Pete Wicks, the perma-tanned East London star of The Only Way Is Essex, and Sam Thompson, the privately educated West London reality TV figure from Made in Chelsea, might seem worlds apart—but their friendship has become a phenomenon.
“There’s no way in a million years we’d be friends in normal life,” admits Wicks.
Yet since launching their Staying Relevant podcast in 2022, the duo have turned their unlikely bond into a thriving venture, with sold-out live shows in 2024 and 2025.
From Reality TV to Podcast Stars
The pair first crossed paths on Celebs Go Dating in 2019, where Wicks was tasked with teaching Thompson how to flirt.
Wicks recalls one moment vividly: “Sam caught this girl’s eye and waved at her.
He actually waved.” When the girl ditched Thompson for Wicks, the star stood up for his friend.
“No one had ever stuck up for me like that before,” Thompson says.
That moment, they agree, cemented their brotherly bond.
Staying Relevant: Fame, Fun, and Friendship
Their podcast, Staying Relevant, mixes humor, reality TV tales, and candid life reflections.
The project has evolved beyond audio, with a bestselling book released in October 2025 and a live show drawing thousands to venues like London’s O2 Arena.
Thompson’s bubbly, high-energy persona contrasts perfectly with Wicks’s calm, measured approach, creating a dynamic that resonates with fans.
Pete Wicks: East London Roots and Reality TV Stardom
Wicks, 37, grew up in Harlow, Essex. After his parents split, he began working at 12 to help his single mother.
By his early 20s, he was a successful medical recruitment consultant. When ITV offered him a spot on The Only Way Is Essex, he reluctantly accepted, sparking seven seasons of fame.
“In reality TV, you get screen-time by being the a***hole in relationship drama,” Wicks says with a grin.
His rise wasn’t without struggles, including a highly publicized relationship scandal with Megan McKenna, which subjected him to abuse and even death threats.
Sam Thompson: From Private School to TV Struggles
Thompson, 33, joined Made in Chelsea at 20 by persuading producers he knew cast members.
Unlike Wicks, Thompson struggled with on-screen romance and fan hostility.
“Having your first date and break-up on TV at 18 was petrifying,” he recalls.
In 2023, he revealed a dual diagnosis of ADHD and autism, shedding light on the challenges that shaped his personal and professional life.
Life Beyond the Screen
The friendship provides emotional grounding for both men.
Wicks, who prefers dogs to people, is fiercely protective of Thompson.
Thompson credits Wicks for his unwavering support, especially after winning I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2023.
They even fantasize about children together on the podcast, though Wicks insists he’s not ready to be a dad yet, and Thompson has recently started dating DJ and model Talitha Balinska.
Family, Therapy, and Personal Growth
Both have faced personal trials: Wicks with public scrutiny and Thompson with mental health revelations and break-ups.
They openly discuss therapy, self-discovery, and the importance of family.
Thompson treasures his role as a supportive uncle and brother, while Wicks values his quiet life in Stratford, east London, living with his dog.
Humor and Heart in Everyday Life
Their rapport is filled with humor, from Wicks’s jokes about being mistaken for Joe Wicks to Thompson’s chaotic dash to meet the King at Buckingham Palace.
Their playful banter contrasts with the poignant reflections on friendship, resilience, and self-awareness, making their story relatable despite their celebrity status.
Christmas, Gifts, and Traditions
Wicks is famously unenthusiastic about Christmas, preferring solitude after a recent loss, while Thompson enjoys festive traditions like Harry Potter marathons.
They plan to spend the holidays apart, but Wicks promises his “gift” to Thompson is simply another year of his companionship—a sentiment Thompson treasures above all.
Staying Relevant: A Friendship That Defies Expectations
From reality TV awkwardness to bestselling books and sold-out shows, Pete Wicks and Sam Thompson exemplify how unlikely friendships can thrive.
Their partnership combines humor, honesty, and loyalty, offering fans both entertainment and genuine connection.
Staying Relevant is more than a podcast—it’s a testament to enduring friendship forged in the most unexpected of circumstances.
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