despite having to withdraw from the team in 2025 due to an injury, Sam has previously played for England in the televised annual charity fundraising match, Soccer Aid for UNICEF in 2024. The following year, Sam joined the management side instead, featuring in ITV coverage of the match on Sunday 15th June.
Sam Thompson’s Match Ball Mission
Sam's Match Ball Mission aired on ITV1 in June 2025. TV cameras followed Sam as he travelled 260-miles on foot or bike, to deliver the Soccer Aid Match Ball from Stamford Bridge in London, to Old Trafford, in Manchester ahead of the 2025 charity football match. Despite suffering with a nasty injury during his challenge, Sam completed the full distance and raised a whopping £2 million. The show is available to watch back on ITVX and STV Player.
DNA Journey
Sam appears on series five of ancestry show DNA Journey alongside close friend Marvin Humes. The episode will air on ITV/STV in at the end of June 2025.
Celebrity Sabotage
In June 2025, it was announced Sam would join a brand new show called Celebrity Sabotage alongside Joel Dommett, Judi Love and GK Barry. According to reports, the show will air in 2026.
Now read:
Everything you need to know about our radio presenter Sam Thompson
Sam Thompson emotional after 260-mile Match Ball Mission total hits £2 million
Sam Thompson and Marvin Humes' feature in Celebrity DNA Journey programme