Everything you need to know about our radio presenter Sam Thompson

Sam Thompson is truly the prince of reality TV, having started out his career on Made In Chelsea before taking part in the likes of Celebrity Big Brother and Celebs Go Dating - before, of course, the Hits Radio presenter went and WON I'm A Celeb 2023!

Outside of the jungle, Sam hosts a Saturday morning show from 9am plus The Hits UK Chart every Sunday from 4pm. To help you get to know Sam better, we've gathered up everything you could possibly need to know about the Hits Radio presenter - from breakingTWO Guinness World Records, his £2 million fundraising efforts for Soccer Aid AND the hilarious moment he called King Charles "Mate"!

Who is Sam Thompson?

Sam Thompson is a well-loved reality TV star and a presenter on Hits Radio.

Sam first found fame when he appeared on E4 reality show Made In Chelsea, joining the cast in 2013 alongside his sister and established cast member Louise Thompson, also acting as best friend Jamie Laing's intern for his hugely successful Candy Kittens business.

He also won the 2023 series of I'm A Celeb.

Where's he from?

Sam was brought up in Leafy in West London. He was educated at private school Bradfield College growing up, which is located in the English county of Berkshire.

What is his real name?

Sam Thompson is Sam's real name! But he does a have a pretty cool middle name.

His full name is Samuel Robert De Courcy Thompson.

How old is Sam?

Sam Thompson was born on 2nd August 1992, meaning he is currently 33-years-old.

Sam posted to his Instagram account for his 33rd birthday, sharing photos of his nearest and dearest, as well as pics from events that filled the previous year.

He told fans: 'It was my birthday yesterday! I’m not very good at soppy captions, but I just wanted to say how grateful I am for this year to all of my loved ones, and to all of you. These pictures are a little homage to the people in my life and some of the causes I have been lucky enough to be involved in. And also to you…you are my family and I love you 🙂❤️❤️❤️ In truth, for the past few months I haven’t stopped smiling! Long may it continue! 🤞🏻' (sic)

When is Sam on Hits Radio?

Sam is currently our lovely host of Saturday Mornings from 9am and The Hits UK Chart Show on Sundays, bringing you the biggest hits from 4pm as he counts down the UK's hottest new music.

Sam first joined us in February 2022, and speaking about joining the station, Sam said: "I’m super-excited about joining… The music is insane and I can’t wait to bring my energy to listeners’ Sunday morning routines!! It’s going to be one hell of a ride."

From 9th January 2023 to March 2025, Sam hosted his evening show, where he was regularly joined by some of the world's biggest stars.

Speaking about the Hits UK Chart, Sam said: "I cannot believe that I am going to be revealing the Number 1 to the nation every Sunday night! It is an actual dream come true to be hosting the Chart Show and I cannot wait to get started. Who’s going to be my first Number 1?! Make sure you’re listening this Sunday to find out."

Hits Radio Live 2025

As well as presenting on the radio, Sam joined artists backstage at our Hits Radio Live gigs in Birmingham and Manchester. In Birmingham he gave Calvin Harris not one, but two of his famous hugs.

While in Manchester he met up with the Sugababes to ask them about their favourite song.

Sam's Match Ball Mission for Soccer Aid for UNICEF

In the first week of June 2025, Sam took on the momentous challenge of delivering the Soccer Aid match ball — from Stamford Park in London to Old Trafford in Manchester — on foot (or by bike)!

Over the course of five days, Sam travelled 260 miles, through blood, swear, tears, and quite a lot of rain, to raise an incredible amount of money for Soccer Aid for UNICEF. He raised more than £2 million, great work Sam! 👏

On his travels, he was supported by pals Pete Wicks, Tony Bellew and Chris Hughes — and even received a message of support from the Prime Minister.

You can watch Sam Thompson’s Match Ball Mission on ITVX and STV Player, after a one-off TV special aired on Friday 13th June, following Sam on his journey.

Has Sam met The King?

Yes. And yes he did call him "Mate"! Sam was invited to Buckingham Palace to present The King's Trust Tesco Education Award to Taylor from Northern Ireland, for his efforts to 'turn his life around' by enrolling on the trust's Achievement Programme.

Sam told his Hits Radio colleagues on the breakfast show the slip-of-the-tongue came after he arrived late and hadn't "acclimatised to his surroundings yet". Thankfully King Charles was pretty good about it, laughing along and telling Sam not to worry.

Sam called the day 'an honour' despite the 'mortifying' slip up.

Sam Thompson's Guinness World Records

As fans of Sam may well have realised, he's not shy when it comes to hugging it out with his nearest and dearest... And anyone else, for that matter. Gaining himself a rather sweet reputation of being an avid fan of hugging, it may come as no surprise to you that he is in fact now the proud holder of the Guinness World Record for the ‘most hugs given in one minute’.

Brightening up Blue Monday on 15th January 2024, Sam broke the record on This Morning, being cheered on in the studio by his I'm A Celeb co-star and This Morning host Josie Gibson, and Dermot O'Leary, with it taking him two attempts to gain the gong.

Not content with just one Guinness World Record, Sam made a second attempt in October 2024 — this time to hit more than 25 conkers in 60 seconds live on This Morning. Yet again, the Hits Radio presenter was successful, smashing the total with 31 conkers in the same timeframe.

In true Sam style, it wasn't without a little chaos — as Sam broke his mic while celebrating the win, with a...hug!

How many hugs did Sam give to beat the world record?

Well, we're glad you asked. Sam visited the 'most miserable town in the UK’ to spread some January joy, heading to the streets of Shoreham-By-Sea to attempt to beat the previous record of 87 hugs in 60 seconds.

Successful in his endeavours, Sam managed to complete an impressive 88 huge in a minute, winning over the Guinness World Record title. The official adjudicator watching over, Joanne Brent from the Guinness World Record, revealed: "It is such a fast paced record to evaluate so thank you for giving me a little bit of time there.

"I had to review some video evidence just to double check the count and... For the most hugs given in a minute by an individual, with the record to beat of 87, you achieved 88!"

Who is Sam Thompson's sister?

Sam Thompson is the younger brother of fellow reality star Louise Thompson, who has featured on Made In Chelsea since the second series in 2011.

As documented on the show, Sam previously moved into Louise's flat and the pair have a very close relationship, with Sam also being good friends with Louise's fiancé Ryan Libbey.

At the start of 2022, Sam publicly expressed his love for his big sister after she 'nearly died' during the birth of her son Leo-Hunter.

Sam wrote on Instagram: '2021 has been a year of many highs and many lows. But nearly losing my sister was one of the toughest things I’ve ever had to deal with. The hardest situations teach the biggest lessons, and I learnt to never take any day for granted ever again.

'To see all the pain she has suffered, and all the setbacks she has faced, and to see her still smiling at the end of it just shows how incredible of a woman she is. Just to see you put on a dress for the first time in months is everything I could have asked for and more.

'I am so grateful for you and your strength @louise.thompson and I promise 2022 will be your year!! And I will be there to p-ss you off every step of the way ❤️'. (sic)

Was Sam on Soccer Aid 2025?

On Tuesday 11th March 2025, it was announced Sam would be returning for Soccer Aid 2025, having previously taken part in 2024.

The 2025 match took place at Old Trafford on Sunday 15th June Sam was due to play for England alongside the likes of Wayne Rooney, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville, Joe Hart and Steph Houghton.

However, following his incredible Match Ball Mission, Sam was advised by the physio not to play. Instead, he joined the management team!

Soccer Aid 2024

In 2024, Sam made his Soccer Aid debut, as the charity football match hit Stamford Bridge on Sunday 9th June.

Sam, who is a huge Chelsea fan, said at the time: "From watching Chelsea in the stands throughout my life, to walking out at Stamford Bridge and playing in front of thousands of fans! As pretty much everyone knows, I am a massive Chelsea fan, so I can’t quite believe this is actually happening. I know everyone must say this – but this is believe this is actually happening. I know everyone must say this – but this is my actual dream coming true!"

Sam was in Frank Lampard's starting 11 for the game on Sunday 9th June, playing left wing alongside the likes of Jill Scott, Gary Cahill, Joe Cole, Jack Wilshire and Ellen White.

Despite not scoring, Sam played very well, with England grabbing a 6-3 victory against the Rest of the World to lift the trophy for the first time since 2018.

Was he on Made In Chelsea?

He sure was! Sam made his debut on E4 reality star Made In Chelsea in 2013. He's since appeared in 163 episodes of the popular show, being a fan favourite!

Sam left Made In Chelsea in 2018, after admitting he found it a struggle to film alongside his ex-girlfriend Sophie Habboo (Habbs) at the time.

Although Sam returned to the cast in 2019, he left the show again after series 21 in 2021. All together he appeared in 174 episodes.

Check out what all of the original Made In Chelsea cast are up to now.

Which other TV shows has he been on?

Sam has appeared on a number of TV shows since he's been in the public eye, from reality shows to quizzes, and even some chat shows! Most recently, Sam WON I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, taking the Jungle crown for the 2023 series.

Later in 2025, Sam will appear on the second series of Celebrity Gladiators, alongside Joe Wicks, Nicola Adams and Vogue Williams.

Check out the most memorable TV Shows below:

Sam has also appeared on shows such as Apocalypse Wow, Take off with Bradley and Holly, Tipping Point: Lucky Stars and Hey Tracey!

Sam Thompson on I'm A Celeb

As mentioned above, Sam Thompson won the 2023 series of I'm A Celeb! The Hits Radio presenter took to social media to announce the exciting news ahead of the launch show, saying: '✨The rumours were true ✨ I'm thrilled to announce that I'll be joining the adventure of a lifetime on #ImACeleb 🐍🕷️Tune into @itv every night from Sunday 19th November to see how I get on… wish me luck! 😱🇦🇺'. (sic)

Sam Thompson's ADHD diagnosis

Sam took part in the Channel 4 documentary, Is This ADHD?, which aired in May 2023 to explore a potential diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The documentary saw Sam approach his 30th birthday, undergoing a test and eventually receiving a diagnosis.

Those close to Sam, including his then-girlfriend Zara, friends and family, not only know Sam for his large personality, but also his forgetful and impulsive characteristics. For years, many told him he exhibited signs of ADHD.

Sam said: "As someone who has worked in television for nearly a decade, I’ve shared some of my most personal moments with the world. But nothing has come close to this. This documentary is the most vulnerable I’ve felt in front of the camera, as I wanted to be totally open about how I react to people in situations, and whether these could be linked to ADHD.

"It has been an incredible, and at times, scary experience, but by exploring what’s been going on inside my head, I hope people can see that we should be more understanding before judging others. I also want to encourage people to learn more about themselves, and be proud of everything that makes them unique."

Prior to the documentary being aired, Sam appeared on ITV's Lorraine, where he opened up about his diagnosis. He said: "It's one of those things that I've been told from a very young age to then sort of my early twenties. Everyone kept coming up to me like: 'You've got ADHD, I'm convinced you've got ADHD.'

"At the time, because I was so young, I was just like: 'I don't care.' Then as I got older, especially as I hit 30, I just started really caring about finding out more about myself and seeing if my life could be any better. I want to be the adult that I see everyone else being."

Sam Thompson: Ambassador of ADHD UK

Sam has been very open and honest about his ADHD diagnosis, and in July 2024 announced that he was now an ambassador for charity ADHD UK! Taking to Instagram with the news, Sam wrote: 'As many of you know, this is a cause very close to my heart. Their charity slogan is ‘positively changing what it means to have ADHD in the UK’ – and that just sums up my own mission as someone diagnosed with ADHD not too long ago.

'Changing perceptions of those with ADHD, and encouraging conversation around this topic is and will continue to be a huge and central part of my life. This is what I want my legacy to be, above anything else.

'Since I left the jungle, I’ve met so many children and adults who have come up to me, or contacted me to say I’ve helped change their minds on how they view ADHD. I want to reach as many people as I possibly can, especially young people, and show there is such magic in being neurodiverse.

'Yes there are some very real challenges along the way, but with the right support, it can be a superpower, it can be a blessing and we can achieve all of our dreams.'

Was Sam on Love Island?

He's never made an appearance on the show as a contestant, but Sam was co-host of the official Love Island podcast and a regular panellist on Aftersun! He began hosting alongside former islander Indiyah Polak for the Winter series in 2023, discussing all the villa antics on Love Island: The Morning After.

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."

Can Sam play any musical instruments?

Yes, Sam can play the trumpet, and he's pretty good at it too! Not wanting to blow is own trumpet (see what we did there?), Sam revealed in a chat to James Arthur, that he is Grade 6 on the trumpet! 🎺

When did Sam split from his girlfriend Zara?

Reports were rife in early January 2025 that Sam had split from his girlfriend Zara McDermott. On his Staying Relevant podcast with best friend Pete Wicks, Sam confessed it had been a 'real tough month', but he didn't go into detail about the split.

The pair first met when Zara slid into Sam's DMs on Instagram, but it wasn't until May 2019 that the pair went official with their romance. Things took a sour turn in 2020 when Zara appeared on Celebrity X Factor and later admitted on Instagram to cheating on Sam.

Eventually the pair rekindled their romance, moving in together and enjoying a number of holidays together. In August 2024, Sam and Zara headed off on holiday together, sharing a selfie from a luxury location.

However the pair have now split.

How can I follow Sam Thompson on social media?

You can follow Sam Thompson on Instagram: samthompsonuk

You can follow Sam Thompson on Twitter: @SamThompsonUK

You can follow Sam Thompson on TikTok: samthompsonuk

How tall is Sam?

Sam is 6 foot tall (1.84m).

Catch Sam on the air on Saturdays from 9am and hosting The Hits UK Chart every Sunday from 4pm, as he counts down the UK's hottest new music.

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