Sam Thompson has opened up about his hopes — and fears — surrounding the idea of becoming a father, shortly after going public with his new relationship. The 33-year-old I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! winner confirmed last month that he is dating DJ and producer Talitha Balinska, 25, nearly a year after his split from long-term partner Zara McDermott.

Sam Thompson expressed hopes of becoming a father one day (ITV)

In the newest episode of Staying Relevant, the podcast he co-hosts with Pete Wicks, Sam became unusually reflective as he discussed the expectations he once had for his life. He admitted he had always imagined being married with children by 27, and said he now hopes to become a dad by the age of 36 — though the thought has recently been “freaking him out.”

Talking candidly, Sam said:
“I don’t know… I feel like I’m getting a bit old. I feel like you’ve got to be pretty young to do all that kind of stuff. I think we’re similar — we just wanted to wing it — but I do want to be a dad, and that has been freaking me out a bit recently. I’m like, ‘Ah, s**t.’”

Pete then asked him whether he had an age limit in mind for having children. Sam responded:
“I feel like it’s got to work with the person you’re with and all that kind of stuff. Hypothetically, I’d probably say 36 — so I have three years, less than three years — and I know I’m not going to do that as well, so that kind of sucks.”

Sam also revealed a career regret: he always dreamed of spending a year living and working in Los Angeles but never made it happen. He admitted he sometimes wonders whether he has missed his chance.

Sam goes public with Talitha

Sam’s comments arrive shortly after his sister, Louise Thompson, shared a family photo featuring Sam, Talitha and her young son during a recent day out — marking one of the couple’s first semi-public appearances together.

Sam Thompson has introduced his girlfriend Talitha Balinska to family

Sam and Talitha reportedly first crossed paths in 2023 during a photoshoot for Dinelli, the sunglasses brand Sam co-founded with his Made in Chelsea co-star Reza Amiri-Garroussi. Talitha was modelling for the campaign at the time, though Sam was still in a relationship.

It wasn’t until earlier this year that the pair reconnected. Reza invited Talitha to the live London show of Staying Relevant, where she and Sam finally had the chance to speak properly. A source told the Daily Mail:
“Sam and Talitha are absolutely smitten with each other. When they first met in 2023, they didn’t speak, but friends could tell they would hit it off. Reza knew how to support Sam as he moved on, and inviting Talitha to the O2 show was the right call.”

The insider added:
“Since reconnecting, the rest is history. For Sam’s friends, it’s lovely to see him in such a good place after a tough six months following his split from Zara.”

Sam Thompson's new girlfriend Talitha Balinska

Sam and Zara’s split

Sam and Zara ended their five-year relationship in late 2024. After the breakup, Sam told reporters:
“It was tough. It’s been a tough month. A real tough month.”

Zara has since moved on and is now dating former One Direction star Louis Tomlinson. The pair were first spotted together in March this year.

Sam and Pete Wicks appear on Sunday Brunch today at 10am on Channel 4.

(Source: BBC News)