An ITV daytime television presenter has openly confessed to being left "white as a sheet" and visibly trembling following what he described as a "savage" feedback session with his superior. Sam Thompson, the 33-year-old former Made in Chelsea star who hosts the showbiz news segment on This Morning every Thursday, shared the startling details during a recent episode of his Staying Relevant podcast.
A Surprising Office Visit
Thompson recounted how he was summoned to his boss's office for what he initially believed would be a routine and largely positive review. "I got asked by the boss, who’s a lovely guy, to come into his office and take a seat," he told listeners. The presenter admitted he entered the meeting with high expectations, anticipating praise for his performance.
Expectations Versus Reality
His co-host Pete Wicks, 37, accurately predicted Thompson's mindset, interjecting: "I know you would have gone in there going, 'I am doing great, this is going to be a fluffing session'. He’s sat down and gone, 'I can’t wait for this because I love to be told I’m doing great. Go on, hit me'." Thompson confirmed this, saying he expected "a little bit of negative, but probably mostly positive" feedback.
However, the reality proved far more intense. The boss began by acknowledging Thompson's "phenomenal job" but then launched into a detailed critique that lasted approximately thirty minutes. "Spent the entirety of the thing being like, 'So this bit, I don’t know what you’re doing'," Thompson revealed. "That’s quite savage reviews!"
The Aftermath of the Critique
By the conclusion of the meeting, Thompson was profoundly affected. "By the end of it I’m white as a sheet, I’m, like, shaking," he described. The boss concluded with a brief "Anyway mate, smashing it" before departing, leaving the presenter to process the extensive feedback.
Finding Value in Honest Feedback
Despite the initial shock, Thompson later reflected on the experience positively. He acknowledged that such candid reviews are ultimately beneficial for professional growth. "Actually, these kinds of reviews actually do help, because I then did take on board what he said and I did actually do a little bit better," he explained.
Specifically, the boss highlighted that "the art of the segue could do with a little bit of panache," prompting Thompson to make adjustments to his presenting technique. This willingness to accept and implement constructive criticism demonstrates his commitment to refining his skills on the popular ITV morning show.
Broader Context and Health Update
This revelation about the feedback session emerged shortly after Thompson announced on the same podcast that he will undergo surgery on his vocal cords. The procedure, necessitated by a cyst on his vocal chords, will require three days of complete vocal rest, temporarily impacting his ability to speak.
The dual disclosures provide insight into the pressures and challenges faced by television personalities, balancing professional development with personal health concerns. Thompson's candidness about both the "savage" critique and his upcoming medical treatment highlights the human side of celebrity life in the demanding world of broadcast media.
