Since his split from long-term girlfriend Zara McDermott last year, everyone’s favourite Jungle King Sam Thompson has been doing some evolving. The Hits Radio presenter and Staying Relevant podcaster – whose five-year relationship ended last December – is looking hotter than ever, the result of regular workouts and some serious ‘me time’…
His new look comes as he’s thought to have a new lady in his life in the form of former Love Islander Samie Elishi, 25, who he was photographed kissing after Olivia Attwood’s birthday party. And while questions about his love life are off-limits today, Sam, 32, tells us that he’s ‘feeling great’.
He has also signed up for a gruelling new challenge – Match Ball Mission for UNICEF’s Soccer Aid – where he will run and cycle more than 260 miles from London to Manchester in five marathons in June, after a trip to Guatemala to see the charity's work.
We caught up with Sam to find out more…
We’ve noticed you’ve had a glow up. Who or what is behind all this?
Cor, start with that! It was realising that I’d really let myself go. You know when you look in the mirror and go, ‘Goddammit, what have you done?’ I just felt like new year, new me and I tried to make more of an effort – a haircut here, gym session there and get out into the sunlight more. I feel really, really good.
How long do you spend in the gym?
Less than an hour, more like 40 minutes. I probably should be spending more time out on the track than in the gym, but I get bored easily. It’s what I call a touch-up.
And how much are you running and cycling?
Not as much as I should be. I got injured halfway through training, which was annoying. I was close to getting a distressed fracture on my shin. I’ve come back bigger, better and stronger. I have been training like my life depends on it for the past few weeks. I’m not an athlete. The furthest I’ve run is 8k. So, this challenge is definitely the scariest thing I’ve ever done in my life.
Really?
By a mile. Don’t even talk about the [I’m A Celebrity] jungle or anything like that! That was child’s play compared to this. That was fun. I loved that. This is tear central. This is nightmare juice. I don’t care if my legs don’t ever work again, I have to complete it. It’s the only thing that matters. I will be painkillered up if I need to be. It’s the most important thing I’ve ever done in my life. I’ll be really proud of myself.
Have your celeb pals given you any advice?
I spoke to Jamie Laing, who ran from London to Salford for Comic Relief in March, and he told me, ‘You’re going to cry. Just try not to cry after the first marathon. There’s another four to go.’ My brother-in-law Ryan Libbey did the Marathon Des Sables [a seven-day ultramarathon through the desert] in April. He’s an absolute beast, but he is an athlete. He’s got the most amazing legs you’ve ever seen. Has that man got a pair of wheels. My wheels are falling off, they’re brittle to say the least. I’ve spoken to him a lot about it, how trying it’s going to be and the emotions behind it. He said the Marathon Des Sables was the hardest thing he’s ever done bar the health stuff with Louise [Sam’s sister]. And if he struggled with that, I cannot tell you how nervous I am.
What has being an uncle to Louise and Ryan’s son Leo taught you?
He’s a cheeky kid, like I’m a cheeky chappie. I don’t know how he’s managed to find my genes in there. I love him with all my heart and he reminds me of me so much. Other than watching Harry Potter and trying to make him feel safe and loved, if I can show him how lucky he is, that’ll be my biggest win as his uncle.
Are you living your best life right now?
I am living my best life. I’m just training at the moment, so I feel other people around me aren’t living the best life. Louise is like, ‘Can we see you?’ I’m like, there’s no time. I need to ice my shins, I’m on my second course of ibuprofen and I’ve got to have some food, I need nutrition. Training is not something to be scoffed at. I’ve got to do a 12k at 8pm today – and that’s meant to be an easy run!
Get behind Sam and donate to his Match Ball Mission for Soccer Aid for UNICEF at socceraid.org. Soccer Aid for UNICEF is on 15 June and will air on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player